The meeting was called to order by Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. at 7:00 p.m. The Director asked the Clerk to call the roll and the following Freeholders answered to their name:

PRESENT: GRECO, NASH, RIPA, RODRIGUEZ, MCDONNELL, CAPPELLI
ABSENT: CREAM

The Director stated that adequate notice of this meeting has been provided in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act.

Director Cappelli asked everyone to rise for a moment of silence, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The Director asked that the moment of silence be in honor of Marine Lance Corporal John Hicks and Terrence Allen of Pennsauken who lost their lives in Iraq over the last two weeks.

Director Cappelli called upon the Sterling High School ROTC to come forward to lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Director then called upon Pastor Glenn Marshall of the Park Avenue Community Church of Somerdale to come forward for the invocation.

Director Cappelli advised that the County has available, if requested, large print agendas for the visually impaired. The Director explained that if anyone requires one to please see the Clerk of the Board.

Director Cappelli welcomed everyone. The Director said we are very pleased to be here this evening in the Borough of Somerdale. The Director said it is the practice of the Freeholders to hold our meetings each month in one of the municipalities outside of the County seat of Camden so that all members of the public will have full access to the meetings of the Board. He said as is the custom during our road meetings, we will begin tonight’s meeting by asking the Mayor and Council to come forward to thank them for hosting tonight’s event. The Director advised that the Mayor is actually away on his 25th Wedding Anniversary. The Director called upon the Council members to come forward. He also called upon Freeholder Nash to come forward as well.
PRESENTATION

Director Cappelli said the residents of Somerdale have always been lucky and fortunate to have great leaders. He said the Mayor and Council are doing great work and are looking to do a lot of new redevelopment to widen the tax base to lead this town in the right direction. He commended Council President Alexander and the Council members for doing such a great job.

Director Cappelli said the residents of Somerdale also do some great things. One of them is recycling plastic, glass and paper. He said because of their efforts over the past year, there were 220 tons of paper, 109 tons of commingled glass and plastic bottles recycled out of Somerdale. Because of that, he said, we are able to present a check in the amount of $4,128.00 to the Borough of Somerdale.

Director Cappelli called upon Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez to come forward, along with Gino Lewis, Director of Community Development. The Director said because of the efforts of this governing body, the Borough of Somerdale received a grant and we are able to present a CDBG check in the amount of $41,830.00. Freeholder Rodriguez presented the check to Council President Alexander.

GIFT DONATION

Director Cappelli called upon Boy Scout Troop 122 and their Leader, Bob Weist to come forward.
Director Cappelli said it is the custom of the Board of Freeholders as we go from town to town for our meetings to inquire of the governing body as to a non-charitable organization in town, which is deserving of recognition and also some small financial support. Director Cappelli said that the Mayor and Council have selected Boy Scout Troop 122. He said Boy Scout Troop 122 was chartered and reorganized in 1988 and serves male youth between the ages of 11 and 17 of Our Lady of Grace Church of Somerdale and surrounding communities. Currently, the Troop has 33 active youth and adult leaders. In the past 15 years, 23 members of the Troop attained the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank a Scout can achieve. The Boy Scouts in this Troop go camping once a month; one scout camp is located in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and Virginia. The Director said on behalf of the Freeholder Board, it is my honor to present a small donation to the Boy Scouts and recognize them for all the great things they do.

Council President Alexander introduced the members of Council who were present – Councilman Ehrman and Councilman Perry. He said Mayor Passanante was unable to be here tonight and welcomed everyone on behalf of the Mayor and Council. He said it is an honor to have the Freeholders in Somerdale this evening.

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

Freeholder Nash came forward and said he has the honor of recognizing one employee out of all the employees of Camden County as “the” Employee of the Month. Freeholder Nash said it gives me great pleasure to introduce Jay McKenna, Senior Mechanic of the Parks Department. The Freeholder acknowledged his family members. Freeholder Nash said Jay has worked for the Parks Department for 23 years. In the past 13 years while in the Parks Department, he has never taken a sick day. Freeholder Nash said Jay started 23 years ago as a garage attendant, worked his way up to laborer, mechanic’s helper and has been a Senior Mechanic for the past four years. He has a strong work ethic, volunteers for other work and whatever special jobs are needed in the County. He is the type of person who will give you the shirt off his back and never complains about anything. He is the person that his supervisors describe as a rare find. The Freeholder said on behalf of the Board of Camden County Freeholders and the residents of this County, we are pleased to honor you and give you a clock and a Savings Bond. Freeholder Nash congratulated him.
Freeholder Nash called upon the Director of the Parks Department, Caren Fishman, to come forward. Ms. Fishman said she would just like to add that Jay is an employee who does whatever job assignment is asked of him. She said he always does it right, he always does it quickly and then he turns around and volunteers to do more work. Ms. Fishman said she appreciates his dedication and is proud that the Freeholders are honoring him this evening.

PROCLAMATION

Director Cappelli asked Deputy Director McDonnell to come forward. The Director said every year at the end of the Baseball Season certain boys and girls are selected to play in the post season District 13 and 14 tournaments here in Camden County. One of those Districts went on to play in the State Championships. He said this year Camden County was well represented by both District 13 and 14 and many coaches, parents, and umpires dedicated most of their summer on behalf of the young people here tonight.
Director Cappelli then introduced the different Districts. He called upon District 14 – Barrington to come forward with Coach Jeff Hyman and Coach Erick Sulock. The coach then introduced his team. Director Cappelli presented the Coach with a Proclamation and the team members with Certificates.
Director Cappelli called upon District 13 champions – Cherry Hill Softball Team to come forward. He then introduced Manager Anne Marie Palatnik; Coach Shawn Williams and Coach Rick Orlandini. Manager Palatnik introduced the team members. The Director presented her with a Proclamation and the team members with Certificates.

Director Cappelli acknowledged that Sheriff Chuck Billingham and thanked him for joining us this evening.

Director Cappelli went on to introduce District 14 – champions (9 & 10 year olds) – Runnemede and asked them to come forward along with their Manager Larry Stone; Coach Dennis Venella, Coach Phil Ipri, Coach Bob Ludwick and Coach Joe Aupperle. The team members introduced themselves. Director Cappelli presented Manager Larry Stone with a Proclamation and the team members with Certificates.
Director Cappelli then called upon District 14 – Erial team members, along with Manager Brian Same, Coach Tim Hershey and Coach John Dunbar. The team members introduced themselves. Director Cappelli presented Manager Same with a Proclamation and the team members with Certificates.

