LINWOOD COMMON COUNCIL MINUTES OF REORGANTIZAITON MEETING January 3, 2019

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1 LINWOOD COMMON COUNCIL MINUTES OF REORGANTIZAITON MEETING January 3, 2019 CALL TO ORDER Councilman Ralph Paolone called the meeting to order at 6:04 P.M., noting the meeting had been advertised in compliance with the requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act. FLAG SALUTE Councilman Elliot Beinfest led the flag salute. INVOCATION Deacon Joseph Lonergan delivered the Invocation. ROLL CALL OF 2018 GOVERNING BODY Present: Mayor Rick DePamphilis; Councilman Elliot Beinfest; Councilwoman Stacy DeDomenicis; Councilman Eric Ford; Councilman Todd Gordon; Councilman Brian Heun; Councilman Darren Matik; and Councilman Ralph Paolone. Absent: None PRESENTATION The Mayor read and presented an Honorary Resolution to Councilman Elliot Beinfest for his twenty-three years of service on the Linwood Common Council. Councilman Beinfest thanked and applauded the Mayor and Council, and all the employees of Linwood, for the excellent job they all do and what a pleasure it has been to work with all of them. He noted a special thanks to Mrs. Napoli for all she does. He also thanked his wife for her constant years of support. He noted what an honor it has been for him to serve the residents of Linwood for all these years. The Mayor and each member of Council thanked and commended Councilman Beinfest for his long time commitment and service to the City of Linwood. OATHS OF OFFICE Councilwoman Karen Bew administered the Oath of Office to June Byrnes as Council Member, Ward 1, of the City of Linwood. Senator Chris Brown administered the Oath of Office to Todd Gordon as Council Member, Ward 2 of the City of Linwood. ROLL CALL OF 2019 GOVERNING BODY Present: Mayor Rick DePamphilis; Councilwoman June Byrnes; Councilwoman Stacy DeDomenicis; Councilman Eric Ford; Councilman Todd Gordon; Councilman Brian Heun; Councilman Darren Matik; and Councilman Ralph Paolone. Absent: None Also Present: Joseph L. Youngblood, City Solicitor; and Leigh Ann Napoli, Municipal Clerk. ELECTION OF COUNCIL PRESIDENT The Clerk opened the floor for nominations for Council President. Councilman Ford motioned to nominate Ralph Paolone. The Clerk called for any other nominations. Hearing none, nominations were closed by motion from Councilman Matik and a second from Councilman Heun. The Clerk called for a voice vote to close the floor for nominations. All members of Council were in favor to close the floor for nominations. The Clerk called for a voice vote for Ralph Paolone to Council President. All members of Council were in favor. The nomination of Ralph Paolone for the position of Council President was approved. Senator Chris Brown administered the oath of office to Ralph Paolone as Council President.

