AGENDA | MINUTES
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
February 10, 2004

AGENDA

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

February 10, 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 Creating Special Improvement District As Amended – Second Reading

E. Ordinance Amending Former Ordinance #1661 Section 135-12 “Zoning Map” – Second Reading

F. Ordinance to Amend Ordinance Creating Special Improvement District – First Reading

RESOLUTIONS:

• Authorization to Pay Vouchers
• Authorization to Pay County Taxes – First Quarter
• Authorization to Pay CCMUA – Senior Citizens
• Authorization to Issue Check – Overpayment of Water and Sewer
• Authorization to Issue Check – Overpayment of Taxes
• Authorization to Enter Into CDBG Year 26
• Authorization to Award Contract – Automatic Recycling Truck
• Authorization to Award Professional Services Contract – Economic Development Services
• Authorization to Approve Appointments – Fire Department
• Authorization to Award Office Supply Contract
• Authorization to Approve Housing Rehabilitation Under CDBG Program

PROCLAMATIONS

Black History Month

American Heart Association

PUBLIC COMMENT

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February 10, 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. Tarditi:

SECOND READING February 10, 2004

AN ORDINANCE CREATING SPECIAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT AND DESIGNATING A DISTRICT MANAGEMENT CORPORATION, FOR THE BOROUGH OF HADDONFIELD, COUNTY OF CAMDEN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY AS AMENDED

The foregoing Ordinance was set forth in the minutes of the meeting of January 13, 2004 and was read by title and a public hearing was held thereon. After a public hearing the Ordinance was adopted by the following vote: Ayes, Commissioners Colombi, Reisner and Tarditi. Nays, none.

E.

An Ordinance by Mr. Tarditi:

SECOND READING February 10, 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 302 ENTITLED “ZONING MAP” (TO BE CODIFIED AS SECTION 135-2 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES)

The foregoing Ordinance was set forth in the minutes of the meeting of January 27, 2004 and was read in full. Commissioner Tarditi moved to table the public hearing of the Ordinance until March 10, 2004. Commissioner Reisner seconded that move. The motion to table the Ordinance was approved by the following vote: Ayes, Commissioners Colombi, Reisner and Tarditi. Nays, none.

F.

FIRST READING February 10, 2004

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AN ORDINANCE CREATING SPECIAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT AND DESIGNATING A DISTRICT MANAGEMENT CORPORATION, FOR THE BOROUGH OF HADDONFIELD, COUNTY OF CAMDEN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, AS AMENDED, TO DELETE CERTAIN POWERS OF THE DESIGNATED DISTRICT MANAGEMENT CORPORATION AND TO CORRECT INCLUDED PROPERTIES.

Section I.

Section 9 of AN ORDINANCE CREATING SPECIAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT AND DESIGNATING A DISTRICT MANAGEMENT CORPORATION, FOR THE BOROUGH OF HADDONFIELD, COUNTY OF CAMDEN, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, AS AMENDED, introduced on first reading on January 27, 2004, is hereby amended to read as follows:

Section 9. DESIGNATED DISTRICT MANAGEMENT CORPORATION

• a. The Governing Body of the Borough of Haddonfield hereby designates PARTNERSHIP FOR HADDONFIELD, INC. (“District Management Corporation”), a non-profit corporation, as the District Management Corporation for the District.

• b. That the District Management Corporation, in addition to acting as an advisory board to the governing body, shall also have all powers necessary and requisite to effectuate the purposes of this ordinance, including but not limited to:

• Adoption of by-laws for the regulation of its affairs and the conduct of its business and prescribe rules, regulations and policies for the performance of its functions and duties;

• Employ such persons as may be required, and fix and pay their compensation from funds available to the Corporation;

• Apply for, accept, administer and comply with requirements respecting an appropriation of funds or a gift, grant or donation of property or money;

• Make and execute agreements which may be necessary or convenient to the exercise of the power and functions of the Corporation including contract with any person, firm, corporation, government agency or entity;

• Administer and manage its own funds and accounts and pay its own obligations;

