COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 23, 2015
The regular monthly meeting of the Mayor and Council was held on the above date.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Filipek with the salute to the
flag.
Members of Council attending the meeting: Mr. Sandrock, Mr. Spector, Mr.
D’Angelo, Mr. Sauter, Mr. Hagerty, Mr. Tregear, Mayor Filipek.
Charles J. Sauter, III-Borough Clerk and Robert L. Messick- Solicitor in
attendance.
Mayor Filipek called for a reading of the minutes from the previous meeting. Mr.
Sauter moved to accept the minutes as presented and dispense with a reading of the
same, seconded by Mr. Sandrock. All voted in favor.
Committee Reports:
Mr. Sandrock- To inform the public and certainly our residents the municipality
has worked out an agreement with PSE&G Co. to change over all the lighting in the
Municipal buildings including the Recreation Center, Hockey Courts, Fire
Departments, and all Borough Buildings to LED lighting which will help to reduce
our overhead expenditures and PSE&G Co. will be paying 70% of the costs. The
Grant will be worked out over a span of three (3) years and hopefully a good savings
to our municipality. Our Christmas Parade this year is on Sunday, December 6th,
the time has been changed to 6:00PM from 7:00PM as in previous years, the time
change we hope will help with the school children so that they can come out and
enjoy the parade and festivities and be home earlier. The Parade route has been
changed also, leaving Annunciation School down Browning Road to the point at 711 and up Creek Road ending at the Recreation Center on Bell Road. The first ever
Trunk or Treat was held in October and the response was overwhelming and the
Volunteers did an excellent job. I would like to extend my appreciation and Happy
Thanksgiving to the Employees and Residents of Bellmawr. Mayor Filipek added
that with Santa arriving at the Recreation Center we are having the Tree Lighting
Ceremony at Christmas in the Park where the Children can enjoy seeing Santa,
sleigh rides, cookies and hot chocolate. Councilman Sandrock added we will get the
message out to everyone regarding the changes.
Mr. Spector- As far as Buildings and Lands are concerned we are moving in the
right direction to make the Borough Hall more handicap accessible for our
Residents and Employees. We are looking to secure a grant to move the project
forward and trying to complete this in a timely fashion. Sorry about any of the road
blocks that have occurred as we are defiantly trying to make this happen as soon as
possible. Thank you to everyone who was involved with our first Trunk or Treat,
the P.B.A., P.T.O.’s and all the Residents who participated with their children in
costume or their decorated cars. You made it a fun event and great night for
everyone. Hopefully this will be an Annual Event for our town. Happy
Thanksgiving to everyone, I hope you enjoy your day with Family and Friends.
Mr. D’Angelo- One more thing about Trunk or Treat, yes it will be back next year
and it will be bigger, is was bigger than we thought this year and next year will be
better. Special thanks to Frani Wright, one of our employees who organized the
whole event and to all the Volunteers who helped. Christmas in the Park is
December 4th, 5th, 6th, 11th and 12th with an inclement weather day on the 13th.
Mr. Sauter- Under Public Works as I mentioned last month our Water Department
had some issues with the Warren Avenue Water Tower as it was out of service and
were backed up to the Brooklawn water tower and the Residents lost no service.
Everything was repaired and brought back on line Tuesday, November 10th. I would
like to give thanks to our Water Superintendent Mark Huff and all his guys along
with all Public Works working together to make this task run smoothly, water
pressure was low but we did not lose any service. Public Works is in the middle of
leaf cleanup, please reference the Borough Web Site and Calendar for dates of
pickup. Sewer Department is running smoothly. Thanks to everyone involved with
Trunk or Treat as it was a great success. I also from me and my family wish all our
Borough Residents a Happy, Safe and Healthy Thanksgiving.
Mayor Filipek asked Mr. Sauter to speak on the new water tower. Mr. Sauter
responded that the water tower has been repaired and is up and running however
due to the aged infrastructure we are currently looking into a state of the arts new
water tower that has a concrete base and a glass tower at a reasonable cost. The
current water tower was constructed in the early 1940’s and has served as well,
especially with the daily maintenance and hard working dedicated employees.
