Borough Council

COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, December 18, 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 2024:182- 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 2024:182 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. Approval of Minutes a. Council Meeting December 4, 2024 Motion was made by Council President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilwoman Hess that the Council Meeting Minutes for December 4, 2024 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 Councilman Lenkowski 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 – November 2024 b. Sewer Report – November 2024 c. Treasurer’s Report – November 2024 Second Reading Ordinance 2024:28 Amend Chapter 69 Alcoholic Beverages – Section 69-18 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 2024:28 be adopted as read on second reading. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. Second Reading Ordinance 2024:29 Amend Chapter 240 Property Maintenance Code Section 240-34B 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 2024:29 be adopted as read on second reading. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, December 18, 2024 Page 2 Second Reading Ordinance 2024:30 Cancellation of Sewer Capital Projects 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 Morrisey that Ordinance 2024:30 be adopted as read on second reading. Roll call vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried. Second Reading Ordinance 2024:31 Authorizing Special Emergency Appropriation for Revaluation 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 2024:31 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 2024:183 – 2024:190 Resolution 2024:183 Approve Raffle License for Lindenwold Moose Lodge BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold that Raffle License #RA665 be approved for Lindenwold Moose Lodge #548 for pull tab raffles during the year 2025 at 2425 S. White Horse Pike, Lindenwold. Resolution 2024:184 Transfer Tax Credit Balances To Surplus 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, sewer and/or other borough charge records of the Borough of Lindenwold. ADJUSTMENT: Transfer tax credit balances to surplus. A detailed list of accounts is on file in the Tax Collector’s Office. IDENTIFICATION: CY 2022 $1,003.83 CY 2023 $2,780.75 Resolution 2024:185 RRFB Solar Crosswalk Assemblies – Additional Locations A resolution of the Borough of Lindenwold, in the County of Camden and the state of New Jersey, authorizing the installation of two RRFB Solar Crosswalk Assemblies, through the Cherry Hill Cooperative Pricing System, System Identifier No. 37-CHCPS Whereas, the Borough of Lindenwold, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:34-6.2 (B) (3) may, by Resolution and without advertising for bids, purchase any goods or services through the Cherry Hill Cooperative Pricing System, and COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, December 18, 2024 Page 3 Whereas, the Borough of Lindenwold desires to install RRFB Solar Crosswalk Assembly at the below locations: White Horse-Clementon Road (Lindenwold Middle School) Gibbsboro Road – Pinewood Estates Through the Cherry Hill Cooperative Pricing System. Whereas, Techna-Pro Electric LLC. has been awarded the contract to install RRFB Solar Crosswalk Assemblies on the needed roads listed above; and Whereas, the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Lindenwold recommend the utilization of this contract on the grounds as the best means available to obtain the construction; and Whereas, the installation RRFB Solar Crosswalk Assemblies listed above shall not exceed the amount of $33,500.00; and Whereas, funding for this resolution is available by Capital Improvement Ordinance number 2023-11; and Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved by the Mayor and the Borough of Lindenwold, County of Camden and State of New Jersey as follows: 1. The Borough of Lindenwold hereby authorizes the installation RRFB Solar Crosswalk Assemblies on the needed roads listed above from Techna-Pro Electric LLC. through the Cherry Hill Cooperative Pricing System, System Identifier No. 37-CHCPS. 2. The total fee also authorized for this contract shall not exceed $33,500.00 without prior written approval from the Borough Council. 3. The Mayor, Borough Clerk and/or such other officials as is necessary and proper are hereby authorized to execute documents necessary to implement this resolution. 4. A copy of this resolution shall be provided to the Borough Treasurer and Techna-Pro Electric LLC. for their information and guidance. Resolution 2024:186 Cancel Taxes for Disabled Vets RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TRANSFER OR CANCELLATION OF VARIOUS ITEMS, DIVISION OF TAX COLLECTIONS-SEWER 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: 2024 TAXES Block 82 Lot 7 310 EMERSON ST $2,155.75 Block 227 Lot 1 601 NINTH AVE $1,551.82 COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, December 18, 2024 Page 4 ADJUSTMENT: Cancel taxes along with corresponding assessments. Property owners have qualified as Totally Disabled Veterans/Widow of Totally Disabled Veterans and as such are entitled to tax-exempt status as ordered by the New Jersey Division of Taxation. Resolution 2024:187 Increased Responsibility for UCC Inspector WHEREAS, the Construction Official of the Borough of Lindenwold has requested additional assistance in performing inspections as a result of the volume of permit applications; and WHEREAS, the Borough currently employs Robert Gates as a part-time Electrical Sub-Code Official; and WHEREAS, the Construction Official is recommending Robert Gates who is a Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Inspector with all five disciplines (Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire, and Building) for an additional full work day each week, to assist in conducting inspections, with an increase in salary of $25,000 per year; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold have considered the request of the Construction Official, and have concluded that it is in the Borough’s best interests to increase the working hours of Robert Gates as a result of the volume of permit applications. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold that Robert Gates receive an additional $25,000.00 in salary effective December 13, 2024, as a result of the increased responsibilities of additionally employing the inspector one full work day each week, to conduct inspections. Resolution 2024:188 Special Emergency for Revaluation SPECIAL EMERGENCY RESOLUTION – PROPERTY REVALUATION WHEREAS, it has been found necessary to make an Emergency Appropriation to meet certain extraordinary expenses, incurred, or to be incurred by the Borough of Lindenwold for a Property Revaluation and, WHEREAS, NJS40A:4-54 provides that it shall be lawful to make such appropriation, which appropriation and/or the “special emergency notes” issued to finance the same shall be provided for in succeeding annual budgets by the inclusion of an appropriation of at least one-fifth of the amount authorized by Ordinance. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED (not less than two-thirds of all the members thereof affirmatively concurring) that in accordance with the provisions of NJS 40A:4-55: 1. An emergency appropriation is hereby made for Tax Assessor OE - Property Revaluation in the amount of $381,500 and Tax Assessor S&W – Property Revaluation in the amount of $18,500. 2. That the emergency appropriation shall be provided for in the budgets of the next succeeding years by the inclusion of not less than 80,000 (1/5 of the total amount). 3. That an emergency note or notes be authorized not in excess of $400,000, the amount appropriated by ordinance. COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, December 18, 2024 Page 5 4. That such note shall be executed by Dawn S. Thompson, Chief Financial Officer. 5. That said note or notes upon issuance shall be renewed from time to time and at least 1/5 of all such notes and renewals thereof shall mature and be paid in each fiscal year so that all notes shall have matured and have been paid no later than the last day of the fifth year following the date of the emergency resolution. 6. That two certified copies of this resolution be filed with the Director of the Division of Local Government Services; however, no approval is required from the Division. Resolution 2024:189 Award Professional Property Appraisers for Revaluations Resolution Awarding Professional Property Appraisers, Inc. Proposal for the Year 2026 Property Tax Revaluation of the Borough of Lindenwold WHEREAS, the Borough of Lindenwold has a need to acquire revaluation property appraisal services for its required 2026 Property Tax Revaluation pursuant to the provisions of the Fair and Open Process, WHEREAS, a proposal was received from Professional Property Appraisers, Inc. offering this service jointly to the Borough of Lindenwold and the Borough of Pine Hill, and WHEREAS, Professional Property Appraisers, Inc. is providing a fee for these services to the Borough of Lindenwold that shall not exceed the amount of Three Hundred Seventy Thousand Six Hundred Fifty Dollars ($370,650.00), and WHEREAS, the exact title of the appropriation to be charged is the Tax Assessor OE. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold hereby accepts the proposal from Professional Property Appraisers, Inc. to perform the 2026 Property Tax Revaluation; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED this resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption. Resolution 2024:190 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 Streets & Roads S & W $27,800.00 Tax Assessor S&W $800.00 Public Building & Grounds S&W 3,000.00 Parks & Playgrounds S&W 9,000.00 Admin & Exec. OE 4,500.00 Police OE 5,000.00 Recycling Tax OE 500.00 Vehicle Maintenance 5,000.00 COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, December 18, 2024 Page 6 Total $27,800.00 $27,800.00 Resolution 2024:191 Authorizing Annual Compensation for Bi-Lingual Employees Upon Successful Completion of Civil Service Commission Certification WHEREAS, the Borough of Lindenwold values effective communication with its diverse community and recognizes the critical role of bi-lingual employees in achieving this goal; and WHEREAS, the Civil Service Commission provides a certification process to assess and confirm the bi-lingual proficiency of employees; and WHEREAS, the Borough seeks to provide annual compensation to employees who utilize their certified bi- lingual skills as part of their official duties; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Lindenwold, County of Camden, State of New Jersey, as follows: 1. Authorization of Annual Compensation – Employees who successfully pass the Civil Service Commission’s bi-lingual certification test and are approved to use their bi-lingual skills in their employment shall receive an annual compensation of $1,500.00. 2. Eligibility – The employee shall remain eligible for this annual compensation provided the employee retains bi-lingual certification through the Civil Service Commission. 3. Funding - The Chief Financial Officer is authorized to include this annual compensation in the appropriate budget line item for each eligible employee. 4. Effective Date – This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption. Motion was made by Council President Randolph-Sharpe, second by Councilwoman Hess that Resolution 2024:191 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. Mayor Roach – expressed gratitude to Councilwoman Hess, Councilman Jackson, Dawn, Brenda, and the Police Department, including the Chief and the Grinch, for their excellent work at the senior function. The event was a success, with enjoyable line dancing and great food. The Mayor wished everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Happy Holidays. Council President Randolph-Sharpe – extended holiday greetings, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Kwanzaa. Councilman Lenkowski – wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING, December 18, 2024 Page 7 Councilwoman Hess – wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Mayor Roach opened the meeting to the public. Roxanne Berger – resident questioned Resolution 2024-189 regarding revaluation and its impact on taxes, to which the Mayor explained it is a mandatory ten-year process to equalize property values. Berger also inquired about the NJ Board of Utilities rate increases, and the Mayor noted the increase was shelved. Resident asked about Code Blue provisions for the homeless, and the Mayor clarified that the police building is used as a shelter, staffed with volunteers. Lastly, Berger questioned the Mayor’s stance on rent control. The Solicitor clarified that the council is not against rent control but highlighted its challenges, such as lack of targeting based on need. Solicitor suggested pursuing a legislative solution to provide assistance specifically for seniors or those on fixed incomes, rather than blanket rent control, which could burden landlords and harm property conditions. Trevor Shaw – resident wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and thanked the Mayor and Council for the installation of solar crosswalks. The Mayor explained that the crosswalks were originally planned but were removed, and they have now been reinstated, with the one on Gibbsboro Road (requested by a crossing guard). 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: December 18, 2024 _____________________________________ Nadeen C. Randall, CMR Acting Borough Clerk