• Borrow money from private lenders for periods not to exceed 180 days and government entities for that or longer periods;

• Fund the improvement of exterior appearance of properties in the district through grants and loans;

8) Fund rehabilitation of properties in the district;

9) Accept, purchase, rehabilitate, sell, lease, or manage property in the district;

8) 10) Enforce the conditions of any loan, grant, sale or lease made by the corporation;

9) 11) Provide security, sanitation, and other services in the district, supplemental to those normally supplied by the Borough of Haddonfield;

10) 12) Undertake improvements designed to increase safety, attractiveness of the district to businesses which may locate there or visitors to the districts, including, but not limited to parking, litter clean up and control, landscaping, signage, and those improvements generally permitted for pedestrian malls under N.J.S.A. 40:56-66 pursuant to pertinent regulations of the governing body;

11) 13) Publicize, promote, and plan for the district and the businesses included within the district boundaries;

12) 14) Recruit new businesses to fill vacancies in, and to balance the business mix of,

the district;

13) 15) Organize special events in the district;

14) 16) Provide special parking arrangements for the district;

15) 17) Provide temporary decorative lighting in the district and

16) 18) Effectuate the purpose and intent of N.J.S.A. 40:56-66 as amended.

Section II.

That Schedule A of said Ordinance is amended to delete the following:

SCHEDULE A

Deletions:

BLOCK LOT PROPERTY LOCATION

33.01 53 25-27 ELLIS ST.

34 7 120 KINGS HIGHWAY E.

Section III .

Any ordinance or part of an Ordinance inconsistent with this or an part of this Ordinance is hereby repealed as to the inconsistent provisions.

Section IV.

This ordinance shall take effect after final passage and publication as required by 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 March 10, 2004. Ayes, Commissioners Colombi, Reisner and Tarditi. Nays, none.

1. Auth. to Pay Vouchers February 10, 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 February 10, 2004 are approved for payment and are available for public inspection in the Borough Clerk’s office:

ANIMAL CONTROL FUND AMOUNT

Wilson Webb $47.10

Voorhees Animal Orphanage $300.00

Superior Animal Control $1,068.54

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

2. Auth. to Pay County Taxes – First Quarter February 10, 2004

RESOLVED, by the Board of Commissioners of the Borough of Haddonfield that a check be drawn on the Current Account in the amount of TWO MILLION, NINE HUNDRED FIFTY SEVEN THOUSAND, EIGHT HUNDRED EIGHTY ONE DOLLARS AND EIGHT CENTS ($2,957,881.08) payable on February 17, 2004 to the County of Camden to pay first quarter taxes as follows:

County Taxes $2,881,084.48

Added Taxes 43,017.15

Open Space Tax 32,323.56

Omitted Taxes 1,455.89

TOTAL $2,957,881.08

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

3. Auth to Pay CCMUA – Senior Citizens February 10, 2004

RESOLVED, by the Board of Commissioners of the Borough of Haddonfield, County of Camden, State of New Jersey, that a check be drawn on the Water and Sewer Account payable to the Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority in the amount of SEVEN THOUSAND, SEVEN HUNDRED TWENTY FIVE DOLLARS AND NINETY CENTS ($7,725.90) to pay the sewer bills for qualified low income senior citizens in accordance with Ordinance #1615 for the first quarter of 2004.

Qualified Senior Citizens 98

Unit Billing Rate $78.75

Adjustment $8.40

Total Amount Due $7,725.90

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

4. Auth. to Issue Check – Overpayment of Water and Sewer February 10, 2004

RESOLVED, by the Board of Commissioners of the Borough of Haddonfield, That a check be drawn on the Water & Sewer Account in the amount of EIGHT HUNDRED SIXTY ONE DOLLARS AND FORTY CENTS ($861.40) payable to Katherine Dunne, 101 North Drive, Haddonfield, NJ 08033. This represents a refund of monies paid on over averaged bills on account #3542000.

