AGENDA | MINUTES
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
January 13, 2004

• Call to Order and Announcement of Public Meetings (In accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, notice of this meeting has been sent to the Retrospect and posted on the bulletin board in the Borough Hall)

• Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Moment of Silence

• Waive reading of Minutes and Approve as Posted

ORDINANCES:

D. Ordinance Amending Ordinance #1161 to

Create New Sign Regulations - Second Reading

E. Ordinance Amending Ordinance #1161 to

Create New Outdoor Eating Facilities Regulations - Second Reading

F. Ordinance Amending Ordinance #1742 to

Create New Merchandise Display Regulations - Second Reading

G. Ordinance Amending Ordinances #1841 and #1842 Regulating Dogs - First Reading

H. Ordinance Amending Ordinance #1161 to Correct Nonconforming Lot Error - First Reading

RESOLUTIONS:

1. Authorization to Pay Vouchers
2. Authorization to Issue Checks - Overpayment of Taxes
3. Authorization to Cancel Water and Sewer Charges
4. Authorization to Advertise for Sealed Bids - Automatic Recycling Truck
5. Authorization to Appoint Representative & Alternate to CCCDB
6. Authorization to Adopt Cash Management Plan
7. Authorization to Invest Idle Funds and Transfers
8. Authorization to Designate Official Newspaper for Legal Notices
9. Authorization to Permit Insurance Coverage for Certain Organizations
10. Authorization to Make Appointments – Auxiliary Police

PUBLIC COMMENT

Back to top

January 13, 2004

A regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the Borough of Haddonfield was held on the above date at 8:00 p.m. in room 102 of the Borough Hall, Haddonfield, New Jersey.

A.

Announcement by Mrs. Colombi:

That the Annual Notice has been filed with the Retrospect stating the time, date and locations of all meetings in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act.

Present: Commissioners Colombi, Reisner and Tarditi.

B.

Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a Moment of Silence.

C.

Moved that we waive the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting and approve them as written and posted.

D.

An Ordinance by Mr. Tardidi:

SECOND READING January 13, 2004

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE #1661 KNOWN AS THE LAND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF HADDONFIELD, COUNTY OF CAMDEN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY TO REMOVE CHAPTER 1700 ENTITLED "SIGN REGULATIONS" AND TO CREATE A NEW SIGN REGULATION ORDINANCE

The foregoing Ordinance was set forth in the minutes of the meeting of December 23, 2003 and was read in full and a public hearing was held thereon. After the public hearing the Ordinance was adopted by the following vote: Ayes, Commissioners Colombi, Reisner and Tarditi. Nays, none.

____________________________________________

_________________________

_________________________

E.

An Ordinance by Mr. Tardidi:

SECOND READING January 13, 2004

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE #1661 KNOWN AS THE LAND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF HADDONFIELD, COUNTY OF CAMDEN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY TO AMEND SECTIONS 306A4 AND 307C BY DELETING "SIDEWALK RESTAURANT" AS A CONDITIONAL USE AND TO CREATE A NEW OUTDOOR EATING FACILITIES REGULATION ORDINANCE

The foregoing Ordinance was set forth in the minutes of the meeting of December 23, 2003 and was read in full and a public hearing was held thereon. After the public hearing the Ordinance was adopted by the following vote: Ayes, Commissioners Colombi, Reisner and Tarditi. Nays, none.

____________________________________________

_________________________

_________________________

F.

An Ordinance by Mr. Tarditi:

SECOND READING January 13, 2004

AN ORDINANCE TO TEMPORARILY AMEND ORDINANCE #1742, CURRENTLY PART OF ORDINANCE #1661, KNOWN AS THE LAND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF HADDONFIELD, COUNTY OF CAMDEN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, TO REMOVE FROM CHAPTER 600, SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS, ALL OF SECTION 601 D ENTITLED "DISPLAY OF CERTAIN MERCHANDISE" AND TO CREATE A NEW ORDINANCE REGULATING THE DISPLAY OF CERTAIN MERCHANDISE.

