Audubon commissioners introduce 2022 municipal budget, approve multiple routine resolutions; resident urges LNG opposition

Mayor Jakubowski called the Borough of Audubon's March 15 meeting to order, read the required legal notice under Title 10 of the New Jersey Statutes Annotated and led the assembly in the flag salute.

The board introduced the 2022 municipal budget for a public hearing set for April 19, 2022, approving Resolution 2022-46 on a unanimous roll-call vote. Commissioner Whitman moved the budget-introduction resolution; Commissioner Lee seconded.

Commissioners approved a package of routine measures by motion, including Resolution 2022-45 urging the swift passage of S-330 (restoration of energy tax receipts), Resolution 2022-47 authorizing payment of March 2022 bills, and Resolution 2022-48 authorizing the borough administrator to accept RFP/RFO submissions for professional services (solicitor, engineer, special project engineer, labor counsel and bond counsel). Most motions were moved by Commissioner Whitman or Commissioner Lee and carried unanimously.

The board also approved Resolution 2022-51 appointing Robert Chabot of Independent Animal Care Services, LLC as Animal Control Officer effective March 15, 2022 through December 31, 2022, and Resolution 2022-52 authorizing participation in a 36-month cooperative contract for emergency and infrastructure maintenance through the Cherry Hill Township Cooperative Pricing System.

Resolution 2022-54 awarded a bid to KAVI Construction, LLC for $54,000 to carry out senior center interior improvements under a Camden County Community Block Grant; the motion passed by unanimous roll call.

During commissioners' comments, Commissioner Lee noted a recent house fire and thanked police, fire and the community for supporting the affected family. Commissioner Whitman noted the budget introduction that evening; Mayor Jakubowski announced Audubon Day on April 30 and a summer film festival sponsored by William Penn Bank.

The meeting opened for public comment, and David Steinberg of Runnemede asked the mayor and commissioners to pass a resolution opposing the transportation of liquefied natural gas through the area. The transcript records that the mayor and commissioners said they would review the information and consider the request; no formal action on LNG was taken at the meeting.

The board voted to enter a closed session to discuss a litigation matter (Resolution 2022-55) with Mayor Jakubowski, Commissioners Lee and Whitman, Borough Administrator David Taraschi, Solicitor Sal Siciliano and Borough Clerk Bonnie Taft present; the meeting reconvened and was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

Votes at a glance: Resolution 2022-45 (urge passage of S-330) — approved (mover: Commissioner Whitman; seconder: Commissioner Lee; unanimous). Resolution 2022-46 (introduce 2022 municipal budget; public hearing April 19) — approved (unanimous roll call). Resolution 2022-47 (payment of bills) — approved (unanimous). Resolution 2022-48 (accept RFO submissions for professional services) — approved (unanimous). Resolution 2022-49 (2021 appropriation reserves transfers) — approved (unanimous). Resolution 2022-50 (raffle license for Audubon Education Foundation) — approved. Resolution 2022-51 (appoint animal control officer Robert Chabot) — approved. Resolution 2022-52 (participation in 36-month cooperative contract) — approved. Resolution 2022-53 (rescind prior bid award) — approved. Resolution 2022-54 (award KAVI Construction $54,000 for senior center improvements) — approved. Resolution 2022-55 (authorize closed session for litigation) — approved.

The board did not take final action on the LNG request; members said they would review relevant information before considering any resolution.