At their meeting on Monday night Borough Council approved a resolution to appoint a five member committee for the purpose of working with a committee from Cherry Hill to prepare an application to the DCA relative to the creation of a Municipal Study Commission. Five members of Council were present, Councilwoman Pat Fields was absent. The vote was 5-0. Mayor North announced the committee members who will work to prepare an application to DCA. Members: Burt German, John Morrissey, Patrick Brennan,
William Walker and Edward Bohn. Alternate: Richard James. Prior to the vote on committee members concern was voiced to the Mayor by Councilman Brickley about the lack of representation from Brorough government on this committee. Council voted 4-1 to approve the committee members, Councilman Perno voting against the resolution. Councilman Brennan asked if there was any arrangement for reports to Council from the committee. Mayor North advised that the committe would report to Council President Perno. In other business Council approved a resolution to purchase a police SUV, participate in “Put on the Brakes Day”, authorize the Borough Engineer to prepare and Clerk to advertise bid documents for street improvements on Locust St., authorize lease of one and purchase of two copy machines, amended the Borough personnel policy and authorized the Solicitor to prepare an RFP and Clerk advertise to take possession of 174 Prospect St. The Borough announced that they will be conducting a public equipment and bike auction on Saturday, October 9, 2010 beginning 10 a.m. at the Public Works Department. A discussion about a change to sewer rates took place including the cost of current relining/repairs and increases in Interlocal services agreement with Pennsauken. Dates were set to introduce the ordinance in October for possible adoption in November. The CFO, Denise Moules, anticipates around an 18% increase. A discussion of the Governors ”Best Practices” initiative took place between Council and Ms. Moules. Merchantville’s checklist score currently stands at 68/88 with the possibility of increasing our score as N/A or NO responses are converted to YES responses with further documentation. Most NO responses were associated with this years budget adoption process, energy audit and joint BOE/Council planning meetings. Our checklist will be submitted to the State on 9/29/10. The postponed DOE meeting with Sen. Beach and Mayor North has been rescheduled for 11/4 at 2:00 p.m. Michaels Liquor at 622 W. Maple Ave., has been sold and is going to closing and there will be a transfer of the liquor license with the sale. Councilman Brickley announced that there are still tickets available for the upcoming Oktoberfest on Saturday, 10/2 from 5-9 p.m. at The Blue Monkey Tavern. Councilman Perno requested action on a 2010 Interlocal services agreement with Cherry Hill for leaf disposal. He stated that we produce too many leaves for Pennsauken to absorb annually and although Cherry Hill took our excess leaves last year they could not bill us because there was no existing agreement.