The foregoing Ordinance was set forth in the minutes of the meeting of December 23, 2003 and was read in full and a public hearing was held thereon. After the public hearing the Ordinance was adopted by the following vote: Ayes, Commissioners Colombi, Reisner and Tarditi. Nays, none.

____________________________________________

_________________________

_________________________

G.

An Ordinance by Mrs. Colombi:

FIRST READING January 13, 2004

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCES #1841 AND #1842 REGULATING DOGS UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES IN THE BOROUGH OF HADDONFIELD

WHEREAS, at their meeting of December 23, 2003 the Board of Commissioners of the Borough of Haddonfield adopted an Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE EXTENDING THE EXPIRATION DATE OF ORDINANCE #1841 REGULATING DOGS UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES IN THE BOROUGH OF HADDONFIELD" numbered as Ordinance #1842, which only extended the expiration date of prior Ordinance #1841; and

WHEREAS, the Borough Commissioners have determined that a change should be made to no longer restrict dogs off-leash on Saturdays for a greater period of time than on other days of the week during the evaluation of the impact of the provisions of Ordinance # 1841; and

WHEREAS, to make the desired change requires the re-adoption of the terms and provisions with only a change in the daily hours provision.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of Commissioners of the Borough of Haddonfield, County of Camden, State of New Jersey, does ordain as follows:

SECTION I:

Section I of Ordinance #1841 as amended by Ordinance # 1842 is hereby amended to read as follows:

d.) The regulations for dogs in the Crows Woods Recreation area and Nature area, located at the end of Southeast Atlantic Avenue in the Borough of Haddonfield, are as follows:

1) Between the hours of 12:00 noon and 5:00 p.m. each day, dogs must be led by a chain, cord or leash in the hands of a person capable of controlling such dog, whether inside or outside of the wooded area, in compliance with the provisions of Section I of Ordinance #773 as amended by Ordinance #1830.

2) Not withstanding the provisions of Section I of Ordinance #773 as amended by Ordinance #1830, at all hours that the Crows Woods Recreation and Nature area is open to the public other than those listed in 1) above, licensed dogs are permitted to run at large within the wooded area of Crows Woods and nowhere else.

3) A person having possession, custody, control and/or ownership of a dog running at large in Crows Woods shall be present in the immediate area of Crows Woods when such dog is. Such person shall be responsible for compliance with all ordinances of the Borough of Haddonfield and shall be responsible for any damage or injury to any person and/or property.

4) Whenever certain events and/or activities are to occur in Crows Woods, The Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Public Property may require that the time periods in Section I (d) (1) may be altered or changed for such days as the need requires at the discretion of the Commissioners of Public Works, Parks and Public Property.

SECTION II:

Section II of Ordinance # 1841 as amended by Ordinance #1842, is hereby readopted in full to read as follows:

All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent with this amending ordinance be and they are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistencies only.

SECTION III:

Section III of Ordinance # 1841 as amended by Ordinance #1842, is hereby readopted in full to read as follows:

If any section or provision of this ordinance shall be held unconstitutional or invalid by any court, the remaining sections and provisions shall, notwithstanding such holding, remain and be in full force and effect.

SECTION IV:

Section IV of Ordinance # 1841 as amended by Ordinance #1842 is hereby readopted in full to read as follows:

This ordinance shall be in effect until June 1, 2004 after which time it shall be null and void and of no effect.

The foregoing Ordinance was read in full and approved on the first reading and advertised as required by law and to be read again at a public hearing to be held January 27, 2004. Ayes, Commissioners Colombi, Reisner and Tarditi. Nays, none. The vote on the amendment was Ayes, Commissioners Colombi, Tarditi. Nay, Commissioner Reisner.

____________________________________________

_________________________

_________________________

H.