PROCLAMATION

Director Cappelli called upon Freeholder Greco to come forward for a special presentation.
Freeholder Greco said he and his wife, Suzie, have been close friends with Emil and Nancy Gaddey for over twenty years. Freeholder Greco said we worked together and he taught their son, Michael. He said a couple of weeks ago; Nancy called him and said you have to find Mike “the Coroner”, who saved my husband’s life. He said he was touched and moved. Freeholder Greco said through the efforts of his aide, Pat Malloy, they found out who Mike “the Coroner” was and today we would like to honor him and the explanation of what happened is in the Proclamation.
Freeholder Greco called upon Michael Price to come forward. The Freeholder then read the Proclamation. The Freeholder said on August 31, 2007, Michael Price, a resident of Stratford and Investigator in the Regional Medical Examiner’s Office, chose to eat in the Stratford Diner. When he heard all the commotion that was happening in another room, he got up to investigate and found Emil Gaddey choking while several people had tried to give him the Heimlich Maneuver which wasn’t working. Mrs. Gaddey recalled a man pushing his way through the crowd and taking control. He was successful in dislodging the obstruction in Mr. Gaddey’s throat. Freeholder Greco said as a professional investigator with the Coroner’s Office, he sees plenty of disturbing situations, it is his job to be there on the worst day of people’s lives and not able to save them but for once, he was able to cheat death and win one. Freeholder Greco said on behalf of the entire Freeholder Board, we commend Michael Price for being a selfless and dedicated individual.
Mr. Price said this is a tremendous honor for me and my family. He said he is very gratified. Mr. Price said this is a Proclamation not for someone helping; this is a Proclamation for everybody out there to become involved. He said it is important to be a part of somebody else’s life. You never know when your paths are going to cross – something positive comes from it. He said the young people learn how to do the Heimlich and CPR and become involved. He said he is very gratified to sit here today and see Mr. Gaddey sitting here today. He was in dire straits that night our paths crossed. Mr. Price said a couple of years ago, he, himself, was extremely ill and was quickly dying in his own hospital bed. The Doctors and Nurses were helping him and they were wheeling him to the operating room and he heard a voice, “Hold on, I love you”. He said this was his wife; she held on to him the best she could so he is here today to tell about the story. He said he and Mr. Gaddey have a lot in common. Mr. Price said that Mr. Gaddey has his family; they were there when he called them. Mr. Price said never underestimate the power of love when you are in dire straits. Mr. Price said a year or so after he had recovered from his illness; he was choking on food and his wife called out for help but no one came. Mr. Price said to Mr. Gaddey, I would never have not come. He said he is gratified to see Mr. Gaddey today. Mr. Price then explained a couple of years ago, he had a terrible case where people died in a car – that was a horrible vision that lives with him but thanks to Mr. Gaddey coming back to life, he now has that image to take with him. He said he is thankful to Mr. Gaddey for that. Mr. Price thanked the Freeholders for addressing the situation. He said he has to recognize a couple of people who are not here tonight, the waitress at the Diner who screamed across the Diner for someone to call 9-1-1 and a Nurse from JFK who was helpful also. He said it wasn’t just me; I have to give them recognition. He thanked the Gaddey family, the Freeholders and thanked everyone who is here this evening.
Freeholder Greco called upon Nancy Gaddey to come forward. Mrs. Gaddey thanked Mr. Price for being there and rescuing us.
She said we will remember him in our hearts forever.

PROCLAMATION
LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL/SOFTBALL DISTRICT CHAMPIONS
CONTINUED

Director Cappelli called upon District 13 Champions – Haddonfield, along with Manager Gene Spinelli, Coach Jim Clarke and Coach Rick Fichter to come forward. The team members introduced themselves. Director Cappelli presented Manager Spinelli with a Proclamation and the team members with Certificates.
Director Cappelli then called upon District 13 (12 year olds) – Collingswood, along with Manager Craig Knaup, Coach Darryl Chittum and Coach Louis Evangelista to come forward. The team members introduced themselves. Director Cappelli presented Manager Knaup with a Proclamation and the team members with Certificates.
Freeholder Nash then called upon Gloucester Little League, Junior League District 14 Champions to come forward. The team members introduced themselves. Freeholder Nash presented them with a Proclamation and the team members with Certificates.
Director Cappelli said in District 14 for the first time in 55 years, Mt. Ephraim became District Champions. He called upon the team, along with Manager George Gies, Coach Joseph Granato, Coach Dan Callahan and Coach Greg Prinski to come forward. The team introduced themselves. The Director presented Manager Gies with a Proclamation and the team members with Certificates.

Director Cappelli then called upon Umpire Steve Fensch and his sons, Umpires Adam, Jason and David Fensch to come forward. The Director said one of the most unpopular jobs in baseball is being an umpire. The Director said he has seen personally Steve Fensch in action and is one of the greatest Little League Umpires in Camden County. The Director said Mr. Fensch dedicates every weekend of his life, volunteering for the Boys/Girls Little League. He has been a trusted Umpire for 23 years and a District 13 Chief for seven years. The Director said Mr. Fensch has umpired four State tournaments, two of them regional. He said in order to accomplish this; he travels throughout the State and as far as Connecticut. He has served countless boys and girls. The Director said he stands here with his three sons who one by one followed him to the fields. The Director said this past season; Steve Fensch umpired a game with all of his sons. The Director said on behalf of the entire Freeholder Board, we honor Steve Fensch for his unceasing dedication in making it possible to play fair and have fun. The Director extended his congratulations to Mr. Fensch.
Steve Fensch said he really doesn’t have a lot to say. He said he loves the game; likes working with kids and tries to make the Little League available to others.

PROCLAMATION

Director Cappelli then called upon Steve Silverman and his family to come forward. The Director explained the Challenger League is a league that entitles Special-needs Children (boys and girls) to play baseball throughout the year. The Director said Steve Silverman has been the main leader and inspiration of the Challenger League in this area. Director Cappelli said Mr. Silverman has been involved in the Cherry Hill Little League for twelve years. He has coached countless teams. He became aware of the program, known as Challenger Baseball, which serves children with mental and physical disabilities. If you wanted to play organized sports, you had no options. It was a challenge he couldn’t ignore. The program team’s challenger athletes with young people from the standard rosters, who volunteer pushing wheelchairs around the bases, helping players, hit the ball and cheering them on. The Director said Mr. Silverman was successful in getting sponsors and by doing so provided hats, shirts with the Player’s name on the back. He coaches children from ages 5 through 18. The Director said it is fitting that the Board of Freeholders recognizes Steve Silverman for his work with Challenger Baseball.
Mr. Silverman thanked everyone. He said this Proclamation is through the result of many people spending countless hours to provide for all the special needs children of the area an outlet to play baseball. He then thanked his wife for her help.

PROCLAMATION

Director Cappelli said the next Little League Proclamation is actually a surprise Proclamation. Director Cappelli called upon Joseph Rigler to come forward. Mr. Cappelli said that Joe Rigler is the Assistant District Administrator. The Director said Joe loves the smell of cowhide and the sound of the ball being smacked by a bat. He said most of all, Joe loves baseball. He said for fifteen years, Joe coached the Collingswood Little League, served on the Board and has been District 13 Assistant District Administrator. He has had the honor of escorting the T-Ball Team from Maguire Air Force Base to Washington, D.C. for the Little League National Conference on the White House Lawn. The Director said Joe is tireless. He said he watches him day in and day out, not only in Collingswood but throughout Camden County serving the boys and girls in District 13. The Director said he is just always there – Saturday, Sunday, and Monday night through Friday night. Joe is there for the boys and girls in the Little League. The Director said it is our pleasure to honor Joe Rigler for all his volunteer services.
Mr. Rigler thanked everybody for this honor. He said the reason we do it is to guide our children on the right path and to be good citizens in Camden County. He then thanked his wife, Judy for helping him to do this.

