MINUTES OF THE
WENONAH BOROUGH COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 26, 2005
Call To
Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor
Thomas Capaldi at the Wenonah Municipal Building at 1 South West Avenue,
Wenonah NJ 08090.
Roll Call – Present:
Braun, Navins, Schnarr, Capelli, Hoffman
Absent:
Shast
OPMA
Agenda –
Changes: Open Portion moved to the top plus a
discussion of Linden Avenue properties. LB/BS AIF
Open to the Public – BS/LB
Maureen Boccas - 505 Mantua Avenue
They have a septic system and want to know if they can
get on the public sewer system. The current line stops a short distance from
their home on Mantua Avenue and because of the grade and location of her
home, a pump is needed.
LB asked what the procedure would be for the residents
to follow in making this request. It was determined that they speak to the
County first because the location involved is a county roadway and
right-of-ways.
Close to Public BS/JN
Motion to Approve #O-05-7 “Bond ordinance for various
improvements” BS/LB
JN/BS Open Hearing
No Comments
Close to the Public JN/BS
Roll Call
AYES: Braun, Navins, Schnarr, Capelli, Hoffman
NAYES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Shast
Motion Passed
Motion to Approve Ordinance #O-05-9 “Vacating and
Extinguishing All Public Rights In and To a Certain Dedicated Public
Street….” BH/JN
Open to the Public JN/BS
No Comments
Motion to Close JN/BS
Roll Call
AYES: Navins, Hoffman
NAYES: Schnarr, Capelli, Mayor Capaldi
ABSTAIN: Braun
ABSENT: Shast
Motion Defeated
Summary of Comments Made:
Letter from Ms. Shast (get copy for the file) –
Recommended against vacating the property
Ms. Hoffman – Stockton Avenue is vacated and public
benefit is doing away with the substantial drainage problem and the
Borough’s responsibility for the land
Upon the Clerk notifying Council of a tie, Mayor
Capaldi read a statement (attach the statement) prior to his voting no for
the ordinance.
Motion to Open to the Public – BC/JN
Resident Todd Braun of South Princeton Avenue –
Thanked everyone for their time, but was upset that some see it as a
sweetheart deal. He stated that his wife works very hard for this town. It
took one year before an answer was given by council or Councilman Schnarr
regarding his request. North Garfield was vacated by the Borough to 7
property owners. The precedent was already set. He stated that it is a
shame that his wife working on council is working against him. He feels
that he is not being treated fairly and justly.
Mayor Capaldi does not consider the family being
treated unjustly and he explained his position again, including his concerns
of perception and possible future use.
Mr. Braun felt that Councilman Schnarr should abstain
as he already voted on the Environmental Commission. It was explained by
Mayor Capaldi that that vote was informal.
Ms. Harbold of South Princeton Avenue thought that it
was a sweetheart deal against it. She indicated that she knew that the
Mayor asked the public. Ms. Harbold stated that there is no access for the
public because there is a cement wall and she feels that there would be an
improvement to the property with no cost to the Borough.
Mr. Braun again stated that he was upset regarding
this matter.
Mr. Schnarr spoke about the original intent of the
committee and what they were charged with. He reported that the committee
never communicated with him and he was part of the committee. He took
offense to how Ms. Hoffman handled the committee. She explained that the
sensitive nature of the request was considered and she stated that Mr
Schnarr was contacted.
Mr. Braun wanted it on record that he thinks the
council decision is wrong and he wants to formally request that the property
be improved. Ms. Harbold agreed. Mr. Braun feels that personal feelings
were not kept separate of the request.
In response to Mr. Braun’s request for improvements,
Borough Engineer Dave Kreck stated that he does not recommend the Borough
improving the street because it is against DEP protocol and he feels
improving it for 2 residents does not serve the public. In regards to
vacating the rights to the property (Ordinance 05-9) Mr. Kreck asked if any
suggestions he makes for improvements could be enforced if the property is
transferred to private homeowners. The Borough Solicitor, Mr. Duffield, said
no.