An Ordinance by Mr. Tarditi:

FIRST READING January 13, 2004

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE #1661 KNOWN AS THE LAND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF HADDONFIELD, COUNTY OF CAMDEN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY TO AMEND SECTION 304 L 2. ENTITLED "GENERAL PROVISIONS "NON-CONFOMING LOTS-DESTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS OR STRUCTURES" TO CORRECT ERROR

WHEREAS , at their meeting of July 23, 2002 the Board of Commissioners of the Borough of Haddonfield adopted Ordinance #1825 known as AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING ORDINANCE #1661 KNOWN AS THE BOROUGH OF HADDONFIELD LAND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE, CREATING A NEW ZONING MAP WITH NEW ZONES AND BULK REQUIREMENTS, AMENDING CERTAIN DEFINITIONS AND SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND RELATED ITEMS; and

WHEREAS, it has been determined that the wording in Section 304L2. regulating development on non-conforming lots was incorrectly written as it does not properly implement the recommendations of the Planning Board in their Residential Land Use element of the Master Plan, which recommendations the Commissioners intended to implement.

THEREFORE, the Board of Commissioners of the Borough of Haddonfield, County of Camden, State of New Jersey, does hereby ordain as follows:

SECTION I:

Ordinance # 1661 known as the Land Development Ordinance of the Borough of Haddonfield, Chapter 300 entitled "Zoning Districts and Zoning Map", Section 304 "General Provisions", sub-section L "Non-Conforming Lots-Destruction of Buildings or Structures" is hereby amended so that paragraph 2. reads as follows:

2. Any building or structure located on a non-conforming lot intentionally damaged, destroyed, dismantled, razed or demolished, in whole or in part, shall not be reconstructed without relief from this Ordinance.

SECTION II:

All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent with this amending ordinance be and they are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistencies only.

SECTION III:

If any section or provision of this ordinance shall be held unconstitutional or invalid by any court, the remaining sections and provisions shall, notwithstanding such holding, remain and be in full force and effect.

SECTION IV:

This ordinance shall be in effect upon passage and publication according to law.

The foregoing Ordinance was read in full and approved on the first reading and advertised as required by law and to be read again at a public hearing to be held January 27, 2004. Ayes, Commissioners Colombi, Reisner and Tarditi. Nays, none.

____________________________________________

_________________________

_________________________

1. Auth. to Pay Vouchers January 13, 2004

RESOLVED, by the Board of Commissioners of the Borough of Haddonfield, County of Camden, State of New Jersey, that the semi-monthly list of bills dated January 13, 2004, are approved for payment and are available for public inspection in the Borough Clerk's office:

ANIMAL CONTROL FUND AMOUNT

Community News Network $ 337.00

The foregoing resolution was adopted by the following vote: Ayes, Commissioners Colombi, Reisner and Tarditi. Nays, none.

__________________________________________

________________________

________________________

2. Auth. to Issue Checks – Overpayment of Taxes January 13, 2004

RESOLVED, by the Board of Commissioners of the Borough of Haddonfield, County of Camden, State of New Jersey, that checks be drawn on the Current Account in the amounts listed below payable to those listed. These refunds represent overpayments of taxes by mortgage companies and/or title companies when properties were sold or refinanced, when assessments were reduced by tax appeal, or when Added Assessment bills were paid twice.

The foregoing resolution was adopted by the following vote: Ayes, Commissioners Colombi, Reisner and Tarditi. Nays, none.

__________________________________________

________________________

________________________

3. Auth. to Cancel Water and Sewer Charges January 13, 2004

RESOLVED, by the Board of Commissioners of the Borough of Haddonfield, County of Camden, State of New Jersey, that the following Water and Sewer charges be cancelled.

ACCOUNT # ADDRESS AMOUNT

476000 334 Farwood Road $ 43.74

3353000 431 Gladstone Avenue 206.50

261001 20 Lane of Acres 2,004.00

3729003 464 Euclid Avenue 47.20

3906000 46 Estaugh Avenue 130.00

3028001 509 Mt Vernon Avenue 247.80

3486000 449 Loucroft Avenue 772.90

TOTAL $ 3,452.14

The foregoing resolution was adopted by the following vote: Ayes, Commissioners Colombi, Reisner and Tarditi. Nays, none.

__________________________________________

________________________

________________________

4. Auth. to Advertise for Sealed Bids - Automatic Recycling Truck January 13, 2004

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Commissioners of the Borough of Haddonfield, County of Camden, State of New Jersey, that the Borough Clerk is hereby authorized to advertise for the Receipt of Sealed Bids for an "AUTOMATIC RECYCLING TRUCK" for the Borough of Haddonfield to be received on or before Friday, January 30, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 102 of the Haddonfield Municipal Building.

