Audubon commissioners approve equipment purchase, permits and shared services; authorize closed session on contract and litigation

Mayor Jakubowski called the Borough of Audubon's caucus meeting to order at 5 p.m. on April 5, 2022, and read the required public-notice statement that the meeting had been published in the Courier Post and the Retrospect and posted under Title 10 of the New Jersey Statutes Annotated, noting that "this meeting is not being videotaped tonight." The meeting was held via the Zoom platform.

The board approved a series of routine resolutions. Commissioner Whitman moved and Commissioner Lee seconded approval of the March 15 meeting minutes. The body then approved Resolution 2022-56 to temporarily suspend a portion of Chapter 6 (Alcoholic Beverages) of the borough code and Resolution 2022-57 to purchase a Vermeer compact skid steer (S925TX WA) under the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing agreement. Commissioners also approved Resolution 2022-58 granting a social affairs permit to the Audubon Father's Association for April 30, 2022, Resolution 2022-59 authorizing a shared-service agreement with the Borough of Bellmawr for asphalt and concrete rehabilitation, and Resolution 2022-60 to authorize an application to the Camden County Open Space, Recreation, Farmland, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. Most motions were made and seconded by Commissioners Lee and Whitman and recorded as carried or unanimous roll-call votes.

Joe Hetuy of Hardenbergh Insurance Group delivered the board's annual "Safety on the Agenda" presentation; no formal action resulted from the presentation. Borough Administrator David Taraschi reported the DPW is working on a cyber-security program through the Joint Insurance Fund and that training will continue. Borough Clerk Bonnie Taft told the board that voting-district locations will change in June and that financial-disclosure notices had been sent with an April 30 filing deadline. Tax Assessor John Dymond reported the tax-appeal process closed April 1 with seven appeals filed.

The commissioners approved Resolution 2022-62 to enter a closed session to discuss a contract matter and a potential litigation matter. The minutes record that those present for the closed session included Mayor Jakubowski; Commissioners Whitman and Lee; Borough Administrator David Taraschi; Solicitor Salvatore Siciliano; and Borough Clerk Bonnie Taft. After the closed session, the board returned to open session and later adjourned at 6:01 p.m.

Votes at a glance

• Res. 2022-56 — Suspend portion of Chapter 6 (Alcoholic Beverages). Moved: Commissioner Whitman. Second: Commissioner Lee. Outcome: approved (All in favor).

• Res. 2022-57 — Purchase Vermeer compact skid steer (S925TX WA) via Sourcewell. Moved: Commissioner Lee. Second: Commissioner Whitman. Outcome: approved (unanimous roll-call vote).

• Res. 2022-58 — Social affairs permit for Audubon Father's Association (April 30, 2022). Moved: Commissioner Whitman. Second: Commissioner Lee. Outcome: approved (All in favor).

• Res. 2022-59 — Shared-service agreement with Borough of Bellmawr for roadway/concrete work. Moved: Commissioner Lee. Second: Commissioner Whitman. Outcome: approved (All in favor).

• Res. 2022-60 — Authorize application to Camden County Open Space, Recreation, Farmland, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. Moved: Commissioner Lee. Second: Commissioner Whitman. Outcome: approved (All in favor).

• Res. 2022-61 — Refund of Homestead Benefit credit for Block 38 Lot 11. Moved: Commissioner Whitman. Second: Commissioner Lee. Outcome: approved (unanimous roll-call vote).

• Res. 2022-62 — Authorize closed session for contract and potential litigation matters. Moved: Commissioner Lee. Second: Commissioner Whitman. Outcome: approved (All in favor).

The meeting included routine departmental reports and no public comments were recorded during the open public-comment period. The board noted community reminders including baseball and softball starting that weekend and Audubon Day on April 30 at the recreation center.