Mr. Braun explained that he felt refusing his request
for the property put the burden back on the taxpayer. The Mayor explained
that he also lives on a stub end street. Ms. Harbold indicated that it is
paved. The Mayor reminded everyone that the homeowners paid to pave that
street.
Motion to Close To The Public BS/BC
Motion to Approve Ordinance #O-05-10 “Water/Sewer Bond
Ordinance” – BS/BC
Open to the Public BS/BC
No Comments
Motion to Close to the Public BS/BC
Roll Call (called in reverse order)
AYES: Hoffman, Capelli, Schnarr, Navins, Braun
NAYES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion Approved
Motion to Approve Disbursements – LB/BC
Roll Call
AYES: Braun, Navins, Schnarr, Capelli
NAYES: Hoffman
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Shast
Motion Approved
Motion to Approve the Minutes of April 14 BS/BS
ABSTAIN: Capelli, Hoffman
AYES: Braun, Navins, Schnarr
Motion Approved
Motion to Approve Resolution #05-43 “Click it &
Ticket” BC/BS AIF
Motion to Approve Resolution #05-44 “Refund” BC/BS
Roll Call
AYES: Braun, Navins, Schnarr, Capelli, Hoffman
NAYES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Shast
Motion Approved
Motion to Approve Resolution #05-45 “Refund” BC/BS
Roll Call
AYES: Braun, Navins, Schnarr, Capelli, Hoffman
NAYES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Shast
Motion Approved
Motion to Approve Resolution #05-46 “Refund” BC/BS
Roll Call
AYES: Braun, Navins, Schnarr, Capelli, Hoffman
NAYES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Shast
Motion Approved
Motion to Approve Resolution #05-47 “Refund” BC/BS
Roll Call
AYES: Braun, Navins, Schnarr, Capelli, Hoffman
NAYES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Shast
Motion Approved
Motion to Approve Resolution #05-48 “Chapter 159 –
Click It” AIF BC/BS
Motion to Approve Resolution #05-49 “Chapter 159 –
Clean Communities” BC/BS AIF
Motion to Approve Resolution #05-50 “Chapter 159 –
Environmental Grant” BC/BS AIF
Mr. Schnarr reported a concern with a Linden Avenue
property – A soon to be resident is starting is to build a home. There is
concerned that if he proceeds with the construction and has no formal
agreement for sewer, he may qualify for a hardship variance. Mr. Navins, Mr.
Duffield, and Mr Kreck spoke to Mr. Bucci, the lot owner. Mr. Duffield
suggested that he hire an engineer. He referred to a Marion Avenue situation
where someone built the house without proper lot configurations and then
adjustments had to be made by the Borough and the Planning Board. The
Building Inspector should catch any situation. Mr. Navins asked what can be
done to ensure that Mr. Bucci has a sewer/water plan. Mr. Duffield explained
that that is a matter for the Building Inspector.
The Clerk discussed the Zoning Inspector’s
unwillingness to issue a permit while the two lots have not yet been
combined into a single conforming lot.
Discussion of current status of two lots and at what
stage they need to be changed to one. Brian will call John Leech, the
Zoning Inspector.
Open to the Public: BS/BC –
Debbie Ennis, a resident of Marion Avenue. The Zimmer
house is a mess and she was hoping that a maintenance ordinance would be in
place by now as she was told last year that the ordinance did not yet exist.
Mr. Navins stated the current ordinance states about untamed growth and
condition of the house. Exits and entrances must be clear and one entrance
is taped off at the Zimmer property. Mrs. Zimmer died and her adult son
lives there. Mrs. Ennis wants to know how far she should go. Concerned
about the many mosquitoes. The Clerk suggested the Board of Health &
Mosquito Commission. She informed Mrs. Ennis that the Borough has joined
county Board of Health services since she was last here.