2 Reorganization Meeting Minutes Page 2 ELECTION OF COUNCIL PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE Council President Paolone opened the floor for nominations for Council President Pro Tempore. Councilwoman DeDomenicis motioned to nominate Councilman Matik. Council President Paolone called for any other nominations. Hearing none, nominations were closed by motion from Councilman Ford and a second from Councilman Gordon. Council President Paolone called for a voice vote to close the floor for nominations. All members of Council were in favor to close the floor for nominations. Council President Paolone called for a voice vote for Darren Matik to the position of Council President Pro Tempore. All members of Council were in favor. The nomination of Darren Matik for Council President Pro Tempore was approved. Senator Chris Brown administered the oath of office to Darren Matik as Council President Pro Tempore. MAYOR S STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS Mayor DePamphilis welcomed everyone in attendance and thanked them for attending the meeting. He reminded everyone how honored he is to be the Mayor. The Mayor thanked his wife, Sally, for her continued support through He congratulated Councilman Gordon on his reelection to Council and congratulated and welcomed Councilwoman Byrnes to City Council. He also recognized and thanked Councilman Beinfest for his twenty-three years of dedicated service to the City of Linwood. He also thanked City Clerk, Leigh Ann, and Mary, Lynn Roesch, Anthony Strazzeri, and all the staff at City Hall for another very successful year. The new Tax Collector, Silvia Washington, and her assistant Danielle Kelly had a great year with another excellent collection rate for The Mayor mentioned the retirement of two City Hall employees. The Fire Official, Chick Kisby. Mr. Kisby held numerous positions over his thirty-three years including Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator. Another retirement was Ed Beck, the Code Enforcement Officer for fourteen years. Diane Hesley, the City Tax Assessor, had a very busy year. 228 tax appeals were filed in Linwood in 2018 of which 163 were successful. The total ratable assessment reduction was $10,940, The number of appeals is slowing but that is still quite a loss to deal with. The Mayor commended Chip Jones and the staff of Public Works as they continue to work their magic for the residents. This year they received numerous letters of commendation and thanks from many residents. Chief Marty Walley and the Volunteer Fire Department continue to provide Linwood with quality service with little cost to the tax payer. They are always there to assist with all City functions and holiday events. Everyone, but especially the children, love to see the Easter Bunny at the Easter celebration and Santa Claus at the Tree lighting and making his rounds on the fire truck. This year they purchased a new ladder truck from Ocean City which increases significantly the Department s capabilities. Chief Doug Carman and his administrative staff of John Hamilton and Jason Weber are doing a super job. The Department s National community Night Out this year was a huge success. The Police Department also received grants for body armor, driver enforcement and DWI in the amount of $14, The Department also received a Humvee from government surplus which was painted and outfitted with forfeiture funds.

3 Reorganization Meeting Minutes Page 3 In an effort to increase security, the City renewed its Shared Service Agreement with Mainland High School and hired one additional School Resource Officer. Two Special Class III Officers are assigned to Mainland through the Shared Agreement. The City also received an $8, donation from Dr. DePaco to acquire a K9. Both Kaos and Officer Champion will complete the K9 Academy in February. The Mayor thanked Vince Polistina, City Engineer, for all his hard work and expertise. And for the great assistance he has been to our Solicitor, Planning Board and Engineering committee. The City continues with its road program with around $750, worth of improvements to Bartlett, Marie, Richard, Ireland, Morris Avenues along with Fisher Road and Evergreen Road. The City also continued its Shared Service with EHT for maintenance of the sewer system. This year, the City updated and modernized the communications systems at the pump stations. The also recently received a grant to purchase 12 acres of land at Seaview Landing that will insure the preservation of open space in the future. This year, City Council decided to combine the Planning and Zoning Board into one. The Zoning board will be abolished. The Planning Board will remain and increase in size. Early this year, new members will be added. Zoning Board members still interested in serving will receive consideration. The Mayor thanked Mary Todd, Maria Moss and the Library Board who continue to provide a number of valued services to the residents. It was not easy in During the summer, a pipe to the water tank broke in the attic causing severe damage. All damage was covered by insurance. He recently attended an open house to view the new and improved Library including the Senior Citizens room and All Purpose meeting room. Also this year, the City settled litigation and reached a final settlement agreement with the Fair Share Housing Center. It was determined that the City has complied with Mt. Laurel IV of the Fair Housing Act. The end result is that Linwood will enjoy immunity from builders remedy suits thru July 1, The Mayor also had the opportunity recently to attend the Christmas tree lighting at the Arboretum, the Halloween celebration in the park, and even a couple of Panthers home games to watch his granddaughter cheer. The Mayor was amazed that the Board of Recreation continues to outdo itself every year. The Mayor thanked Tim Longnecker and the entire Board of Recreation for their great work with the sports programs and Memorial field, and also for providing all the super holiday celebrations for the residents and children. The Park Director Laurie Montgomery continues to provide new and exciting holiday celebrations and decorations for everyone to enjoy. City Council remains in good hands and will continue to work hard to provide the services the residents have become accustom to. They are constantly looking for new ways to save the taxpayers. The Mayor said many times that Linwood does things that other town s just talk about. And it s true! The budget master Darren Matik, continually brings the City s portion of the budget in with minimal increase or a decrease in spending. Even in the face of increased tax appeals year after year.