Mr. Hagerty- For the Police Department the Trunk or Treat that everyone has
mentioned was a big success, everyone who attended had a lot of fun. Our Chief of
Police has been selected to speak in Washington, DC in February to speak to the
National Chief’s Association on the Shared Services Records Management Course
and we are all very happy about the Chief being selected. Our Fire and EMS have
had heavy traffic calls this past month. Chief Burleigh has asked me to mention to
everyone to please check on our Website for the Holiday Tips section regarding
lights, Christmas trees and extension cords ect. Police Department is looking for
Town Watch help regarding robberies during the holidays, keep an eye in your
neighborhoods. Our Emergency Operation Plan for the Office of Emergency
Management has been approved by the State. We are required to update and renew
the Plan every 5 years, Good job Emergency Management! Not to be bios but the
Purple Eagles had a wonderful season, playoffs are getting ready to begin.
Congratulations to the kids, coaches and parents good job by all. To all Borough
Employees and the Residents here tonight, Happy Thanksgiving.
Mr. Tregear- On the Finance side as we approach the last few remaining weeks in
2015 we are preparing for the year end close. Business Alliance we had our meeting
on Thursday, October 29th which happened to be our best attended meeting to date.
John from the Bellmawr Waterfront Development gave an update on their project
to the Business Representatives. Representatives from Astro Signs also attended and
gave a presentation on the new digital message board going up at the Black Horse
Pike and Browning Road. Councilman David Spector was in attendance to
introduce himself to the Businesses in town. We are hoping to have our next meeting
in February 2016. On the Communications side I am happy to report that the
official Borough Facebook Page had almost over 900 likes in just 10 months of being
live. I think this is a great achievement, a good job by all involved. We encourage
everyone to get involved and use the Facebook page as it is the place to get news and
updates as to what is going on in town. Ameroso Bakery is now operational and
baking in Bellmawr, welcome to town. To the Residents, Businesses, Employees and
Mayor and Council, Happy Thanksgiving.
Mayor Filipek- Everything in Bellmawr is running smoothly as it can be and we are
doing the best we can. It is ashame about the Water Tower but it is something that is
needed and has to be done. We do not want to sell to NJ American Water as the
costs to the Residents would be higher now than what they are currently paying. We
need to do soon and get the best price and hopefully it will all work out. This is the
best time to obtain a loan as the rates are low at this time. Thank you to Council for
working with me and to the Employees for working with us. We could not do what
we do without our Employees, Police, Fire and EMS. I wish everyone a Healthy and
Holy Happy Thanksgiving.
Public Portion:
Frank Billings- 122 Walnut Avenue- addressed Mayor and Council with many
concerns:
1. Trash in the stream between Mt. Ephraim Senior Housing and the Borough
of Bellmawr, who’s property and who should clean up this mess?
2. Borough of Bellmawr white trucks riding around town on Saturday’s and
Sunday’s- Why?
3. White Truck parked in another town-why?
4. Questioned time of Special Meeting held on Election Day, November 3 rd10:00AM-stated Courier Post advertized 10:30AM-?
5. Noticed in Courier-Post, Borough Clerk for Bellmawr is also Clerk for
Woodlynne?
6. New Position of Administration at $80,000.00 per year is that person going to
be a Councilman or a relative to a Council Member or is it the Mayor?
7. Questioned newspaper article about Councilperson receiving OPT out
insurance?
8. Questioned Secretary at Public Works about why his recycling was not
picked up, however recycling was picked up on West Browning Road? Why?
9. Asked Mayor and Council to ride through Haddon Heights, look at their
town you do not see trash laying around like here.
After a lenthly discussion with Mayor and Members or Council the concerns
mentioned were addressed and answered. In closing the Mayor reminded Mr.
Billings that the Borough of Bellmawr is currently going through major
construction in many areas of town.
Pastor Vincent Kovlak- 108 Kingston Avenue- Mayor I have a quick question for
you, I was recently walking down East Browning Road and cannot believe how
many homes are up for foreclosure. Mayor Filipek responded that finally the Banks
are selling the homes they foreclosed on to get their money back. Pastor Kovlak
inquired how many homes are presently in foreclosure, Mayor stated 106.
Robert Baxter- 325 Roberts AvenueMayor I have a vacant home next to me and one across the street however it looks
like the bank is working on that house. In regards to the home next to time I know
they have done nothing to the house including paying taxes for many years. The
outside of the home is a disgrace, it has white siding with green and black all over.
Mr. Burleigh was nice enough to have the water shut off so the pipes do not burst,
which is my main concern with winter coming. Before I contact a lawyer I would
like to know what bank handles the mortgage. What are the requirements in
Bellmawr for the appearance of a home. Mayor questioned the Tax Collector who
handles this property and Margaret advised a Tax Service that services many
mortgage companies. Mayor asked Mr. Baxter the address of property- 319
Roberts, Mayor advised he will get an answer. Mr. Baxter will contact Jim Burleigh
for property maintenance ordinance. Jim advised the Borough so far has cut grass,
weeds removed and pool drained and removed.