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

5. Auth. to Issue Check – Overpayment of Taxes February 10, 2004

RESOLVED, by the Board of Commissioners of the Borough of Haddonfield, that a check be drawn on the Current Account in the amount of ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY DOLLARS ($180.00) payable to Robert Booth. This represents an overpayment in the fourth quarter of 2003 as the homeowner paid too much on block 64.08 lot 1.10.

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

6. Auth. to Enter Into CDBG Year 26 February 10, 2004

WHEREAS, the Borough of Haddonfield is entitled to Community Development Block

Grant funding; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners have chosen to submit an application for Program Year 26 (2004-2005); and

WHEREAS, the grant allocation for Year 26 (2004-2005) for the Borough of Haddonfield is $36,216.00; and

WHEREAS, the governing body has agreed to apply for funding for the following activity:

Construction of Handicapped Curb Cuts at Various Crosswalks Near Schools

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of the Borough of Haddonfield, County of Camden, State of New Jersey, that the Mayor is hereby authorized to sign the Project Description Form for Program Year 26 (2004-2005).

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

7. Auth. to Award Contract – Automatic Recycling Truck February 10, 2004

WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of the Borough of Haddonfield, caused a notice to be published in the Retrospect inviting the submission to the Borough Clerk at the Borough Hall on Monday, January 30, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. of Sealed Bids for an Automatic Recycling Truck for the Borough of Haddonfield; and

WHEREAS, the following bid was received:

BIDDERS AMOUNT

Holman Truck Center $114,920.00

GranTurk Equipment Co., Inc. 115,329.00

International Trucks of Central Jersey 121,475.00

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

1. That Holman Truck Center, Routes 73 & 38, Maple Shade, New Jersey 08052 is determined to be the lowest qualified bidder in connection with the receipt of Sealed Bids on January 30, 2004 for an Automatic Recycling Truck for the Borough of Haddonfield for a total bid price of $114,920.00.

2. That the Chief Financial Officer of the Borough has certified that the funds will be legally available in Account #03-732-02 (Public Works Vehicles & Equipment).

3. 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 execute a contract with the above listed bidder for contract amounts specified in the bids.

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

8. Auth. to Award Professional Services Contract – February 10, 2004

for Economic Development Services

WHEREAS, the Borough Commissioners have determined that a significant result of the planning and discussions to date, in response to the recommendations of the Business Development Task Force, is the clear need to look at the entire business environment in Haddonfield which could result in economic development activities for the future of the community; and

WHEREAS, there exists a need to retain a professional firm to coordinate all aspects of economic development planning and implementation for the revitalization of Haddonfield business areas due to the complexity and time commitment required for this type of work; and

WHEREAS, it has been determined that the services needed to carry out such services are both professional and extraordinary and unspecifiable in nature; and

WHEREAS, it has been determined that Public Solutions, Inc. is well qualified to provide the required services; and

WHEREAS, funds are available in Account #01-406-01 (Business Development O.E.) for this purpose; and

WHEREAS, the Local Public Contracts Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1 et seq., requires that a Resolution authorizing the award of the Contract for Professional and/or Extraordinary Unspecifiable Services without competitive bids must be publicly advertised.

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

1. The Borough is hereby authorized to retain Public Solutions, Inc., 30 Tanner Street, Haddonfield, NJ 08033 as Professional Consultant to provide economic development coordination services per their proposal dated December 1, 2003, and supplemented as of January 4 and January 29, 2004, to be paid at the rate of $3,000 per month for a twelve (12) month period.
2. This contract is made without competitive bidding as “Professional and Extraordinary and Unspecifiable Service” under the provisions of the Local Public Contracts Law because of the qualitative nature of the services to be utilized.
3. A notice shall be published in the Retrospect as required by law, within ten (10) days of its passage.
4. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon passage.

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

9. Auth. to Approve Appointments – Fire Department February 10, 2004

RESOLVED, by the Board of Commissioners of the Borough of Haddonfield, in the County of Camden and State of New Jersey, as follows:

WHEREAS, Geoffrey Dreher and Richard J. Kahl have made applications for Explorer memberships in Haddon Fire Company No. 1 and have been accepted by the Company.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Commissioners of the Borough of Haddonfield, that the application of Geoffrey Dreher and Richard J. Kahl for membership in Haddon Fire Company No.1 is accepted.