PROCLAMATION

Freeholder Nash said the Board of Freeholders looks to recognize various people who do wonderful things in our community. Freeholder Nash said tonight he can’t think of a more worthy business than the Holiday Inn of Cherry Hill. Freeholder Nash called upon Phyllis Karetny, who is the Corporate Sales Manager of the Holiday Inn of Cherry Hill and Sarah Laeio of the Ronald McDonald House to come forward. Freeholder Nash said several years ago he had the opportunity visit the Ronald McDonald House. He said this facility is a non-profit organization, started by the McDonald’s Corporation and also is supported by many corporations throughout the United States and New Jersey. He said it cares for sick children and takes care of their families to keep them close by them while they are being treated. Freeholder Nash said there is a beautiful new facility adjacent to The Cooper Hospital. He said that facility, unfortunately, gets filled up quickly. Freeholder Nash said when it is filled up; The Ronald McDonald House looks for a friend to help these families stay in the community close to the location of their child’s treatment center. He said stepping up to the plate was the Holiday Inn of Cherry Hill. Freeholder Nash said we really want to express our sincere appreciation to Holiday Inn of Cherry Hill for doing the right thing for the children and their families under difficult circumstances.
Sarah Laeio of Ronald McDonald House, wanted to thank Holiday Inn of Cherry Hill. She said we have 20 bedrooms but unfortunately they get filled up pretty quickly. She said fortunately the Holiday Inn of Cherry Hill takes the overflow. Ms. Laeio said last year, they helped 180 people. She thanked the Holiday Inn for their contribution.

Director Cappelli continued with the agenda.

RESOLUTION j

j. PUBLIC HEARING – RESOLUTION OF THE COUNTY OF CAMDEN IN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY SERVING TO AMEND AND RESTATE A GUARANTY RESOLUTION OF THE COUNTY FOR THE PURPOSE OF AUTHORIZING AN INCREASE OF $14,000,000.00 IN THE GUARANTY BY THE COUNTY OF BONDS OR NOTES ISSUED BY THE CAMDEN COUNTY IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY IN ORDER TO FINANCE EQUIPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS IN, BY AND FOR THE COUNTY.

Director Cappelli declared the public hearing open. Seeing no one wishing to speak, Deputy Director McDonnell made a motion to close the public portion with a second by Freeholder Rodriguez and all Freeholders present voted aye.

ADOPTION OF FIRST READING- RESOLUTION j

Director Cappelli asked for a motion to adopt the Resolution. Deputy Director McDonnell made a motion to adopt with a second by Freeholder Rodriguez and on roll call, all Freeholders present voted aye.

RESOLUTION k – FIRST READING

The Director said the next order of business is First Reading of Resolution k:

FIRST READING – RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS OF THE COUNTY OF CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY CANCELING CERTAIN UNFUNDED APPROPRIATIONS TOTALING $213,215.41 AUTHORIZED BY A BOND ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY.
(PUBLIC HEARING TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 18, 2007, 7:00 P.M. CAMDEN COUNTY BOATHOUSE, 7050 NORTH PARK DRIVE, PENNSAUKEN, NEW JERSEY)

ADOPTION OF FIRST READING

Freeholder Rodriguez made a motion to adopt First Reading with a second by Freeholder Greco and on roll call, all Freeholders present voted aye.

RESOLUTION l

PUBLIC HEARING – 2007 UPDATE TO THE CAMDEN COUNTY SOLID
WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN

Director Cappelli declared the public hearing open. Seeing
no one wishing to make public comment, Freeholder Ripa made a motion to close the public portion with a second by Deputy Director McDonnell and all Freeholders present voted aye.

ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION l

Freeholder Ripa made a motion to adopt Resolution l with a second by Deputy Director McDonnell and on roll call, all Freeholders present voted aye.

MINUTES

The Director said the next order of business is the Minutes of our previous meeting and asked for a motion to accept the Minutes as presented. Freeholder Ripa made a motion to adopt the Minutes with a second by Deputy Director McDonnell and on roll call, all Freeholders present voted aye.

CORRESPONDENCE

The Director then asked the Clerk of the Board if there was any correspondence. The Clerk answered that there was no correspondence.

COMPTROLLER

The Director then asked for a motion to adopt the Comptroller’s Report. Freeholder Rodriguez made a motion to adopt with a second by Freeholder Greco and on roll call, all Freeholders present voted aye.

The Director announced that the next portion of this meeting will be opened to the public for discussion on the Resolutions that the Freeholders are going to be acting upon this evening. He said there will be another public session after the meeting, at which time the public can ask any questions they want regarding the business of the County or anything else they wish to talk about. The Director said that he asks that this portion of the public hearing be limited to the Resolutions that the Freeholders are going to be voting on.

The Director then declared the public hearing open.

Karl Walko, Council #10 President, addressed the Freeholders and said he has a couple of questions and a comment. Mr. Walko said with regard to Resolution 50 which will pay the supersession executive for the City Police Department, he would like to get an explanation of the agreement and what the actual cost will be for the County. Ms. Silverman Katz responded and said there is no cost to the County. She said that is money that comes from the Prosecutor’s Office. She said she believes they are using forfeiture funds. It is her understanding that the contract is $175,000.00 annually.
With regard to Resolution 74, Mr. Walko said his comment is about reimbursement to the County from HMO’s for the flu shot program. Mr. Walko advised that this reimbursement came as a result of labor/management cooperation between Council #10 and the Health Department. He said we had a cost savings program down there and this money is still coming. Mr. Walko said Council #10 will save the County money when we can but we don’t want to save money when it is on the backs of the workers. He said he will comment on that later on but he wants to remind the Freeholders that we do work together with the County to save you money and not cost you money. He said we love to do it.
Director Cappelli thanked Mr. Walko and agreed with him that there has been great cooperation between labor and management and he thinks things are moving in the right direction and part of that is due to Mr. Walko’s leadership.

Seeing no one wishing to have further comment, Director Cappelli asked for a motion to close the public hearing. Deputy Director McDonnell made a motion to close the public hearing with a second by Freeholder Nash and all Freeholders present voted aye.

The Director said that at our Caucus on Tuesday evening, the Board of Freeholders reviewed the resolutions to be acted upon tonight. He said it was at that time that the Board discussed items to be voted on and we will be voting on resolutions in blocks based on unanimous consent of the Freeholders.

RESOLUTIONS

Resolutions 1 through 16 were adopted upon motion by Deputy Director McDonnell with a second by Freeholder Greco and on roll call, all Freeholders present, voted aye.

Resolution 17 was adopted upon motion by Freeholder Greco with a second by Freeholder Nash and on roll call:

AYE: GRECO NASH, RIPA, RODRIGUEZ, CAPPELLI
ABSTAIN: MCDONNELL
ABSENT: CREAM

Resolutions 18 through 23 were adopted upon motion by Freeholder Nash with second by Freeholder Ripa and on roll call, all Freeholders present voted aye.

Resolution 24 was adopted upon motion by Freeholder Ripa with second by Freeholder Nash and on roll call:

AYE: NASH, RIPA, RODRIGUEZ, MCDONNELL, CAPPELLI
ABSTAIN: GRECO
ABSENT: CREAM

Resolution 25 was adopted upon motion by Freeholder Nash
with a second by Freeholder Ripa and on roll call, all
Freeholders voted aye.

Resolution 26 was adopted upon motion made by Freeholder Nash with a second by Deputy Director McDonnell and on roll call:

AYE: GRECO, NASH, RIPA, RODRIGUEZ, MCDONNELL
ABSTAIN: CAPPELLI
ABSENT: CREAM

Resolutions 27 through 36 were adopted upon motion by Freeholder Greco with second by Deputy Director McDonnell and on roll call, all Freeholders present voted aye.

Resolution 37 was adopted upon motion by Deputy Director McDonnell with a second by Freeholder Ripa and on roll call:

AYE: GRECO, NASH, RIPA, RODRIGUEZ, MCDONNELL
ABSTAIN: CAPPELLI
ABSENT: CREAM

Resolutions 38 through 84 were adopted upon motion by Freeholder Nash with second by Deputy Director McDonnell and on
roll call, all Freeholders present voted aye.