4 Reorganization Meeting Minutes Page 4 Every once and a while, the Mayor likes to remind everyone of the inscription on the City Seal; Recreation, Education and Family. The words on the seal are meaningless without the residents of Linwood. It is the residents that give meaning to the words. It is the residents that assign the degree of importance and it is the residents that provide the inspiration that breathe life into these common goals and principles we all live by. The Mayor thanked everyone, wished everyone a Happy New Year, and God Bless America. RESOLUTIONS A Resolution approving the Temporary Budget for 2019 The Clerk read Resolution No. 15 of 2019 by title only. Councilman Matik motioned, seconded by Councilwoman DeDomenicis, to approve Resolution No. 15. A roll call vote was heard with seven in the affirmative. Motion approved. RESOLUTIONS WITHIN CONSENT AGENDA All matters listed under item, Consent Agenda, are considered to be routine by City Council, and will be enacted by one motion in the form listed. Any items requiring expenditure are supported by a Certification of Availability of Funds and any item requiring discussion will be removed from the Consent Agenda and discussed separately. All Consent Agenda items will be reflected in full in the minutes A Resolution setting dates for Caucus and Regular Council Meetings A Resolution adopting a Cash Management Plan for A Resolution naming check signers A Resolution authorizing the Finance Office to maintain a Petty Cash Fund in the amount of $ A Resolution setting interest rates on delinquent taxes A Resolution setting a service charge for checks returned for insufficient funds A Resolution authorizing the allowance of a grace period before charging a penalty for late payment of taxes A Resolution authorizing the imposition of a penalty on tax delinquencies in excess of $10, A Resolution naming the official City Newspapers, for purposes of publication, specifically, The Mainland Journal, The Press of Atlantic City, The Ocean City Sentinel-Ledger, and The Current of Northfield, Linwood and Somers Point A Resolution appointing an authorized agent for the sale of City owned land and/or property A Resolution appointing the Tax Assessor as Agent in appeals to reduce assessments for the year A Resolution designating the Public Agency Compliance Officer for the City of Linwood A Resolution adopting Robert s Rules of Order A Resolution authorizing the City of Linwood to enter into a Contract with the attached list of vendors for State Contract Purchases A Resolution authorizing the canceling of small balances of tax refunds or delinquencies A Resolution authorizing the Tax Collector to substitute two mailings in lieu of advertising of the Tax Sale to be held in 2019

5 Reorganization Meeting Minutes Page 5 RESOLUTIONS WITHIN CONSENT AGENDA (continued) A Resolution confirming Mayoral appointments for the year A Resolution reappointing Tim Longnecker as Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Linwood A Resolution authorizing the reappointment of David G. Buzby as the Uniform Fire Safety Inspector for the City of Linwood A Resolution confirming the appointment of Darren Matik as Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Linwood A Resolution awarding a Contract to Joseph L. Youngblood, Jr. as Municipal Legal Counsel for the Year 2019 for the City of Linwood A Resolution authorizing the award of a Non-Fair and Open Contract to Joel M. Fleishman as Municipal Bond Counsel for the Year 2019 for the City of Linwood A Resolution authorizing the award of a Non-Fair and Open Contract to Ford Scott & Associates, LLC as Municipal Auditor for the Year 2019 for the City of Linwood A Resolution authorizing the award of a Non-Fair and Open Contract to Daniel D. Alsofrom as Shared Municipal Prosecutor for the year 2019 for the Cities of Linwood and Northfield A Resolution awarding a Non-Competitive Contract for Professional Services to Daniel M. Levine as Shared Municipal Public Defender for the year 2019 for the Cities of Linwood and Northfield A Resolution authorizing a Second Amended Agreement for Shared Municipal Court for the Municipalities of the City of Northfield and the City of Linwood A Resolution extending the term of a Contract with TriCare Medical Transportation for Shared Emergency Medical Services in the City of Linwood and the City of Northfield A Resolution awarding the Contract to Lee s Emergency Equipment, Inc. for the Ladder Truck Compartment and Body Modifications for the Linwood Fire Department A Resolution authorizing the refund of unused escrow funds posted with regard to a Dumpster Permit at 304 W. Royal Avenue in the City of Linwood A Resolution authorizing the refund of unused escrow funds posted with regard to a Dumpster Permit at 216 Schoolhouse Drive in the City of Linwood A Resolution authorizing the refund of unused escrow funds posted with regard to a Dumpster Permit at 521 Shore Road in the City of Linwood The Clerk read the Consent Agenda by title only. Councilwoman DeDomenicis motioned, seconded by Councilman Ford, to approve Resolutions 1-14, 16-24, of All members of Council were in favor. Motion approved. ORDINANCES 1 OF 2019 AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE PURCHASE OF REAL PROPERTY WITHIN THE CITY OF LINWOOD FROM SEAVIEW DOCKS, LLC AND REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES HERETOFORE ADOPTED THE PROVISIONS OF WHICH ARE INCONSISTENT HEREWITH. The Clerk read Ordinance No. 1 of 2019 by title only. Councilman Ford motioned, seconded by Councilman Gordon, to approve Ordinance No. 1. A roll call vote was heard with seven in the affirmative. Motion approved.

