Borough of Swedesboro Council Meeting
Swedesboro, N.I 08085
14
r`
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2013
A regular meeting of the Borough Council was held on December 16, 2013 in Council Chambers
with the Honorable Thomas W. Fromm presiding.
Mayor Fromm advised that the meeting was being held in accordance with the Open Public
Meetings Act.
Mayor Fromm asked for a Roll Call of Council. Mr. Flaherty, Mr. Weeks, and Mr. Wilbraham
were not present for tonight' s meeting, all other members present.
Mayor Fromm asked for a moment of silent prayer and saluting of the flag. Everyone was asked
to keep Edie Rohrman, Russell Leone' s son, and Mrs. Liles in their prayers.
Mr. Casella moved to approve the minutes of the 12/ 2/ 2013 meeting, seconded by Mrs. Gahrs.
Vote all present yes.
Mayor Fromm had no opening comments for tonight' s meeting.
Mr. Casella moved to open the meeting to the public, seconded by Mrs. Hale. Vote all present
yes.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
No one spoke during this portion of the meeting.
Mayor Fromm and members of council did thank Bob Jonas for relaying the messages to the
County and for them fixing the sink holes on Locke Avenue. Mayor Fromm asked Bob if the
County has looked at the light outside of borough hall, Mr. Jonas indicated that the County was
out to take a look, but did not see a problem with the light. Mrs. Hale indicated that it could be
that people are not pulling up close enough to the light. Mr. Jonas will report this issue again to
Vince.
Mayor Fromm received a complaint from Elaine McGonigle who lives on Glen Echo claiming that
the County took out her mailbox with their plow. Mayor Fromm asked clerk if we received a call,
which the borough did not.
Mr. Casella moved to close the meeting to the public, seconded by Mrs. Hale. Vote all present
yes.
CORRESPONDENCE-
Mayor Fromm read the response of Chief Marino regarding the recent burglaries reported in
Swedesboro. Mayor Fromm reported that he contacted Chief Marino to obtain further
information regarding this matter. Lt. Morgan was present at tonight' s meeting and commented
they do have suspects and are working on the cases. Lt. Morgan indicated that this letter from
the Chief was in response to the Mayor' s questions and not for public release.
Page 1
of
5
Borough of Swedesboro Council Meeting
Swedesboro, NJ 08085
4114
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2013
Mr. Casella reported an incident on Merkling Street where kids knocked on a door and then
went to the next house. The kids at the home notified police. Mr. Casella noted the importance
of making neighbors aware.
REPORTS
Water/ Sewer report and tax report were included for this meeting, as well as the police report.
Committee Reports
Finance-
Public
Mayor Fromm had nothing to report.
works-
Mayor Fromm indicated work continues on the water project. DEP was in to take
samples for the well and we are awaiting the results. It was reported that public works did a
good job with the snow removal.
Public Safety-
Mayor Fromm had nothing else to report, though did discuss the police report
numbers.
School Boards—Mayor Fromm had nothing to report.
Garbage/ Recycling-
Board
Fire-
of
Health-
Mr. Weeks not here tonight to report.
Mr. Weeks not here tonight to report.
Mr. Wilbraham was not here to report, however, Mr. Casella noted the tragedy involving
the Leone boy who was killed in a snow mobile accident. Mr. Casella noted that our firefighters
were on scene and these situations are very emotional for them, as well as the police. Mrs. Hale
asked if counseling was available when these situations occur.
Planning Board- Mayor Fromm reported that the board had their close out meeting for 2013 last
week. Mayor Fromm reported that they discussed the pending lawsuit filed by Mr. Musumeci
against the board.
Street Lighting-
Mr. Casella commented that the holiday decorations throughout town look
great and thanked public works for putting them up.
Environmental- Mr. Casella reported that he was not at the last meeting, though is awaiting a
report from Charles Wells.
Census- Mr. Casella had nothing to report.
Historic Preservation- Mayor Fromm and Mr. Casella indicated that the signs requested by the
Historic society need to be encumbered by end of year. Clerk and Teresa Carlton will work on
this.
Page 2
of
5
Borough of Swedesboro Council Meeting
Swedesboro, NJ 08085
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2013
ai. a. ar
Parks and Recreation- Mrs. Gahrs reported that the holiday dinner was held on 12/ 11/ 14. On
12/ 27/ 14 there will be a bowling party at Woods lane from 11: 30 to 1: 300 pm, on 1/ 24/ 14 there
will be a white elephant bingo night at the Stratton School, and on 1/ 31/ 14 there will be an
indoor movie night.
Shade Tree—
Mr. Flaherty not here to report.
Library- Mayor Fromm reported that the library thanked the borough for the new light out
back. Mrs. Hale reported that the library was awarded grant money and that there was an
article in the paper.
Mrs. Hale reported that the meeting is scheduled for 12/ 26/ 13. Mrs.
Hale indicated that Mr. Wilbraham attended the seminar offered by DVRPC on 12/ 5/ 13.
Economic Development-
Mrs. Hale reported that EDC was awarded a dollar for dollar grant from Gloucester County to
continue the history grant projects from last year in the amount of$ 2550. 00.
Municipal Alliance Mrs. Hale reported that the police will be holding an assembly at the Walter
Hill School one during the day and one in the evening regarding internet safety.
Clean Communities Mrs. Hale had nothing to report other than the report for the year will be
filed in January.