Resolution 85 was adopted upon motion by Deputy Director McDonnell with a second by Freeholder Rodriguez and on roll call:

AYE: GRECO, NASH, RODRIGUEZ, MCDONNELL CAPPELLI
ABSTAIN: RIPA
ABSENT: CREAM

Resolutions 86 through 95 were adopted upon motion by Freeholder Rodriguez with a second by Freeholder Nash and on roll call, all Freeholders present voted aye.

Resolution 96 was adopted upon motion by Freeholder Nash with a second by Freeholder Ripa and on roll call:

AYE: GRECO, NASH, RIPA, RODRIGUEZ, MCDONNELL
ABSTAIN: CAPPELLI
ABSENT: CREAM

Resolutions 97 through 98 were adopted upon motion by Freeholder Ripa with a second by Freeholder Greco and on roll call, all Freeholders present voted aye.

Resolution 99 was adopted upon motion by Freeholder Greco with a second by Deputy Director McDonnell and on roll call:

AYE: GRECO, NASH, RODRIGUEZ, MCDONNELL
ABSTAIN: RIPA, CAPPELLI
ABSENT: CREAM

Resolution 100 was adopted upon motion by Freeholder Rodriguez with a second by Deputy Director McDonnell and on roll call, all Freeholders present voted aye.

Resolution 101 was adopted upon motion by Freeholder Ripa with a second by Freeholder Nash and on roll call:

AYE: GRECO, NASH, RIPA, RODRIGUEZ, MCDONNELL
ABSTAIN: CAPPELLI
ABSENT: CREAM

Resolution 102 was adopted upon motion by Freeholder Rodriguez with a second by Freeholder Ripa and on roll call:

AYE: GRECO, NASH, RIPA, RODRIGUEZ, MCDONNELL
ABSTAIN: CAPPELLI
ABSENT: CREAM

Resolutions 103 through 118 were adopted upon motion made by Freeholder Ripa with a second by Deputy Director McDonnell and on roll call, all Freeholders voted aye.

Resolution 119 – No Motion made - the resolution fails.

The Director said that concludes the Resolutions. He then opened the meeting to the public for discussion on any issues.

Karl Walko, Council #10 President, addressed the Freeholders and said he would like to present them with a letter at the request of Council #10. Mr. Walko said in July he brought up the issue for Council #10’s Prosecutor/Clerical that they have been working without a contract since January 1, 2006. He said they have received two written proposals from Camden County; the second worse than the first. Mr. Walko said he discussed the issue with Director Cappelli in August. He said his sense of this is that we were at loggerheads that there was a lot of stuff on the table and certain concessions on each side were made if we got a breakthrough. He said Council #10 made a proposal that they thought was a breakthrough and gave it to the negotiators on August 29th and then put it in as a written proposal on September 5th. Mr. Walko said we haven’t gotten a response. We have had difficulty on this issue. He explained part of the issue is we have part-time getting “health benefits”. We have had to come up with basically our own concepts on cost-saving issues. Mr. Walko expressed his personal disappointment that this goes back not just for this contract but for past contracts. The County has never really become a partner in looking at this and looking at that. Mr. Walko reiterated what he said before; our goal is to save the County money. He said if it is going to have an impact on members, we want to minimize the impact on members. He said we have a hard time getting proposals costed out. It has never been proposed to Council #10 on exactly what kind of savings the County is looking for. He understands there is a certain principle or whatever you want to call some issues on the table that go beyond the actual cost. We understand that. Mr. Walko said what we are asking for tonight again is focused on this issue. We are out 20 months from when we made this proposal; we don’t have a response back. We think we are close and the Union would really like to deal directly with the Freeholder Board and the Director to try to get this done.
Director Cappelli responded and said he appreciates Mr. Walko’s comments and he will pass the word on to our negotiator and to the Prosecutor. The Director said we certainly are not going to negotiate in public. The Director said as he understands it, there was a proposal going back to them in the very near future.
Jean Millhouse, Council #10 Trustee, interjected and said we really worked hard for a long time. She said she thinks everyone will see that the efforts there were great on our part. We were asked to do this by the negotiator so that he would pass this on to the Board. Unfortunately at the eleventh hour again, our meeting was cancelled with him. She urged the Freeholders to please help us come to an amenable contract.
Director Cappelli responded and said we will pass your comments on to the negotiator and make sure you have something back quickly.

Michael Malloy of the Gloucester Township Hockey Association addressed the Freeholder Board. He said we have boys and girls from ages 4 through 18 in our organization with over 500 members. He said, why I am here is that we only have one hockey rink. It has become increasingly difficult since we have been growing over the past five years to accommodate all these kids to play. Mr. Malloy knows that the Freeholders are aware of the situation and asked if there is any more word on getting another rink in the Lakeland area. He knows the Township and Mayor explained that things are on hold because of redevelopment down in Lakeland. Is there any further word on the redevelopment in Lakeland?

Director Cappelli responded that a master plan is currently being developed and he spoke to both the Mayor and Council President Bianchini about this. The Director said we hope to have the master plan completed in the near future. I can tell you that number one, if any fields have to be moved for any reason, they will be replaced so you are not going to lose any fields; and number 2, you need a second rink, that is my understanding, and we are trying to locate exactly where a second rink will be located once the master plan is completed. We are very much aware of your concerns and hopefully some time this year we will be able to identify a location for a second rink.

Mr. Malloy was concerned about the number of years and length of time it takes for redevelopment and especially down in Lakeland. Is there a chance it can be another number of years?
Director Cappelli said, “No”, this is the first time that an actual master plan is being prepared for Lakeland. We engaged a firm to perform that master plan earlier this year so that is the first time that actually happened, which is taking a big leap of putting together a real plan. The plan hopefully will be concluded by the end of the year and will be able to identify a spot for the second rink.
Mr. Malloy said because of where we are right between the Fire Academy and the Cemetery; are there plans to relocate that cemetery? The Director responded, “No”. Mr. Malloy said if that doesn’t happen, are we okay where we are presently.
Director Cappelli responded that it could be; he has not seen even a draft of the plan yet. The Director said he is pretty confident in saying that the cemetery cannot be moved. The Director said we know your need for a second rink and will make sure that we will be able to identify a site.
Mr. Malloy said if there is anything he can do further, he will be glad to help. Director Cappelli asked him to leave his name and number with Gina Forte, Director of Constituent Services, and we will get back to you as the plan progresses.

Tony Faiola, President of Woodland Civic Association addressed the Freeholders and said he is here tonight because he is concerned about the Probation Office being brought to his town. He acknowledged he has some people from the Association here this evening with him who wish to express their concerns.

