Borough of Woodbury Heights

May
15

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

Woodbury Heights Municipal Building

Wednesday, May 15 2024 | 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT

500 Elm Ave, Woodbury Heights, NJ 08097

ACTION MAY BE TAKEN

Agenda

  1. CALL TO ORDER
    7:30 pm EDT
    1. Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by adopting a schedule of meetings for 2024 which was sent to the South Jersey Times and Courier Post on January 10, 2024 and posted on the bulletin board in the Municipal Building conforming to the directives of the “Open Public Meetings Act”.
  2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
  3. ROLL CALL
  4. MINUTES
    1. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

      April 17, 2024

  5. CLERK'S REPORT
  6. PUBLIC PORTION
  7. ENGINEER'S REPORT
  8. SOLICITOR'S REPORT
    1. ORDINANCES (First Reading / Introduction)
    2. ORDINANCES (Public Hearing/Adoption)
      1. ORDINANCE 10-2024

        BOND ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CONSTRUCTION AND COMPLETION OF IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING FACILITIES IN AND FOR THE BOROUGH OF WOODBURY HEIGHTS, COUNTY OF GLOUCESTER, NEW JERSEY; APPROPRIATING THE SUM OF $1,020,000 THEREFOR; AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS OR BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES OF THE BOROUGH OF WOODBURY HEIGHTS, COUNTY OF GLOUCESTER, NEW JERSEY, IN THE AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF UP TO $969,000; MAKING CERTAIN DETERMINATIONS AND COVENANTS; AND AUTHORIZING CERTAIN RELATED ACTIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE FOREGOING

      2. ORDINANCE 11-2024

        BOND ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CONSTRUCTION AND COMPLETION OF IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING FACILITIES (WATER AND SEWER UTILITY) IN AND FOR THE BOROUGH OF WOODBURY HEIGHTS, COUNTY OF GLOUCESTER, NEW JERSEY; APPROPRIATING THE SUM OF $1,020,000 THEREFOR; AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS OR BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES OF THE BOROUGH OF WOODBURY HEIGHTS, COUNTY OF GLOUCESTER, NEW JERSEY, IN THE AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF UP TO $1,020,000; MAKING CERTAIN DETERMINATIONS AND COVENANTS; AND AUTHORIZING CERTAIN RELATED ACTIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE FOREGOING

      3. ORDINANCE 12-2024

        AN ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNIICPAL CALENDAR YEAR 2024 BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK (N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.14)

  9. 2024 MUNICIPAL BUDGET
    1. RESOLUTION 53-2024 RESOLUTION TO READ BUDGET BY TITLE ONLY
    2. RESOLUTION 54-2024 RESOLUTION OF SELF EXAMINATION OF THE BUDGET
    3. PUBLIC HEARING OF THE 2024 MUNICIPAL BUDGET
    4. RESOLUTION 55-2024 ADOPTION OF THE 2024 MUNICIPAL BUDGET
  10. RESOLUTIONS
    1. RESOLUTION 56-2024 BOARD UP FEES
    2. RESOLUTION 57-2024- PROF SERVICES NJDOT 2025 APPLICATION
    3. RESOLUTION 58-2024- PARTIAL PAYMENT NO.5 FOR REBID OF CANDIDUS AVE PUMPS STATION
    4. RESOLUTION 59-2024-CHANGE ORDER NO. 2 WALNUT AVE
  11. BILL LIST
  12. PUBLIC PORTION
  13. COMMITTEE REPORTS
  14. ADJOURNMENT

Minutes Tab

Borough of Woodbury Heights

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

Wed May 15, 2024 11:30 PM - 12:30 AM UTC

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Packer called the meeting to order with the following statement: "Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by adopting a schedule of meetings for 2024 which was sent to the South Jersey Times and Courier Post on January 10, 2024 and posted on the bulletin board in the Municipal Building conforming to the directives of the “Open Public Meetings Act”."

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor Packer led the Pledge of Allegiance

ROLL CALL

PRESENT ABSENT ALSO IN ATTENDANCE
MAYOR, WILLIAM PACKER COUNCILMAN, RICHARD GAMBALE JR.   SHANNON ELTON, CLERK
COUNCILMAN, JOSEPH GETSINGER VICTORIA HOLMSTROM, CMFO
COUNCILMAN, ROBERT MORISON JR.  BRIAN LOZUKE, ESQ., SOLICITOR
COUNCILMAN, HAROLD "HAP" PYE MARK BRUNERMER, ENGINEER
COUNCILWOMAN, CARA WITASICK
COUNCILMAN, COLLIN AREGOOD

MINUTES

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING- April 17, 2024

PYE/WITASICK
ROLL CALL: UNANIMOUS
APPROVED

CLERK'S REPORT

The Municipal Clerk reviewed their report. 