The foregoing resolution was adopted by the following vote: Ayes, Commissioners Colombi, Reisner and Tarditi. Nays, none.

__________________________________________

________________________

________________________

5. Auth. to Appoint Representative & Alternate to CCCDB January 13, 2004

WHEREAS, there is hereby established an annual requirement of a Municipality to appoint a voting representative, and alternate to the Camden County Community Development Board of Directors; and

WHEREAS, the Borough of Haddonfield wishes to continue to be a voting member of said Board in conjunction with the existing Cooperative Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough of Haddonfield, County of Camden, State of New Jersey, that Steven P. Walko is hereby appointed to serve as the representative from the Borough of Haddonfield to the Camden County Community Development Board of Directors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that John J. Tarditi, Jr. is hereby appointed to serve as the alternate member.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this resolution is to be submitted to the County Division of Community Development, 3 Collier Drive, P.O. Box 100, Blackwood, NJ 08012.

The foregoing resolution was adopted by the following vote: Ayes, Commissioners Colombi, Reisner and Tarditi. Nays, none.

__________________________________________

________________________

________________________

6. Auth. to Adopt Cash Management Plan January 13, 2004

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 40A:5-14 of Local Fiscal Affairs Law requires that every local unit shall adopt a "Cash Management Plan" and shall deposit in interest bearing accounts all available public funds pursuant to the plan.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Borough of Haddonfield, County of Camden, State of New Jersey hereby adopts its "Cash Management Plan" for 2004 to be utilized by the Borough of Haddonfield.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this resolution shall be filed with the Director of the Division of Local Government Services, Borough Auditor and Borough Treasurer.

The foregoing resolution was adopted by the following vote: Ayes, Commissioners Colombi, Reisner and Tarditi. Nays, none.

__________________________________________

________________________

________________________

7. Auth. to Invest Idle Funds and Transfers January 13, 2004

WHEREAS, it is desirable that idle funds of the Borough of Haddonfield be invested in legal investment vehicles at all times; and

WHEREAS, it is occasionally necessary to transfer funds for the purpose of meeting current expenses or for the purpose of effecting investments.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Commissioners of the Borough of Haddonfield, County of Camden, State of New Jersey, that it does hereby authorize the Chief Financial Officer or designate to request bids and to place orders for the investment of idle funds solely in legally authorized investment vehicles, such as investments to the investing institution.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the above named Chief Financial Officer or Designate is hereby authorized to transfer funds by wire solely for the following purposes and subject to all pertinent regulations:

• To or from Borough of Haddonfield checking or savings accounts to other Borough accounts.
• To or from Borough of Haddonfield checking or savings accounts to or from accounts specified by banks, NJ Cash Management Fund, NJ CLASS, or NJ ARM, solely for the purpose of investing for the account of the Borough of Haddonfield.

The foregoing resolution was adopted by the following vote: Ayes, Commissioners Colombi and Reisner. Commissioner Tarditi not voting. Nays, none.

__________________________________________

________________________

________________________

8. Auth. to Designate Official Newspaper for Legal Notices January 13, 2004

WHEREAS, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:53-1 each governing body is required to designate an official newspaper for the purpose of notices and legal advertising; and

WHEREAS, The Retrospect, 732 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08108 meets all the necessary requirements regarding circulation within the Borough of Haddonfield.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Commissioners of the Borough of Haddonfield, County of Camden, State of New Jersey, hereby designates The Retrospect as the official weekly newspaper of the Borough of Haddonfield for the purpose of legal advertising effective for the papers issued during the year 2004.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that The Courier Post continue to be designated as the alternate official newspaper for legal advertising.

The foregoing resolution was adopted by the following vote: Ayes, Commissioners Colombi, Reisner and Tarditi. Nays, none.