Cable Franchise- Nothing reported.
Clerk went over with Council responses to their questions as outlined on the agenda.
OLD BUSINESS
Mr. Casella reported that the County road crew did an excellent job doing the clean up. Mr.
Casella reported that they cancelled their second scheduled day due to the snow.
Mr. Casella reported that the Newtown press did a nice article on the ice skating rink and asked
who was going to install it. Mayor Fromm reported that our guys will install.
Mrs. Hale would like to revisit painting parking lines along Kings Highway in the spring of 2014,
as well as revisit making Ashton Avenue a one way street going towards Second Street. Mayor
Fromm also indicated that Ashton Avenue and Allen Street coming out of Botto' s parking lot
should be no turn, as well as one way streets.
Mayor Fromm wants to get a price for this to get done so that we can budget for it in 2014.
Mayor Fromm wants the lines to go from Daley' s Funeral home on Kings Highway through
downtown Kings highway.
Page 3
of
5
Borough of Swedesboro Council Meeting
a»•.
i
Swedesboro, NJ 08085
44
&/
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2013
Mayor Fromm reported that he received recommendations from Federici and Akin for
suggested no parking on portions of Chestnut Street and Chestnut hill Court and reported that
we will prepare an ordinance for the first meeting in January.
RESOLUTIONS
Clerk
read
Program).
following resolution; ( R- 117- 2013, Sustainable Jersey Municipal Certification
Mr. Casella moved to adopt the resolution, seconded by Mrs. Hale. Roll Call Vote- All
the
members present voted yes, Mr. Weeks, Mr. Wilbraham, and Mr. Flaherty were not present for
tonight' s meeting.
Clerk
read
the
following
resolution; (
R- 118- 2013, Mayor to Sign with Federici and Akin- proposal
for Design and Inspection of Pedestrian Crosswalks) Mr. Gahrs moved to adopt the resolution,
seconded by Mrs. Hale. Roll Call Vote- all members present voted yes. Mr. Weeks, Mr.
Wilbraham and Mr. Flaherty were not present for tonight' s meeting.
following resolution; ( R- 119- 2013, 2014 Pet Census contract). Mr. Casella moved
to adopt the resolution, seconded by Mrs. Gahrs. Roll Call Vote- all members present voted yes.
Clerk read the
Mr. Weeks, Mr. Wilbraham and Mr. Flaherty were not present for tonight' s meeting.
Clerk
read
the
following
resolution; (
R- 120- 2013, Canceling appropriations within the utility fund
2013 budget). Mr. Casella moved to adopt the resolution, seconded by Mrs. Hale. Roll Call voteall members present voted yes. Mr. Weeks, Mr. Wilbraham and Mr. Flaherty were not present
for tonight' s meeting.
SICK PAY
Mr. Casella moved to approve the sick pay benefits for Kenneth Hunt 11/ 26/ 13 ''/2 day and Mike
Sparks 12/ 4/ 13 with time, seconded by Mrs. Gahrs. Vote all present yes.
NEW BUSINESS
Mrs. Hale indicated that she received complaints regarding parking on Park Avenue with rental
units on this street it is very hard to find parking. Mrs. Hale also indicated that people who live
on Lake Avenue also park on Park Avenue. Mrs. Hale asked if lines could be considered for
parking spaces, as well as other congested areas to outline specific parking spaces. Mrs. Hale is
concerned about the new homes that are being built as well and does not know where they will
park. Mayor Fromm indicated that those new homes will have garages and will have their own
driveways for parking. Mrs. Hale stated that the rental properties should have enough spaces for
their tenants to park and asked if this could be regulated. Mayor Fromm reported that they
cannot discriminate against rental units vs. non rental units. Mayor Fromm indicated that other
streets should be considered and urged council to speak with residents to hear their complaints.
Mayor From reported that the ice skating rink is ordered and scheduled for delivery, the
information will be sent to the insurance company for signage and lights are to be ordered.
Page 4
of
5
ff
Borough of Swedesboro Council Meeting
«*:-..
Swedesboro, NJ 08085
litadV
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2013
Mayor Fromm suggested a banner be put up and Mrs. Hale will look into this. There was a
meeting regarding the ice rink and Mrs. Hale will forward the information to council. The hours
are from 9: 00 am to 7: 00 pm. daily and ice hockey from 8: 00 pm to 10: 00 pm Monday Through
Thursday.
Mayor Fromm asked clerk to contact Parks and Recreation about getting bleachers at the rink.
Mayor Fromm stated that he was elected president of the Gloucester County Mayor' s
Association, which is a nice thing for Swedesboro. Mr. Casella and Mrs. Gahrs attended the last
meeting/ dinner.
Mr. Casella moved to open the meeting to the public, seconded by Mrs. Gahrs. Vote all present
yes.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
No one spoke during this portion of the meeting.
Mr. Casella moved to close the meeting to the public, seconded by Mrs. Gahrs. Vote all present
yes.
Mr. Casella moved to pay all duly authorized bills, seconded by Mrs. Gahrs. Vote all present yes.
Mrs. Gahrs moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Casella. Vote all present yes.
Prior to adjourning the meeting Mrs. Hale asked about the letter presented to council from Carl
Bagby. Mayor Fromm asked council to review the letter and discuss at next meeting.
Mayor Fromm adjourned the meeting at 7: 58 p. m.
Tanya Goodwin, Clerk
Page 5
of
5