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

10. Auth. to Award Office Supply Contract February 10, 2004

WHEREAS, the Borough of Haddonfield is a participant in a cooperative pricing project through Camden County known as Bid A-27, Purchase of Office Supplies Under the Camden County Cooperative Pricing System, System Identifier #57 CCCPS; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Chosen Freeholders received the bids and recommended the award to the lowest responsible bidder, Office Basics, 80 Lacrue Street, Concordville, PA 19331 for price only at a cost of 67% off catalog for both the County and participating governments’ entities in the Cooperative for a two year period ending January 31, 2004; and

WHEREAS, the Borough of Haddonfield, by resolution dated January 8, 2002, agreed to the award to Office Basics; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Chosen Freeholders, at their meeting of January 22, 2004, adopted a resolution to extend the bid contract of Office Basics for one additional year to expire January 31, 2005 with the same contract terms and conditions; and

WHEREAS, each participating municipality in the Cooperative is hereby authorized to extend the same contract directly with Office Basics pursuant to the terms and conditions of this bid after award by its governing body in accordance with applicable law.

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

• That a contract is hereby extended to Office Basics for 67% off of the catalog prices specified in said bid for the project known as Office Supplies for an additional period of one (1) year from February 1, 2004 through January 31, 2005 with an additional one year option.
• That funding for this purpose for the Borough of Haddonfield shall not exceed the maximum line items for office supplies in the Borough of Haddonfield’s 2004 and 2005 budgets and shall be encumbered prior to incurring the obligation pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:34-5.3(b)(2).
• That the Mayor and Borough Clerk are hereby authorized to execute the necessary contract to affect this award.

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

11. Auth. to Approve Housing Rehabilitation Under CDBG Program February 10, 2004

WHEREAS, the Haddonfield Housing Rehabilitation Agency, hereinafter referred to as “Agency” has received and reviewed an application by the homeowner specified for rehabilitation of their dwelling under the Camden County Community Development Block Grant Program; and

WHEREAS, said Agency has determined that said homeowner is eligible under the guidelines of said program; and

WHEREAS, the County of Camden has been authorized by Cooperation Agreements between the County and the various participating municipalities to administer the Housing Rehabilitation Program from Funds received under Community Development Block Grant Program.

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

• That homeowner applicant 13-D-114 is hereby determined eligible for assistance under the Camden County Home Improvement Program.
• That the Camden County Division of Community Development is hereby authorized to process the aforementioned homeowner’s application for rehabilitation of their dwelling as specified herein.
• That the Camden County Division of Community Development is further authorized to do the following:

• Execute any and all documents and perform all administrative functions, which may be required or desired in order to carry out the terms and conditions of the Community Development Block Grant Program.
• Make payments to the homeowners and contractors in amounts determined by the County for services performed in rehabilitating the dwellings specified herein.

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

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, Haddonfield, along with many other communities throughout the nation, is in the midst of a month long observance of Black History Month;

WHEREAS, while most of America is aware of Jackie Robinson’s contributions to baseball and General Colin Powell’s military leadership in Desert Storm, probably few can pinpoint college founder Mary McLeod Bethune’s contribution to education or identify astronomer Benjamin Banneker; and

WHEREAS, ignorance of such facts is what led Carter G. Woodson to create Negro History Week in February 1926 which gave way to Black History Month in 1976; and

WHEREAS, February was selected because Frederick Douglass, a staunch human rights advocate, and Abraham Lincoln, another defender of equality among mankind, were both born that month; and

WHEREAS, Haddonfield takes pride in its role as a community that participated in the route of the Underground Railroad during the Civil War years to help save African slaves from lives of treatment as merchandise rather than as human beings; and

WHEREAS, the Borough of Haddonfield, under the leadership of the Haddonfield Human Relations Commission, has made it a priority to provide opportunities to participate in this important educational experience through programs for the community such as “Frederick Douglass Presents”, A Community Conversation About the Impact of Dr. King On Our Lives, and a Martin Luther King Day performance by the Choir from the Camden High School of the Performing Arts;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Borough of Haddonfield, proclaim the month of February 2004 as

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

in the Borough of Haddonfield and urge all Haddonfield residents to take advantage of the many programs available in the Delaware Valley and through the media, to increase their knowledge and appreciation of the untold contributions to this country and the world by Black Americans and to support Black History Month in Haddonfield and throughout the nation.