__________________________________________

________________________

________________________

9. Auth. to Permit Insurance Coverage for Certain Organizations January 13, 2004

WHEREAS, the Borough of Haddonfield is a participating member of the Camden County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund relative to General Liability and other coverage; and

WHEREAS, the "FUND" has adopted certain criteria to distinguish between bona fide municipal activities and other quasi-public entities not sponsored by the municipality and therefore, not subject to coverage by the "FUND;" and

WHEREAS, it has been determined that in order to be covered by the "FUND" an organization or activity provide a service of the type that historically municipalities have undertaken themselves or have provided with insurance coverage and/or is one which advances a bona fide local public purpose on a non-profit basis typically met by local government, the benefits of which are available to the municipality in general; and

WHEREAS, the Borough has asked the "FUND" to extend General Liability and non-owned Automobile Liability Coverage to the following entities:

Haddonfield Business and Professional Association

Haddonfield Celebrations Association

Haddonfield Cultural Events Commission

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of the Borough Haddonfield, County of Camden, State of New Jersey, as follows:

• It is hereby certified that the above listed organizations exist within the Borough of Haddonfield as bona fide providers of charitable, educational, or recreational activities for the Borough and are, in fact, organizations that support and/or provide services to the municipality in general and as such are sponsored or subsidized directly or indirectly by the municipality.
• That the proper officer or officers of the Borough of Haddonfield be, and they are authorized and directed for and in the name of said Borough, to request the organizations described herein be named as additional insured for General Liability and Non-Owned Automobile Liability coverage in accordance with the applicable limits and restrictions.

The foregoing resolution was adopted by the following vote: Ayes, Commissioners Colombi, Reisner and Tarditi. Nays, none.

__________________________________________

________________________

________________________

10. Auth. to Make Appointments - Auxiliary Police January 13, 2004

RESOLVED, by the Board of Commissioners of the Borough of Haddonfield, County of Camden, State of New Jersey, that the following appointments by made:

NAME BOARD/COMMISSION EXPIRES

Bernard Brody Haddonfield Auxiliary Police 12/31/04

Frederick W. Chase

Timothy Chase

William Elias

E. Guy Elzey, Jr.

Steven F. Harski

Carol J. Smith

Theresa Fitzgerald

Deborah Fesi

The foregoing resolution was adopted by the following vote: Ayes, Commissioners Colombi, Reisner and Tarditi. Nays, none.

__________________________________________

________________________

________________________

GENERAL COMMENTS - Commissioners Meeting - January 13, 2004

Mayor Colombi asked Commissioner Reisner to explain the first three ordinances, as they were recommended by the Business Development Task Force, whose meetings he attended. The changes in sign regulations do not change the substance of the ordinance, but make the administration of the regulations easier for the applicant. It will expedite the application process. The outdoor eating facilities regulations have not been changed, but the application process will also be less difficult for the sellers of food in the Borough to have chairs and tables outside. John Aldeghi, 200 West End Ave., applauded the Commissioners for making things easier for business owners. Regarding the outdoor display ordinance, we are going to temporarily relax the restrictions for a six-month test. We want to give the merchants the opportunity to display their wares. Mayor Colombi said that only one mannequin will be permitted for each clothing store.

The ordinance regarding dogs at Crows Woods was introduced. It has been changed from the last meeting to say that dogs must be on-leash each day between the hours of 12:00 noon and 5:00 p.m. Dogs can be off-leash before noon and after 5:00 p.m. when the park is open. Commissioner Tarditi said that this should eliminate confusion by having the rules the same every day. We are only amending Section I, d., 1). The Public Hearing will be in two weeks.

Jamie Horwitz-Fram, 241 Jefferson Ave., is Chairman of the Environmental Commission. She thought she remembered from last November that we had banned off-leash dogs on Saturday morning during sports activities. She feels that there is now more off-leash time than on-leash time, and is not happy about this. Nancy Morrow, 605 Cedar Ave., only sees dog people using Crows Woods. Bill Tourtelotte, 414 Peyton, grew up in town and used to walk in the woods. He feels people don't go there now because they feel it is only a dog park. Ann Gaughan, 320 West End Ave., said that people who want to walk in the woods have every day from noon to five.

Chris Troiani, 18 Heritage Rd., feels that dogs should be on leash at all times. He has had rude responses from dog owners when he reminded them of the rules. Some people blatantly disregard the on-leash hours. Because of this, he does not take his children there. He thinks the police should ticket people.