John Moffett of Cherry Hill addressed the Freeholders and said he is here tonight about the Probation Office. He said he is not sure if all the Freeholders got the email he sent to them. Mr. Moffett said he would like to read the letter and have the whole letter entered into the record. Mr. Moffett then proceeded to read the Open Letter to the Freeholder Board verbatim, as follows:
OPEN LETTER TO THE
CAMDEN COUNTY BOARD OF CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS
By: The Officers and Members of the
Woodland Civil Association
Tony Faiola, President

“On June 21st of this year, your Board approved the signing of a lease agreement that would move the Camden County Probation Office from the Parkade Building in Camden City to the Executive Campus on Route 70 in Cherry Hill.
We do not know what discussion took place among yourselves prior to that resolution, nor do we know how the site was described to you before voting upon it. What we do know is that these buildings are intended to be used to process an average 4,000 criminal offenders per month. They are located right next to our Township Play Park and ballfield, which has always been open, unprotected and unsupervised.
Our park was hard-won after long negotiations with Seltzer, the original Campus owner. It is a critical part of our children’s lives and has served us well these many years but it is now threatened by your decision to install a Probation Office right next door. What were you thinking? The chance, however small, of one of the drug addicts or sexual offenders making contact with or injuring one of our local children is a real possibility.
Ms. Rodriguez, you live in Merchantville with your husband and three young children. How would you feel if this facility were to show up just a block away from you? Would you let your children play at the park next door to it? Would you have doubts and fears about what could happen to them?
How about you, Mr. Greco? Would your two sons be allowed to play anywhere near the place? What would your wife say if this were just down the street from you in Blackwood?
Mr. Ripa, you have raised two daughters. What would you and your wife have done if this facility moved in while they were small children? Even knowing that the percentage of sex offenders was in the single digits, would that make you feel any better?
Ms. Cream, as an educator, what would you say if a facility like this were to be placed alongside the school in which you worked? As Principal of Camden High School you must have dealt with students who were convicted of crimes. The temptation and effect of drugs is rampant and spreads like wildfire among young people. Didn’t you try to keep them away from innocent and naïve young people back then? Won’t you do that for us now?
Mr. Nash, you were a Councilman in Cherry Hill. You know the area. If you were still serving in Cherry Hill, would you think it was OK for the County to force this department into this park and residential area?
Mr. McDonnell, you wrote a book called “A Parents Guide to Saving Our Children”. The Dangers of Drugs. There are at least 1,000 drug related offenders currently reporting to probation. Why would this Board ever approve this move and put our local youth at risk. We are told that many offenders look to get high as soon as they pass their probation drug test. Will their dealers be waiting for them just off the property?

Mr. Cappelli, you have five young children. Do you really have no reservations about this facility next door to your home in Collingswood as you told us? Does your wife feel the same way?
Imagine now that all your life you have worked hard to get ahead. Your conduct and education lead you to an excellent job at a great company. You’ve got plenty of high-end clients to keep happy and your workplace is a terrific place to do business. Then one day you come to work and there are Sheriff’s Officers in the building. The entrance is now busy with questionable characters. There are hundreds each day. You find out these people are offenders who have committed various crimes including drug and sex offenses. Since the bulk of these offenders are men, your female coworkers become apprehensive. People are seen being led away under arrest. You have to eat lunch in the same place with these convicted persons or travel somewhere else. Your clients and employees from other divisions become hesitant to visit your building and sales drop. The CEO makes a choice for the good of the company and decides to move out before the company goes under. Is this fair? Is this the way the public should perceive the actions of the County? Is this how businesses should be treated?
Mr. Cappelli, you have refused to allow the press in on any meeting on this subject so far. You have refused to meet with us in Cherry Hill. When you discovered that we were going to protest at the Campus site you used your office resources and taxpayers’ money to spin a sales pitch to Cherry Hill residents who lived in radius of the site. On September 20th, the evening before our planned demonstration, you used the generally public trust in officials to write and deliver a letter intended order to siphon off participants opposed to the office. You have given us the impression that the other Freeholders are in full agreement with everything you have said and done. That is something we just do not believe.
As to the contents of your letter, you represent the current Campus situation as being an established Justice Center. In fact, there are no criminal handling facilities operating from that location at all. There are simply administrative offices and the DMV. No arrests are being made there. No interrogations. No drug testing. No holding cells. No emergency vehicles. No deadbeats. No drug addicts. No sexual offenders. No burglars. No physical criminal processing of any kind.
When you sent the Sheriff to meet with us soon after we found out about the Probation Office move, he said something very significant about the location. When pressed for an answer as to where the facility should be located, he answered “On an island”. That was a phrase said in jest that spoke volumes.

You have compared the Probation Office with those in other counties. No other City in New Jersey and for many years no other City in the United States, has had more violent crime than Camden. There is just no equal comparison.”

Director Cappelli interjected and noted that each speaker is given five minutes to speak and then if you can take your seat and let another speaker come forward then you can come back to finish your remarks.

Ms. Chopless of Cherry Hill, one of the members of the Civic Association said she would like to continue reading the letter that Mr. Moffett started and went on to say:

“You also failed to provide Camden City police records to support your claim that no probationers committed other crimes in the vicinity of the current Probation Office. In fact you cannot gather this information because criminals do not admit they are on probation when arrested. Once again, spin, not facts.
You failed to recognize the need for a complete study by either of the County partners, Rutgers or Camden County College, to examine the propriety of the site and make recommendations. If you are so confident that this site would pass muster then do so now.
You keep mentioning the day care center in the Parkade Building as though that is solid evidence of Probation Office safety. That facility is 100% staffed and protected internally by the Sheriff Department. We never have, nor do we now, doubt that on premises safety is in question. It is also a common practice that area Police agencies harvest wanted persons directly from the Probationers waiting line. Our concern begins when offenders exit the property. Eighty percent of them commit new crimes.
You have implied in your letter that the Sheriff’s men will get people right out of the area after their interrogations. You know this is unenforceable and a violation of rights. You cannot tell people where they can go when they are free. This sounds much like a grand-opening special anyway, given the fact that the lease is for 12 years with options for 20 more.
One last spin we must comment on. In trying to put this office in a favorable light, you state, “Indeed, two thirds of Camden County Probationers reside in suburban communities.” The truth be told, of the 37 municipalities in Camden County more than one-third comes from the City of Camden which is among the most violent in the U.S. The other two thirds you mention contains potential threats as well, and are not to be dismissed just because they are suburban dwellers.
There needs to be a reasonable solution to the dire straits in which the Probation Department workers have been allowed to fall. It is the location of the venue you have chosen that we object to. This is an ill-conceived plan foisted on an unsuspecting group of residents. You have shown little respect for the people of Cherry Hill and our suspicions are now heightened over your plans for the future.
We have not yet even touched on the residual effects of this move, from the loss of home value to Campus workers being accosted for a spare cigarette. In cases like this, industries tend to grow up that reflect the nature of the beast and that is a foreboding future for this office complex.

This location was either chosen too hastily or it was not examined properly. Perhaps you have been frustrated by the hesitance of various municipalities to accept the Probation Office and you certainly cannot blame them. After what you described as a long three year search, how is it that the place you chose gives offenders direct access to area children.
You signed leases but that in itself is not good reason to go forward with your plan to bring this Office in. Leases have been broken before, as BPG did to the SunRX Company on the fourth floor of building Six as an accommodation for your needs. You certainly have good cause to do so here. We know little about the lessor but if he did not inform you fully of the nature of the surroundings then your ability as an Attorney should be sufficient to opt out of Executive Campus if necessary. Better yet, we would prefer that the County find a more appropriate use for this space, one that presents no threat to our neighborhood.
We can assure you of our determination to avoid this criminal facility from taking hold so close to our homes and park. We do not wish to wage a campaign to correct a situation that careful planning on your part would have avoided. We certainly do not want the public perception of the Freeholders to be negative in light of all the fine things you have done in the past. We want you to do the right thing now. It is our most sincere hope that with the enormous resources of County Government you can find a way to divert the Probation operation to a more appropriate location.”

Ms. Chopless said she also would like to know what each and every Freeholder has to say about this and would really appreciate a response to this letter. She then thanked the Freeholders.