6 Reorganization Meeting Minutes Page 6 ORDINANCES (continued) 2 OF 2019 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 152 FIRE PREVENTION, ARTICLE IV SMOKE AND HEAT DEVICES, SECTION FEES OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF LINWOOD AND REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES HERETOFORE ADOPTED, THE PROVISIONS OF WHICH ARE INCONSISTENT HEREWITH. The Clerk read Ordinance No. 2 of 2019 by title only. Councilman Matik motioned, seconded by Councilwoman DeDomenicis, to approve Ordinance No. 2. A roll call vote was heard with seven in the affirmative. Motion approved. APPROVAL OF BILL LIST: $309, Councilman Gordon motioned, seconded by Councilwoman DeDomenicis, to approve the bills for payment. A roll call vote was heard with seven in the affirmative. Motion approved. (The bill list is attached as Exhibit A) MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Council President Paolone opened the floor to the public for discussion on any topic. Seeing and hearing no members from the public wishing to be heard, Council President Paolone closed the floor. FINAL REMARKS BY COUNCIL Councilwoman Byrnes Councilwoman Byrnes thanked Councilman Beinfest for his years of service to Linwood. She also thanked the residents of Linwood for voting for her and thanked all the members of the governing body for their support. She is honored to serve with them all. She also thanked her family for their support. Councilwoman DeDomenicis Councilwoman DeDomenicis congratulated Councilman Gordon on his re-election and congratulated and welcomed June Byrnes to Council. She looks forward to working with her. She commended the efforts of Chip Jones and the Public Works Department on their continued hard work. She also thanked all the volunteers in Linwood that help make Linwood great. Councilman Heun Councilman Heun thanked all the employees of Linwood, especially Mrs. Napoli for all the support she provides. As Chair of the Public Safety Committee, he recognized and thanked Chief Carman and Chief Walley and their staff who help make his job easier. He congratulated Councilman Gordon and Councilwoman Byrnes on their elections. Councilman Matik Councilman Matik thanked all the staff, volunteers, and residents of Linwood. He feels lucky to live here. Councilman Ford Councilman Ford echoed all the comments of his fellow Councilmembers. He congratulated June Byrnes on her election and Todd Gordon on his reelection. Councilman Gordon Councilman Gordon thanked his wife and family for their continued support. He is honored to serve on City Council. The City is facing challenges. This is a good group of people on Council who check spending and continue to provide high quality service. He thanked the Police and Fire Departments, as well as the staff at City Hall, especially Mrs. Napoli. He thanked all the volunteer board members and the volunteers of the sports organizations. He also thanked Mr. Polistina for all his efforts. Council President Paolone Council President Paolone is humbled and inspired by all the members on the governing body. It is a pleasure to work with all of them. It is a sacrifice and he thanked his wife and family for their continued support.

7 Reorganization Meeting Minutes Page 7 ADJOURNMENT With no further business to be addressed by Council, Councilman Ford motioned, seconded by Councilman Matik, to adjourn at 6:53 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Leigh Ann Napoli, RMC Municipal Clerk