Andrea Rizzuto, 7 Lafayette Ave., thinks the Commissioners did not realize how many people would use the woods. There is a Web Site telling everyone about Crows Woods. The area has been degraded. The huge volume of people is not protecting the area.

Richard Morrow, 605 Cedar Ave., asked who had data on who actually uses the woods. Mayor Colombi said that a dog owner did a 3-week survey and counted 1000 visits. Commissioner Tarditi said that it is our long-range intent to look at the entire use of open space in town. This ordinance is to try a separation of time. If this does not work we will try separation of place. Any answer will not make everyone happy. We will try to find an answer that fits the community.

Greg Derham, 339 Bellevue Ave., said that there is not much use of the sports fields in the winter, since there is no soccer. He is pleased with the cooperation of the Commissioners. He feels an outside consultant is a good approach.

John Aldeghi said that he appreciated the Commissioners' efforts regarding shared use of the woods. Stella Bucella, 103 Centre St., said that she got a dog six years ago. She has never seen problems in the woods. The dog walkers are willing to compromise. The Saturday morning people usually go early.

Alyn Caulk, 12 Evergreen Lane, asked if the Borough has hired a consultant. Mayor Colombi said that we had talked to someone we had used before. That group said they could not do the work. We are looking for someone else. Eloise Douglas, 119 Lafayette Ave., asked when this will be done. Commissioner Reisner said that this is the portion of our Master Plan that needs updating and it will be done soon. Dr. Caulk asked if there is a sign designating hours. She has walked there when dogs are supposed to be on leash and some are not. Commissioner Tarditi said that the members of C.O.L.A. will help to enforce the regulations.

Robin Raab, 35 Centre St., said that there are reasonable people on both sides. The police should issue tickets to those who violate the rules. She noted that paint ballers are rampant in the area. Bonnie Edwards, 106 Washington Ave., thanked the Commissioners. She also said that the members of C.O.L.A. tell others about the rules.

Ann Gaughan, West End Ave., asked what open spaces will be examined. Commissioner Reisner said that all spaces will be reviewed, including County owned property. We may be able to negotiate with the County and with Cherry Hill for joint use of some areas.

The public was told that they could see Administrator Schwab for a copy of the Request For Proposal. Any person or group can give input to the Consultant.

Bill Tourtelotte asked, "What have we created?" He will leave the meeting with the impression that Crows Woods is now a dog park. This does not appeal to the average citizen anymore. Carmel Caporale, 220 Wayne Ave., is a dog owner. She feels that compromise is good. Mr. Tourtelotte said that dog owners are a minority. The majority cannot use Crows Woods. Most national parks say that dogs must always be on a leash.

Beverly Aldeghi said that she has a large dog. She walks her on a leash every day and does not think the community should, or must, provide a place for dogs to run loose. Andrea Rizzuto, Lafayette Ave., said that many who use Crows Woods are not Haddonfield residents. Beth Bacca of Voorhees enjoys the use of Crows Woods and also enjoys the restaurants in town and the playhouse. Crows Woods draws people to Haddonfield and they then shop here.

Jamie Horwitz-Fram asked Police Chief Tsonis to discuss enforcement of the regulations by the police. Chief Tsonis said that patrols are given orders to observe the area. When possible they should get out of their cars to issue summonses. Greg Derham of C.O.L.A. discussed some recent activity by the Boy Scouts. He feels that they need guidance from the Environmental Commission. He also said that he is very impressed with the professionalism of the Police Department. However, if we sometimes have only two officers on patrol, he feels having one of them at Crows Woods may not be the best use of the police department. Chief Tsonis said that they patrol when they can. Ty Perry, 331 Woodland Ave., said that dog owners seem to be largely in compliance. He encouraged the police to ticket offenders. "Word will get around." David McGuigan, 108 E. Park Ave., discussed runoff into the Cooper River and State regulations regarding fecal contamination. Alyn Caulk then suggested we move on. We did.

Commissioner Reisner explained the correction of the typographical error in Ordinance #1161 that needed attention. Winnie Branton, 125 Upland Way, owns another property in town and asked if a non-conforming lot could be rebuilt with the same footprint. Some technical discussion followed, and it was suggested she talk to our Zoning Officer.