Director Cappelli said let me start off by saying this about the Regional Justice Center that we are creating at the Executive Campus. The Director said we would not support this project if we were not absolutely convinced of its safety. The history of probation in Camden City and the history of probation throughout New Jersey indicates that this is simply a safe use of a building. It is another governmental use in a building that already houses many other governmental departments. The Director said we have had no incidents in Camden City connected to our Probation Department. The daycare center which you say is, I think you said is, “staffed by Sheriff’s Officers”, is that what you stated? The Director said that simply is not true. It is a private daycare facility, privately operated in the building in which Probation is already situated. So, we have had no incidents there either. Director Cappelli reiterated this is a safe use – probationers are people who have been convicted of some minor crimes and there are also many people who owe child support who report to Probation. The Sheriff has worked very closely with the Superior Courts to come up with a security plan, for the facility. We do not believe that this facility presents any new threats to your neighborhood. It is very much isolated from your neighborhood. However, we have met with you in the past and we have heard some of your concerns. We will, at your request, actually have a couple of Sheriff’s Officers patrol the parking lot so that no one wanders into the woods that exist between your homes and the building itself. The Director advised that they have also begun talks with New Jersey Transit to talk about better ways to transport people in an out of the facility. The bottom line is this – this use is a safe use throughout the State, Probation offices are located in buildings such as strip malls, as is the case in Gloucester County; a strip mall that is located directly adjacent to a residential neighborhood. There have been no problems there. The Director said we will make sure that this facility is safe. He said today he met with Mr. Faiola and Mr. Moffett and actually I thought we had agreed to meet next week to talk about this in further detail and hopefully we will. We believe this is a safe use; it is a use that has been safe in Camden, in Gloucester County and counties throughout the State. If we believed that there was any type of harm or danger presented by this use in this building, we simply would not have put Probation there. Probation is staffed by over 250 professionals who do a tremendous job day in and day out and he is sure the safety of their neighborhood will continue in the future despite the fact that this use will be in the Executive Campus.

Peter Tortoretta of Cherry Hill identified himself as a long time Cherry Hill resident for over 32 years. He said he is very proud of his town and pleased with the diversity of excellent schools, which benefited my three children who all graduated from Cherry Hill West. He said every Spring he marvels at the Cherry Blossoms down Chapel Avenue. He said he would never support something which he felt would jeopardize his town. In addition to being a Cherry Hill resident for 32 years, he said he is a Probation Officer and has worked as such for 30 years. He said he is currently the President of the Camden County Probation Officers Association. Mr. Tortoretta said some of us are here tonight to answer anyone’s concerns. He said we are wearing our white hats and also are in support of our fellow union here this evening in their red shirts (referring to Prosecutor/Clerical). He said currently we are housed in downtown Camden at 5th and Market Street. He said you may ask the question as to what a Probation Officer does. There are few people here that never met anyone who was on probation. Maybe you have a friend or friend of the family that dealt with the courts, child support, custody battles, or domestic problems in other situations. Probation Officers are professional people. Professional men and women who are well educated and capable of dealing with the challenges facing our communities to provide services to the courts and the public. He said Camden County Probation Officers Association supports this move and he as a Cherry Hill resident, has taken a long hard look at the location and concerns of the community, where he lives as well. This location does provide access to public transportation. We believe it has a secure setting away from the residents, protected by the Sheriffs, Probation Officers and other law enforcement agencies. However, most of our concerns as Probation Officers are not in the office. Those individuals reporting, whether they are adult or juvenile offenders are almost always with an investigator in the office. Offenders who do not report are more of a concern to us. Our professional staff makes home visits and now makes home inspections in the community. We are by far more at risk while conducting these field operations than while in the office. Currently, we are located in the Parkade Building – a building in Camden City with conditions that are wretched and horrible and ridiculous. The building is in decay, rodent and insect infected and the parking garage is falling apart with a host of other health and safety concerns. He said professional Probation Officers in this County want to be your neighbors. We want to create a partnership with the Community not just in Cherry Hill but in all the municipalities of this County. We want to create this partnership in the community and we are supportive of the location to this suburban Justice Complex. Finally, on behalf of my organization, the Probation Officers in Camden County, we would like to express our sincere appreciation for the efforts of the elected officials, Lou Cappelli, Ross Angilella, Assignment Judge Francis Orlando and others we believe have made tough choices and correct decisions. Thank you very much.

Theresa Mohrfeld of Cherry Hill addressed the Freeholders and said she is speaking off the cuff tonight concerning the issue of the Probation Department. Ms. Mohrfeld thanked the Freeholders for all the wonderful work that they do. She said she knows it is very tough work but we are concerned about who will be coming into this facility. She said that Director Cappelli said that he feels that this is a very safe location. She said she is concerned because she heard the story that Pennsauken refused this because they are trying to improve their image and this would not help them. This is very close to a neighborhood; this is very close to a park and very close to a baseball field. To Freeholder Nash, Ms. Mohrfeld said that he was very gracious enough to help us when we started our fight against the Porn Shop. You had meetings with us and we very much appreciated your help. Our community is standing up against something that will be moving into our neighborhood because of its secondary effects of such a business. We were looking at a group of individuals who hadn’t committed a crime yet. These people have committed a crime. How can you say it is not a danger without realizing – it is a danger? Maybe not everyone walking in there but I would like you to come to the table and be honest. She said she went to her son’s football game and in one hour’s time she collected 75 signatures. People at Cherry Hill East don’t know about this story but it is spreading and she believes more opposition will come out, the more the story spreads. Ms. Mohrfeld said as a Cherry Hill resident, and part of the Barclay Civic Association, Cherry Hill Civic Association, she would like all of the residents to have input. What affects one part of Cherry Hill, affects all of Cherry Hill. Ms. Mohrfeld said she has heard a lot of what’s going on and heard this lease has been signed. We would gladly accept other departments because there are children who live there; there are children right by those woods, right behind those woods (Woodland & Kennilworth). I ask you please to take this into consideration of our town and listen to what we are saying to you tonight. Yes, we are upset, we are frustrated and I am sure you are too. It is my understanding that when I called Town Hall in Cherry Hill was that basically the Freeholders stopped talking to the Township because one Township after another, after another refused this. Ms. Mohrfeld said she hopes the Freeholders come to the table with honesty and let’s see if we can work something out. To the Probationer Officers, Ms. Mohrfeld said she knows that they are working under deplorable conditions. She said she doesn’t know how an employer can let that go on since 2004; it just didn’t happen today. She said the first time they saw a rat, get pest control; get rid of the mold and I know that wasn’t the County’s building as she read in the paper. She said these aren’t your buildings either. Ms. Mohrfeld said as one resident of Cherry Hill, I do stand against this. Thank you.
Director Cappelli responded and said the reasons why the Pennsauken site was not selected were actually twofold. First, the location of the Pennsauken site was not very conducive to transportation and secondly, if we were to purchase a Pennsauken site, it would have eliminated from Pennsauken, one of its biggest taxpayers. The reason that we did not relocate to Pennsauken is not because Pennsauken told us, “No”, it just did not make sense for those two reasons – transportation and finances. Secondly, the Director said we have been trying to identify a site for Probation for the last two to three years. Dominic Vesper, Deputy County Administrator, has lead that charge; he has looked at buildings up and down the White Horse Pike, the Black Horse Pike, nearly every municipality in Camden County. It is tough to find a site in Camden County that can accommodate this much space. The Director asked Mr. Vesper how many properties he looked at and Mr. Vesper responded – over 50 properties. We then were able to find this property which is an excellent fit for the Probation Department and it has good transportation up and down Route 70. Once again, he said I would like to stress to you that we have had no problems at all with Probation in Camden City.
Mr. Faiola, Sr. interrupted the Director. Director Cappelli said to him that he had the courtesy to listen to everyone who has spoken and I hope you have the courtesy to listen to me speak. In fact, the Director said he had the courtesy to meet with Mr. Faiola, Jr. today for over an hour and a half and talk to him about these details as well. The Director said all I am asking for is courtesy and honesty. To Ms. Mohrfeld, he said you spoke about honesty; the honest fact here is, there is no danger presented by this use. No danger at all, that is the honest fact.