PUBLIC PORTION

Mayor Packer opened for public comment. 

  • Maureen McCabe, 454 Elm- They inquired about the planning board application that is currently before the board. They asked specifically if the planning board or Mayor and Council would have final jurisdiction. 
  • David Galloway, 319 Ivy- They spoke in opposition of Ordinance 10 & Ordinance 11. They requested the matter be placed on the ballot as a voting matter for the public. 
  • Bridget Pierce, 446 Maple Ave- Inquired if anyone visited the site of the Public Works Building and expressed her concerns about the state of the property and the work conditions for the Public Works employees.
  • Maryann Sullivan, 624 Clearview- They spoke on their experience at the last planning board meeting.  They asked about only developing the 34 affordable housing units rather than the 234 units with the market value units. They also expressed discourse with the applicants lack of enthusiasm to replace the fence on the property. 
  • Pete Pashantis, 233 Glenwood - They inquired about the possibility of an appeal for the court order dictating the development of the site in question before the planning board. They also inquired about the financial impact. They spoke on their displeasure regarding some of the reports submitted by the applicant, i.e. traffic, financial impact etc. 
  • Cheryl Mull, 508 Maple- They expressed concerns regarding the use of dirt bikes and ATVs in the municipality.  (Chief Ryan responded)

Solicitor Lozuke spoke to the publics inquiries regarding the pending planning board application. He reviewed the history of the site in question as well as the settlement agreement that binds the board regarding that site. 

Close public portion.

ENGINEER'S REPORT

Jim Biegen gave the Engineer's report. He addressed the Walnut Ave project, the Candidus Pump Station project, the 2025 NJDOT program, and the 2024 Beech Ave project. 

SOLICITOR'S REPORT

ORDINANCES (First Reading / Introduction)

None

ORDINANCES (Public Hearing/Adoption)

ORDINANCE 10-2024

BOND ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CONSTRUCTION AND COMPLETION OF IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING FACILITIES IN AND FOR THE BOROUGH OF WOODBURY HEIGHTS, COUNTY OF GLOUCESTER, NEW JERSEY; APPROPRIATING THE SUM OF $1,020,000 THEREFOR; AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS OR BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES OF THE BOROUGH OF WOODBURY HEIGHTS, COUNTY OF GLOUCESTER, NEW JERSEY, IN THE AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF UP TO $969,000; MAKING CERTAIN DETERMINATIONS AND COVENANTS; AND AUTHORIZING CERTAIN RELATED ACTIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE FOREGOING

Mr. Lozuke reviewed the ordinance


OPEN PUBLIC HEARING

David Galloway, 319 Ivy Dr. - Expressed opposition to the project in question. He also inquired as to how the building came to the state it is in. He asked again for a binding public question regarding the project. A formal written objection was submitted and is on file. 

David Dutka, 1112 Chestnut- Inquired if there would be a Public Works Department in the future, specifically citing the financial strain of the water department. 

Mayor Packer spoke to the financial planning of the project in question. 

Maureen McCabe, 454 Elm - They spoke on the delinquent status of resident's utilities. 

Kathleen Galloway, 319 Ivy Dr- They expressed the concerns about the maintenance plan for the site and suggested using other Borough sites for the use of Public Works. They asked if the Public Works Manager may speak on the state of the building

Ryan Wells spoke as the PPWM to the conditions of the Public Works yard, and how they expect to protect the infrastructure as well as how they currently protect the Borough assets

Sean Dougherty, 300 Poplar- They inquired about the parameters of the shared service with Wenonah to house the trucks. They thanked Ryan for his comments, and expressed their desire to keep the public works department functioning long term
 
CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING

Councilwoman Witasick spoke to the costs of the project and the past pursuit of the project as well as taking pride in the structure. 

Councilman Pye stressed that the Public Works project is needed, and discussed the roll off of debt to avoid tax increases. He also reviewed the possibility/impossibility of the use of other sites in the Borough. 

PYE/WITASICK
ROLL CALL: UNANIMOUS
APPROVED

ORDINANCE 11-2024

BOND ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CONSTRUCTION AND COMPLETION OF IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING FACILITIES (WATER AND SEWER UTILITY) IN AND FOR THE BOROUGH OF WOODBURY HEIGHTS, COUNTY OF GLOUCESTER, NEW JERSEY; APPROPRIATING THE SUM OF $1,020,000 THEREFOR; AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS OR BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES OF THE BOROUGH OF WOODBURY HEIGHTS, COUNTY OF GLOUCESTER, NEW JERSEY, IN THE AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF UP TO $1,020,000; MAKING CERTAIN DETERMINATIONS AND COVENANTS; AND AUTHORIZING CERTAIN RELATED ACTIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE FOREGOING

Mr. Lozuke reviewed the ordinance

OPEN PUBLIC HEARING

David Galloway, 319 Ivy Dr.- They further expressed their objections on the matter. 