After the regular agenda the Commissioners said they would take comments on the Business Improvement District. The second reading of that Ordinance will be on Tuesday, January 27. Dan Holben, 18 Colonial Ave., noted that three directors of the managing group will be "licensed professionals." He asked if entrepreneurs are qualified. He also asked if home-based businesses could be a part of this. Commissioner Reisner said that the primary intent is to promote the business district, but that the Board should listed to all who do business in Haddonfield.

Carrie Bantivoglio lives in Philadelphia and has a business in town. She is concerned about a lack of publicity to business owners who are not property owners. Mayor Colombi said that the Haddonfield Record published the entire ordinance. This was sent to every address in town.

Albert Sandecki, Tanner St., asked if the figures quoted will be constant. Commissioner Reisner said we do not know. It was asked if there would be any reduction for apartments above stores. There will not. It will be a flat tax on all commercial property. Mixed-use locations will be fully taxed. Larry Legnola is the owner of 43 Kings Highway East. The largest part of his building and the highest value is the residential portion above the stores. Mr. Reisner said that this was determined to be the simplest way to assess the tax. He feels that a good retail area is a benefit to all residents. Mr. Legnola sees it as a hardship.

Jim Leone is part owner of 35 Kings Highway East. He feels that the primary beneficiaries are the retailers. His building is 80% office and 20% retail. He asked if there would be any benefit to office people. Commissioner Reisner said that he hoped that by helping the retail stores there would be indirect benefits to office people. Mr. Leone asked if all office buildings will be a part of the base. They will. He suggested splitting retail and office space.

Michael Stilwell, 47 Potter St., objected to the S.I.D. ten years ago and now objects to the B.I.D. He believes government has no right to be involved in this sort of commercial project. If it benefits the town, let the town pay for it. He feels that this type activity should be a market place decision. He hopes others will feel the same. He fears it will drive some businesses out of town. Commissioner Reisner said that the State says this is an activity in which a municipality can get involved. This Commission is comfortable doing this. He feels that this is important for the well being of the town. Mr. Stilwell asked what will happen if it fails. Mr. Reisner said we will repeal it. Commissioner Tarditi said that we want to find a way to help the businesses. Parking problems were then discussed.

Mr. Sandecki said he fought hard against the S.I.D. ten years ago, but the Haddonfield Business & Professional Association cannot get full participation and he hopes this will help. He feels it is worth a try. Carrie Bantivoglio said that the money will not go exclusively to retail. She then asked about the budget. This will be prepared by the B.I.D. Board and approved by the Commissioners.

Mayor Colombi said that we have to be forward thinking to compete with the malls and with neighboring towns. Mr. Leone asked how much money will be generated. Mr. Reisner said it will raise about $250,000.

Steve Bodnar (our Hot-Dog Vendor) from Marlton asked if his business will be taxed. It will not. Only real estate will be taxed. Commissioner Tarditi said that we would gladly accept voluntary contributions. Mr. Bodnar is a member of the H.B.P.A.

Solicitor Iavicoli mentioned to Mr. Stilwell that Collingswood came back up after a period of decline. They are actively recruiting businesses. Mayor Colombi said that we feel we need to try this. Mr. Leone said that he often has clients who are late for appointments and say that they had trouble finding a place to park. Some people are frustrated by this and do not come back. He feels we need more women's stores, as they spend more money.

Mr. Sandecki asked that we please give help to off-highway businesses. He also noted that rents are very high for service oriented businesses. Commissioner Tarditi said that we are looking at a possible abatement program. Downtown Works, the firm we hired to evaluate our commercial areas, said that our rents are not high. Mayor Colombi said that we think this is a more equitable way to help our business association. Carrie Bantivoglio said that small shop owners cannot pay the rents that chain stores pay in the malls. Ted Raiczyk, 615 Wayne Ave., asked about the timetable. Commissioner Reisner said that there is a sunset clause for five years, but it can be repealed at any time.

Meeting adjourned 10:25 p.m.

Janet G. Betley

Borough Clerk