Rose Matropolous addressed the Freeholders and said she has a teenager and said she would like to talk about the safety. Are you guaranteeing me that nothing will happen to my children when they are down that end which is 754’ from building Six where the drug offenders report weekly and the 30 or more adult sex offenders. If you are guaranteeing me their safety then maybe I can sleep a little better. Right now, it is this big bad world. To the Probation Officers, Ms. Matropolous said we have nothing against the Probation Officers. We respect you and appreciate what you do – it is the element that comes in to our town. How do we protect our kids? How do we protect our families? It is not isolated - she was amazed at the traffic patterns – now there will be more traffic.
Director Cappelli responded and said based on the history of Probation in Camden City and Probation throughout the State of New Jersey, based on the security measures we will employ on that site, I am very, very confident that there will no danger at all presented to your neighborhood. She asked if there would be Sheriff’s Officers outside the building. How will that be and what time would they be leaving. Director Cappelli said until Probation is closed and people are off the site. She asked how many officers? The Director responded and said there are parts of a security plan that we really don’t want to discuss but I am telling you we will have a plan in place. The Director said you have seven people in front of you who serve the public; seven people who try to make the best decision on a daily basis on behalf of the public. One Freeholder, in particular, actually lives in Cherry Hill. If we believed that this facility at all presented any danger to your neighborhood, we simply would not do it. He said I know there is a perception of people on Probation and I know that has stirred up a lot of fear in your neighborhood but the perception is not the reality. The reality is look at the counties, look at Gloucester County. It is the trend throughout the State to relocate Probation offices into suburban neighborhoods. There are no problems; there simply are no problems. The Director said the first time there is an incident or that we find people straying from Probation into your neighborhood, we will work as closely as possible as we can with Cherry Hill Police to fix the problem. If a problem is created and you are worrying about people loitering in your neighborhood and because you are a tight-knit community so you know who lives in your neighborhood and who doesn’t; we will work with you, your police, with your governing body to make sure the problem is eliminated. We are very confident that this presents no danger. Ms. Matropolous asked for assurance that our roads will not be open to accommodate any further bus routes on Route 38. The Director said, “Absolutely, yes”. She then asked, if a problem arises, you would fix it as an “ASAP” fix it? The Director said it would be ASAP and as he said to the Faiolo’s and to other members of your leadership, my phone is always open, my door is always open. We met today on a very quick basis to talk about some of these issues. We will monitor the situation. If we thought there was a safety concern, again we would not be placing this there. If a legitimate safety concern develops, we will address the issue. Ms. Matropolous asked about the timeframe for this building. The Director responded some time by the end of this year or early next year.

Sue Croft of Cherry Hill addressed the Freeholders and said she was born and raised in Cherry Hill. Ms. Croft said she is not with this group but truly understands their concerns. I have my own concerns because I work at Pinnacle. I work at Building 6 on the first floor. She said that she has heard different things that the Probation Department will be in Building 5 and the Sheriff’s office in Building 6. She said we were then told that the Probation Office will be on the third floor of Building 6, which is her building. She said we have females in that building that fear for their safety. She said she has been to the Probation Office in Camden to collect a child support check and stood there and watched people urinating on the building, standing in line, glaring at her children; I was in fear of being in the office. She told the Probation Officer, she would not come in person again, mail the check. It is a frightening place to be and I have to work in the same building where you are relocating this office. I am appalled and I can’t understand how Council can make a decision without telling residents of Cherry Hill what is happening. Ms. Croft said she lives on the other side of Cherry Hill; this again has nothing to do with the Probation Officers. I respect and value what you do and frankly, don’t know how you do what you do but thank you for doing what you do. I don’t believe this is the place for it. She said she has to work in this building. She said the doors are frosted so you can’t look in or out as to what is coming either way. It is very upsetting. She is also concerned about leaving at 6:00 o’clock at night – it is dark. Who is going to walk me to my car? Are there going to be officers outside to walk people to their car? Where is this office going to be specifically in Building 5 or Building 6? We have security issue concerns and would appreciate a response.
Director Cappelli said we will be glad to sit down with her business and address any concerns they have. The Director said he has not been contacted by one business in that facility. We will certainly be glad to talk to your employer. The Director said right now Probation is in the building with other uses adjacent to other buildings with uses. There is a school across the street from Probation right now. Ms. Croft interrupted and said they have to go through our building to get to where they are going. The Director responded that the Sheriff’s transportation unit will also be located on the site. Again, we are quite confident that there will be no danger presented to anyone who works in that facility. Ms. Croft said we were also told we had to walk through metal detectors. We are a food industry business; this is not conducive to good business.
Director Cappelli said in response to the issues she has raised, he will look into the frosted doors and secondly, he doesn’t think she will have to walk through metal detectors. Only people reporting to Probation will be. The Director will check into where the metal detectors will be placed. Ms. Croft said she will personally hold all of the Freeholders accountable for any situation which occurs.

Roxanne Shinn of Cherry Hill addressed the Freeholders and said her Mayor has recently embraced transparency in government. She said that Freeholder Director Cappelli has given all details and you were very open to the public. Ms. Shinn said she doesn’t think they know yet where the sites were that were examined and what was wrong with each site. They don’t know why this facility has to be this big and the probationers have to all come to one area. If they are from all over the County, why aren’t there several offices in areas that are more central to where the probationers are so you don’t have some of them coming from great distances to get to their probation office? She said about the details; what were the people arrested for – we know that they are plea bargained out and then they get probation. It doesn’t tell us what they were arrested for and what was the percentage of the different categories of crime that they were arrested for. Ms. Shinn said this is the information we should be able to get and this is the information you should provide to the residents of all the questions they have. Thank you.
Director Cappelli responded and said that question has actually been asked by the leaders of the Woodland Civic Association and the Superior Court is in the process of compiling the information.

Jennifer Ureno of Cherry Hill addressed the Freeholders. She said she objects to the Probation Office. She said she thinks that the woman who works in the building has proven why that building is not feasible.