____________________ ______________________ ___________________

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, February is designated across America as America as American Heart Month, a time to educate Americans about matters of the heart, a time to intensify awareness, knowledge and prevention of cardiovascular disease, and all that can be done to help reduce disability and death from America’s number one killer; and

WHEREAS, the American Heart Association’s national theme of 2004 American Heart Month is “Go Red For Women,” a national call for women to take charge of their heart health and live stronger, longer lives; and

WHEREAS, heart disease is the number killer of women over the age of 25 and claims the lives of more than half a million women each year, more than the next seven causes of death combined, and nearly twice as many as all forms of cancer, including breast cancer; and

WHEREAS, 63 percent of women who die suddenly of heart disease have no previous symptoms of this disease; and

WHEREAS, of the total number of U.S. deaths in 2000 from heart disease, women represented 53.5 percent of all deaths and men represented 46.5 percent.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Borough Commissioners encourage its residents to wear red during the month of February to support all women who have been touched by heart disease and join the American Heart Association in encouraging women to take charge of their cardiovascular health, pay attention to their hearts and help them live longer, stronger lives by reducing their risk for cardiovascular disease.

___________________ ________________________ ___________________

GENERAL COMMENTS - Commissioners Meeting – February 10, 2004

Mayor Colombi said that we have been talking about this S.I.D./B.I.D. Ordinance in a public forum for 6 weeks. The Business Development Task Force has been studying the business community for many months. She thanked Jack Leonard for all his work on the project. Commissioner Reisner was asked to lead the discussion since he was in charge of this committee. Mr. Reisner said that we do propose to pass an amendment soon to address a comment received from Mr. Zeitz at the last meeting regarding the deletion of two of the powers granted to the District Management Corporation.

The Public Hearing was then opened. Michael Willman, 57 Linden Ave., also has an office at 19 Chestnut St. He feels that the concept is long overdue. He is concerned about the categories that make up the Corporation. Three licensed professionals, three owners of retail stores and three landlords does not leave representation for advertising and public relations firms or other service businesses. Commissioner Reisner said that the categories were recommended by the committee. There will be one seat for any resident of the town. The idea is to help strengthen the retail community.

Mayor Colombi asked Mr. Willmann what he thought would be better. Mr. Willmann said that “licensed professionals” seem to be over-represented. Solicitor Iavicoli suggested that we might change the “retail” category to “commercial” and put definitions of the categories in the Ordinance.

Steve Rosenblatt, 317 Redman Ave., questioned the ability of the Corporation to borrow money, and could we do it to condemn property. He asked about a later Resolution to award a no-bid contract to Public Solutions, and if this was the beginning of a plan to tear down a property on Tanner St. to build a parking garage. Commissioner Reisner said that professional services do not require the use of bids. He also said that Lou Bezich (of Public Solutions) has shown that he has the talent and the experience to help us.

Stan Bitman, 6-8 Kings Highway East, said that he has been at his location for 40 years and there has always been a parking problem. Commercial landlords can only get so much money out of a property. His taxes have gone up 35% since 1995. Vacant buildings on the Highway hurt the homeowners as well as the business district. He gets no value from activities in the center of town. He feels the additional tax will be a handicap to downtown property owners. He asked about staff and office space. Commissioner Reisner said that we share his concern about having the downtown stay healthy. We expect to have three part-time people in the space used by the Visitors Center. Mr. Bitman is opposed to the Ordinance.