Leonard Gill- 1071 Thompson Avenue- inquired if there is a schedule for street
sweeping, if so can we be put on the list. Mayor Filipek stated that Public Works
tries to clean each street in town 4 or 5 times per year, if you feel your street is bad
and needs to be done call Kim at the Public Works Dept. and it will be taken care of.
As far as the situation is going on with Larc School employees are parking their cars
on Thompson Avenue and if the street sweeper or leafer are on Thompson Avenue
they cannot get near the curb to clean or pick up leaves and when I ask them to
move they give me a hard time. Again I have to mention the problem with the school
buses on Creek Road stopping and holding up traffic, during the 9am hour and 3pm
hour this needs to stop. It is Holcomb Bus Co. and many other bus companies
causing the problems and you should have the buses removed from the Borough
property on Creek Road a they do not belong there also are you doing the
turnaround for the buses. Mayor Filipek responded no as we are constructing a
Veterans Memorial Park, Jim Burleigh remarked that the turnaround is two phase,
the flooding on Creek Road and when road closed buses can use turnaround and
also the tractor trailers. Joe Ciano is working with Larc School and the County
regarding engineering to see if we can make more parking on their grounds.
After Thanksgiving the Mayor will schedule a meeting with Susan Weiner, Director
Larc School regarding the ongoing Bus problem and employees parking on
Thompon Avenue. Mayor Filipek stated Mr. Hagerty will contact the Chief and
have a police car there tomorrow AM. Mayor asked Clerk to obtain residents name
and number and will invite to meeting. Mr. Richard Kulpa 1067 Thompon Avenue
also expressed his concerns regarding buses and employees as stated by Mr. Gill.
Prior to adjournment, Mayor Filipek congratulated Chris Concannon on his reelection to the School Board and asked Chris to take care of our Children and help
keep the school taxes low.
OLD BUSINESS: No old business.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION: #11:204-15 ADDING PRO RATED AMOUNT FOR 2015 TAXES
IN THE AMOUNT OF $250.00 DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE PROPERTY
WAS SOLD AND WAS RECEIVING A SENIOR CITIZEN/DISABILITY
DEDUCTION. (BLOCK 52.06, LOT 23)
Moved by Mr. Sauter, seconded by Mr. Hagerty. All voted in favor.
RESOLUTION: #11:205-15 REFUNDING OVERPAYMENT FOR THIRD
QUARTER 2015 TAXES FOR BLOCK 75, LOT 8.03 IN THE AMOUNT OF
$1,551.28.
Moved by Mr. Hagerty, seconded by Mr. Tregear. All voted in favor.
RESOLUTION: #11:206-15 GRANTING SENIOR CITIZEN/DISABILITY
DEDUCTIONS FOR THE 2015 TAX YEAR THAT DID NOT APPEAR ON THE
2015 TAX DUPLICATE. (BLOCK 112, LOT 2)
Moved by Mr. Sandrock, seconded by Mr. Hagerty. All voted in favor.
RESOLUTION: #11:207-15 AUTHORIZING SHARED SERVICES AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF CAMDEN AND THE BOROUGH OF
BELLMAWR, COUNTY OF CAMDEN, AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY,
RELATIVE TO THE VEHICLE REPAIRS ON AN “AS NEEDED” BASIS.
Moved by Mr. Sauter, seconded by Mr. Sandrock. All voted in favor.
RESOLUTION: #11:208-15 AUTHORIZING SHARED SERVICE AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN THE BOROUGH OF AUDUBON PARK AND THE
BOROUGH OF BELLMAWR, COUNTY OF CAMDEN, STATE OF NEW
JERSEY, RELATIVE TO THE MAINTENANCE OF FIRE APPARATUS FOR
THE BOROUGH OF AUDUBON PARK.
Moved by Mr. Sandrock, seconded by Mr. Tregear. All voted in favor.
RESOLUTION: #11:209-15 AUTHORIZING REIMBURSEMENT TO FELICA
HAGEN IN THE AMOUNT OF $100.00 FOR CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY.
( 9 PINE TERRACE)
Moved by Mr. Sandrock, seconded by Mr. Sauter. All voted in favor.