John Moffett of Cherry Hill addressed the Freeholders once again. He said a lot of things were said here this evening but Director Cappelli mentioned that Anthony Faiola and I met with him this afternoon. At that time, the Director committed to coming to the area. Director Cappelli responded and said he definitely will and at the same time, you committed that we wouldn’t do this tonight and we would save the questions for that meeting. The Director said I will keep my commitment. Mr. Moffett said this is what I said to the Director at that meeting. My children are grown; they used that park for many years. I know longer have use for it but all the little children in my neighborhood do. I love my neighbors and I want them to have a neighborhood without fear. I want the Moms to know that their kids are out there and are not in any danger that some pervert can slip through the woods and grab them. He said I would like to ask anyone in this room tonight and that includes the Probation Officers, whom I respect very much, is there anyone here who would stand up and take responsibility if one of our children are accosted, raped or killed by a random probationer because that office is there. Is there anyone?
Director Cappelli responded and said to Mr. Moffett, it is okay for this perceived danger to exist in Camden but not in Cherry Hill? Mr. Moffett said I don’t know why those people are working in Camden under those conditions. The Director said, not the conditions, Sir, the people who work in center City Camden? So it’s good for Camden but it’s not good for Cherry Hill. Mr. Moffett responded and said, “No, it’s not good for anybody”. He said there is no Park unsupervised right next to the Camden facility. The Director said, “No, but there is a school and a daycare center”. Mr. Moffett said there are no records of the people on probation who committed crimes in that area. Mr. Moffett asked each of the Freeholders to make a statement of some kind. Mr. Moffett said to the Director we had the meeting with you today, we are all concerned, we want safety in our neighborhoods so if you decide that this is going to go – you have to listen to the Moms and Dads, the people who live there so they can sleep at night not worrying about whether or not a random person is going to be running through the area. There is going to be a high concentration of people who are on probation. He said he can’t believe that none of you will have a problem with that. We asked for a commitment from each Freeholder to actually meet with the residents in the area and address their issues. We do want the Probation employees to have a great place to work because I agree I would never want to work under the conditions that they have; it is terrible, it should never have gone that long. We are just not so sure that this is the right place. We don’t mean to be that negative but there is a fear that you go to sleep at night and you wonder if the next day your kids are going to go to the park and have something happen to them. Having people patrolling the parking lot is not enough assurance. It is not enough assurance that one of these offenders is going to wander into the neighborhood or park. We have to feel protected and that is all we are asking for so that we can sleep at night as residents and not have to worry about something like that. There is no guarantee for our safety – no one wants to take responsibility for it. We need physical objects or an area. Some solution that is going to be a permanent one if this is going to be a 32 year thing as it stands in the lease – 12 years, plus 10, plus 10. It stands to reason there might be a problem and all we are asking is that you minimize that – make my friends and neighbors and their children grow up without any fear at all, which we have always had in Cherry Hill. Thank you all for your time and we hope you will keep us informed and meet with us in our neighborhood.
Director Cappelli said he committed to that today and that will happen. The Director said we talked today about working together to try to address these concerns and working with you and your leadership to do that - we will do that! At the same time, the Director expressed his disappointment that we talked about things today and about moving forward and your end of the commitment was not kept up but I will keep my commitment to you. Mr. Moffett replied that his commitment is to support my neighbors, that is my only commitment. The Director said our commitment is to make sure they are safe.

Freeholder Greco responded and said in the statement made in the letter that was written asked a question of how my family and I would deal with this situation if it was Blackwood, where I live. Freeholder Greco said in Blackwood, New Jersey, where I live, less than a mile from where I work and close to two of our public schools, I work for the Public School System, we have an inpatient psychiatric facility; we have a juvenile detention center, we have a battered woman’s shelter and we have a methadone clinic – all sponsored and supported by the County of Camden – all protected by the County of Camden. We have no issues whatsoever in that area. They have been there for many years and my community has given up for the sake of society; it allowed these things to happen in Gloucester Township in Blackwood New Jersey where I live right by my house and right where I work. He said because of the situation this evening, I called the Chief of Police of my town and asked him the question, have we had any issues with any of these places. Is there something that I don’t know about that I should know about because I know people are going to come from Cherry Hill and ask those kinds of questions? He told me absolutely not, we have had no issue whatsoever. Those places are patrolled by County Park Police and County Sheriff’s Officers and there have been no issues whatsoever. Freeholder Greco said I don’t know what’s going to happen with the Probation Office but I can tell you that when the County makes a commitment to protect an area and when society has a responsibility – these are things that are not going to go away; if not Cherry Hill, where? It has been in Camden. You ask about my wife and how she would deal with it. My wife works in the City of Camden; she has been going there for 34 years. She works at Whittier School, she teaches there. She goes there everyday and she enjoys it and she feels safe. Freeholder Greco said he thinks some of the fears that you have are perceptions. He thinks that what has happened basically in his community with the juvenile detention center with people who have committed crimes, with the methadone clinic, with people who have done drugs – not speculated – they have and yet we have had no issues whatsoever. Freeholder Greco said I think you have to give the County a chance that is the answer to the question that you asked about me. Thank you.

Susan Collins of Cherry Hill addressed the Freeholders and said her question revolves around what offenses have these probationers committed. Who is going to provide security? She said my concerns also are my right to know what their crimes were and what is the status of safety in the communities surrounding this office.
Director Cappelli said these are basically low-level offenders. It has been requested by the Civic Association that statistics be provided as to what they have done; what type of crimes. The Courts are in the process of putting that information together. He said quite frankly it is a very daunting task because the Court’s technology system is antiquated. It has taken them some time to get it together. We hope to have it very shortly. These are low level offenders Judges and Prosecutors have decided that these individuals do not present a danger to the community and should be permitted to live at home and report to Probation. He said it could be third time shoplifters, it could be drunk drivers. The Director said a lot of these people are your neighbors, a lot of people who are at DMV in line next to you getting their license, a lot of people are at social security for different reasons, a lot of these people are walking up and down the Cherry Hill Mall and a lot of these people are at McDonald’s with you. He said these are people who have freedoms and have been judged to be not dangerous by Judges and Prosecutors alike. Ms. Collins replied that she has told her children that freedom is a privilege to be earned.

Sue Croft of Cherry Hill addressed the Freeholders once again and asked what building is Probation Office going to be located. The Director responded and said we are not sure which office will be in what building at this point. Director Cappelli said there are administrative functions, there are reporting functions, and there are different functions in the State. The plan as to where they will be in which building has not been completed. He said we have to work with the Superior Court in programming the space.
Ms. Croft said her company is trying to find out the situation. The Director said once again, we will be glad to sit down with your company and explain exactly what is happening. We will keep them informed.

There being no other public comment, the Director asked for a motion to close the public portion. Freeholder Nash made a motion to close the public portion with a second by Deputy Director McDonnell and all Freeholders present voted aye.

The Director then called upon the Freeholders for their comments.

Freeholder Nash thanked everyone for coming out.

Freeholder Ripa thanked the community of Somerdale for hosting this meeting. Freeholder Ripa thanked all the employees who work for the County who make Camden County a wonderful place to live and work. He thanked everyone for coming.

Freeholder Greco thanked everyone for coming out this evening. The Freeholder said he had the opportunity to meet with the Mayor of Somerdale yesterday for some issues that are affecting Somerdale and the Mayor was very disappointed he couldn’t be here this evening. He and his wife are celebrating their 25th Wedding Anniversary and are off on a cruise in Maine on a sailboat. The Mayor said he otherwise would have been happy to be here.

Freeholder Rodriguez said she would like to also thank Somerdale and everyone who came out this evening. She also thanked all the County employees who work very hard to make the County what it is today.

Deputy Director McDonnell thanked everyone for coming. He thanked Somerdale for hosting the Freeholders. He thanked everyone who has come tonight to express their points of view. We appreciate it. Thank you.

Director Cappelli thanked all the employees of Camden County for the hard work that they do day in and day out on behalf of the residents of Camden County.

There being no further business, Freeholder Greco made a motion to adjourn with a second by Deputy Director McDonnell at 8:50 p.m. and all Freeholders present voted aye.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda Szczesniewski
Clerk of the Board