Maureen McCabe, 454 Elm Ave. - They inquired about an increase in utility rates. 

David Galloway, 319 Ivy Dr.- They reiterated the request that a question should be on the ballot in regards to the matter. 

CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING
MORISON/PYE
ROLL CALL: UNANIMOUS
APPROVED

ORDINANCE 12-2024

AN ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNIICPAL CALENDAR YEAR 2024 BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK (N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.14)

Mr.Lozuke reviewed the ordinance


OPEN PUBLIC HEARING
CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING
MORISON/WITASICK
ROLL CALL: UNANIMOUS
APPROVED

2024 MUNICIPAL BUDGET

RESOLUTION 53-2024 RESOLUTION TO READ BUDGET BY TITLE ONLY

WITASICK/MORISON

ROLL CALL: UNANIMOUS
APPROVED

RESOLUTION 54-2024 RESOLUTION OF SELF EXAMINATION OF THE BUDGET

WITASICK/AREGOOD

ROLL CALL: UNANIMOUS
APPROVED

PUBLIC HEARING OF THE 2024 MUNICIPAL BUDGET

Victoria Holmstrom, CMFO gave her review of the 2024 Municipal Budget, which included a $35.80 increase for the average household assessed at $179,500. 

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC

RESOLUTION 55-2024 ADOPTION OF THE 2024 MUNICIPAL BUDGET

WITASICK/MORISON

ROLL CALL: UNANIMOUS
APPROVED

RESOLUTIONS

Resolutions 56-59 Consent Agenda

MORISON/PYE
ROLL CALL: UNANIMOUS
APPROVED

RESOLUTION 56-2024 BOARD UP FEES

RESOLUTION 57-2024- PROF SERVICES NJDOT 2025 APPLICATION

RESOLUTION 58-2024- PARTIAL PAYMENT NO.5 FOR REBID OF CANDIDUS AVE PUMPSTATION

RESOLUTION 59-2024-CHANGE ORDER NO. 2 WALNUT AVE

BILL LIST

AREGOOD/WITASICK

ROLL CALL: UNANIMOUS
APPROVED

PUBLIC PORTION

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

  • Maryann Sullivan, 624 Clearview- They inquired about who was responsible for selecting the buyer for the Mamco property, involved in the pending planning board matter. Mayor Packer & Mr. Lozuke responded. 
  • Dawn Colofranson, 302 Holly - Inquired about what recourse the Borough would have if the proposed Planning Board project was approved. They expressed concerns about the fencing on said property, specifically for public safety and children.  
  • Maureen McCabe, 454 Elm Ave- They inquired about the previously proposed GCL maintenance yard. Mayor Packer responded. 
  • Pete Pashantis, 233 Glenwood Ave- Inquired about any ability the borough has to refrain from doing business with an applicant or business owner.  Mayor Packer & Mr. Lozuke responded.
  • Jeff Pitzo, 345 Holly Ave.- They spoke on the enforcement of the Police Department and spoke to the experience of the Woodbury Police Department dealing with rental properties. 
  • Kathleen Galloway, 319 Ivy Dr.- Inquired about the budget's tax increase, as well as the use of the Borough's Community Center. Mrs. Holmstrom spoke on the use of the kitchen in the Community Center. 
  • Maureen McCabe, 454 Elm Ave-They asked that the Borough be proactive in reviewing and passing new ordinances in preparation for the potential housing project. Mayor Packer responded. 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

  • Public Safety- Councilman Getsinger reviewed the WPD & WHFD reports. On File. 
  • Water & Sewer- Councilman Morison reveiwed the Water & Sewer and Utilties reports. On File.
  • Streets & Roads- Councilman Pye reviewed the Streets & Roads report. On File. 
  • Finance- Councilwoman Witasick reviewed the finance report. On File. Mayor Packer thanked CMFO Holmstrom for her work on the budget. 
  • Parks & Recreation- Councilman Aregood reviewed past and upcoming events such as the movie night in the park, yoga Thursdays, book club, memorial day, fishing derby, and annual trunk or treat fall festival. 
  • Property- On File. 

ADJOURNMENT

WITASICK/MORISON

ALL IN FAVOR
ADJOURNED




Shannon Elton, Municipal Clerk

Attendance

Members

Name Attendance

Collin Aregood

Mark Brunermer

Shannon Elton

Richard Gambale Jr.

Joseph Getsinger

Jolyn Gregoria

Vikki Holmstrom

Brian Lozuke, Esq.

Robert Morison

William Packer

Harold Pye

Cara Witasick

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