RESOLUTION: #11:210-15 PROVIDING FOR THE INSERTION OF ANY
SPECIAL ITEM OF REVENUE IN THE BUDGET OF ANY COUNTY OR
MUNICIPALITY PURSUANT TO NJSA 40A:4-87 (CHAPTER 159, P.L.1948)
DONATIONS FOR CLEANS COMMUNITY GRANT. ($4,450.00)
Moved by Mr. Sauter, seconded by Mr. Sandrock. All voted in favor.
RESOLUTION: #11:211-15 AUTHORIZING THE PERSON TO PERSON
TRANSFER OF THE UNSITED PLENARY RETAIL CONSUMPTION LICENSE
NUMBER 0404-33-009-002, HERETOFORE ISSUED TO RT. 130
ENTERTAINMENT, INC. TO BELLMAWR REDEVELOPMENT PARTNERS
LLC.
Moved by Mr. Spector, seconded by Mr. Sandrock. All voted in favor.
RESOLUTION: # 11:212-15 AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF BILLSNOVEMBER 2015.
Moved by Mr. D’Angelo, seconded by Mr. Sauter. All voted in favor.
ORDINANCE: #10:10-15 SECOND READING, PUBLIC HEARING AND FINAL
ADOPTION. ESTABLISHING THE POSITION OF ADMINISTRATOR OF THE
BOROUGH OF BELLMAWR, COUNTY OF CAMDEN, STATE OF NEW
JERSEY.
Moved by Mr. Sandrock, seconded by Mr. Hagerty. All voted in favor with the
exception of Mr. Sauter- No, Mr. Tregear- Abstained.
ORDINANCE: #11:11-15 SECOND READING, PUBLIC HEARING AND FINAL
ADOPTION. BOND ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF BELLMAWR,
COUNTY OF CAMDEN AND STATE OF NEW JERSEY PROVIDING FOR THE
PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF CARTER AVENUE AND WARREN
AVENUE WATER TOWER, AND APPROPRIATING THE SUM OF
$2,500,000.00 AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $2,500,000.00 FOR THE
FINANCING OF SAID APPROPRIATION.
Moved by Mr. Sauter, seconded by Mr. Sandrock. All voted in favor.
ORDINANCE: # 11:12-15 FIRST READING AND INTRODUCTION, BOROUGH
OF BELLMAWR, COUNTY OF CAMDEN, NJ. PROVIDING THE LOCATION
AND BOUNDARIES OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, SECONDARY SCHOOL
AND SCHOOL BOARD PROPERTY USED FOR SCHOOL PURPOSES, AS
WELL AS PUBLIC HOUSING FACILITIES, PUBLIC PARKS AND PUBLIC
BUILDINGS, AND MAKING AN OFFICIAL FINDING AND RECORD OF THE
LOCATION AND BOUNDARIES OF THE APPROPRIATE DRUG FREE AREA
OR ZONE IN RELATION TO SAID PROPERTIES.
Moved by Mr. Sandrock, seconded by Mr. Sauter. All voted in favor.
ORDINANCE: #11:13-15 FIRST READING AND INTRODUCTION BOROUGH
OF BELLMAWR, COUNTY OF CAMDEN, NJ. PROVIDING FOR THE
APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF A MAP DEPICTING THE LOCATION AND
BOUNDARIES OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, SECONDARY SCHOOL AND
SCHOOL BOARD PROPERTY USED FOR SCHOOL ZONES IN THE
BOROUGH OF BELLMAWR IN ACCORDANCE WITH P.L. 1999, C. 185,
SINCE THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY PROVIDE FOR
INCREASED PENALTIES FOR CERTAIN OFFENSES, INCLUDING DRIVING
UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL, WHEN SUCH OFFENSES ARE
COMMITTED IN A SCHOOL ZONE.
Moved by Mr. Tregear, seconded by Mr. Hagerty. All voted in favor.
APPLICATION FOR RAFFLE LICENSE
SAINT JOACHIM PARISH 2016 CALENDAR DRAWING-JANUARYDECEMBER 2016 AT SAINT JOACHIM RECTORY-601 W. BROWNING ROAD
ON THE 4TH FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH AT 7:00PM
Moved by Mr. Hagerty, seconded by Mr. Sandrock. All voted in favor.
There being no further business Mr. Sauter moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr.
Sandrock. All members voted in favor. Meeting adjourn at 8:06PM
____________________________
FRANK R. FILIPEK, MAYOR
__________________________________________
CHARLES J. SAUTER, III BOROUGH CLERK