Mrs. Ennis also asked if she can get yellow paint on
her curbs to leave her proper turning radius because the patients/visitors
from Wenonah Medical constantly block her driveway. She feels she is
acquiring lots of trash from the heavy parking. She stated that the Smith
family with the special needs child has some yellow curb beside the driveway
so the bus can turn. The Police Chief explained that yellow curb without an
ordinance cannot be enforced, but he will speak with the streets department
to see if some paint can be put there as an unofficial deterrent.
Motion to Close to the Public BS/JN – AIF
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Public Buildings & Grounds – Ms. Braun reported that
she did find a commercial builder for PW site. The next step is to meet with
Bldg. Inspector and Dave Kreck. The price is $63,000 but she thinks it can
be cut a little. Drop fees, etc. bring it close to $70,000. She reported
that due to time constraints she wants to get everything together and out to
bid by the end of June, early July. PW would have to be relocated. She
suggested housing them in the old tax office. She estimated being finished
by September. We need to demolish the existing building, but a new office
can be dropped into place quickly. Paving at the end of 2005-06. Mayor/Mr.
Schnarr – commented that city sewer is across the street. Plans have to be
stamped by an architect before we can go out to bid.
Planning Board/Legal & Ordinance – PB had some
resolutions approved. Lizzy property – everyone is still waiting to see
what is happening with sewer and water. Wenonah Service Center is never to
have an unregistered vehicle on the property. Another major subdivision
application is coming up later. A public hearing is coming up for COAH 3rd
round numbers.
New web site for ordinances is very accessible and
easy to use. If the public needs any information, this is great.
Mr. Navins reported that he had received a copy of a
letter about blatant censorship in the newsletter. He stated it was
inappropriate and had to stop. The Mayor indicated that the matter had
already been referred to the personnel committee for investigation. Mr.
Navins stated that “he knows his comments will piss people off but he
doesn’t care”.
Public Works – There was discussion of the street
sweeper issue. Regular sweeping must take place in order to meet stormwater
prevention plans. There was discussion of availability of the sweeper.
Clerk mentioned that the sweeper was a private trade she made with Deptford
and is not guaranteed to continue as Joe Picardi, the Town Manager, is whom
she deals with and he is retiring.
Discussion of drainage issues.
Deptford sewer discussions are being postponed until
after the Primary.
Public Service from court assignments – 2 boys are
expected to be issued community service for an ATV on the conservation area.
Mr. Navins and Mr. Schanrr drove around looking at
various paving issues including North Marion and Buttonwood.
Public Safety – Chief Scheetz police report
Fire Report
Chief was awarded the Police Chief award by the GC
Chief’s Association.
Ms. Capelli met with Chief Sole, regarding his request
for a new fire truck. She plans of meeting with PS committee and get more
information on this. Can there be a June work session even though Council
is technically on the summer reduced meeting schedule? A recap was provided
from Drew. He referred to his October letter that he feels was ignored by
the 2004 Public Safety Chair (Ms. Mayer). The letter outlines his
recommendation. He states the letter was never acknowledged until he met
with John Colman in 2005. 2 weeks after he gave detailed information to
John Colman, Mr. Colman resigned. The Fire Chief indicated that he is ready
to go on this. He wants to come to a committee meeting. It will take a
year to design/build a new truck. He wants to get rid of one of the pumpers
and sell the rescue truck. He did not form a committee within the Fire
Department. Representatives of the Fire Company met with a vendor and went
to the fireman’s expo in Harrisburg, PA. Every vendor was at this show. By
current standards he represented that the truck must be replaced. This is
the Fire Department’s wish, not the Chief’s. The Mayor explained how we try
to fit this into the budget. Ms. Braun indicated her concern with postponing
the ordering of the equipment if payments can be worked out. The Fire Chief
explained there are some programs where payments can be delayed. Last time
they bought fire apparatus was 1992. He stated that he didn’t want to hear
that they just got an ambulance, because it is not the same. It was agreed
that the matter would be investigated further.
Motion to Schedule a June 9 Work Session BC/BS –
schedule a work session. AIF
Human Services – No report
Motion to Adjourn at 9:35 BS/BC All in favor
Respectfully Submitted,
DawnMarie Human, clerk/Administrator
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