Herb Hess, Redman Ave., had questions on the projected figures. He asked the Commissioners about the property they owned, and if there was a conflict. They each listed their ownership. Solicitor Iavicoli said that there was no conflict if their vote was considered good for the whole town, or if a majority could not be had without their vote. He asked if we had discussed the plus and minus factors in other towns, and how we will know if is successful. Commissioner Tarditi said that we are in competition with Sagemore and are allies with Haddon Township and Collingswood. Commissioner Reisner said that a consensus will evolve over time. Mayor Colombi said that we will know it is successful if there are no empty stores, we have a better retail mix, and new stores stay longer than one year. Mr. Hess asked about the possible demolition of 21 Tanner St. Commissioner Tarditi said that we are looking at a long-range increase in parking, and a structure is a possible solution. On an interim basis, 21 Tanner St. is between two lots, and we might be able to arrange a link between the two by using some of that property. Mr. Hess feels that the businesses should take responsibility for the services that they require.

Mayor Colombi said that most of the recommendations in the original S.I.D. program have been done at taxpayers’ expense. We have made improvements to our parking lots and have improved our streetscape.

Kirk Peterson, 214 Lakeview Ave., mentioned possible locations for additional parking. He also said that litter should be picked up in Borough lots. Some lots were not cleaned up for First Night. They should be cleaned for all special events.

Eleanor Togneri, 53 Kings Highway East, opened her business in 1987 and is proud to have a store in town. She was for the S.I.D. ten years ago and is for it now. All retailers have a responsibility as a part of the community. She had an appraisal done on her building recently and it has not increased in value. She feels the business district needs consistent funding. Mary Bauer of 335 Kings Highway East owns the houses on Clement Street. She asked how this will impact on her property. As residential property it will not be charged for the B.I.D.

Don Firmani, 18 Grove St., got a copy of the Ordinance two weeks ago. He asked how it will help a business on Grove St. Commissioner Reisner said that it should help all businesses. Joint advertising should benefit the entire community. Mr. Firmani said that if it benefits the entire community then all should pay for it. Commissioner Reisner said that the Borough will continue to pay for trash pickup and the Visitors Center. Mr. Firmani asked about multi use buildings. Mr. Reisner said that we will take another look at this, but right now there will be a tax on the whole property. Mr. Firmani said that since 1983 the value of his building has increased 108% and his taxes are up 400%.

Elise Vider, 425 Beechwood Ave., said that there are other very successful B.I.D.s and S.I.D.s in over 1000 communities in the country. It does work. A vital downtown is a part of the beauty of Haddonfield. Deborah Rauch, 75 Haddon Ave., said that people in town do not support upscale shops. Regarding parking, she said that you park on a hill in Manayunk.

Joe Murphy, 57 Chestnut St., owns 30 Tanner St. He said that it is easy to criticize. There are loud voices against. He appreciates a strong retail district. Volunteers cannot do it all. A small town needs to work together. “Let’s get on with it!” Wilbur Wamsley owns 26 Tanner St. He looked at Haddonfield and Collingswood. A large percentage of his business comes from out of town. He moved to Haddonfield because it was a nice place to bring clients. He is in favor of the concept. Businesses are here to make money. Residents should not have to pay for it. He supports the Ordinance.

Former Mayor Gene Kain, 15 West End Ave. and 1015 Washington Ave., has been on several task forces. They tried to get the members of the Haddonfield Business and Professional Association to support it. If all businesses paid dues there would be enough money. This may seem to be forced membership in the Association. He asked if the B.I.D. would have the authority to establish hours of business. Commissioner Reisner said that we have been talking to landlords to get them to put this in their leases. Mr. Kain supports the Ordinance.

Ron Clark, 406 Warwick Road and 109 Kings Highway West, has a problem with traffic in town. As an orthodontist he does better when business is not so good. He feels the B.I.D. is not good for all businesses, and his three apartments being taxes is not fair. He is against it. Dr. Robert Gill, 8 Tanner St., said that we should be able to vote on this.

Dr. Mario Gebbia, 470 Kings Highway West and 53 Kings Highway West, said that the S.I.D. was defeated because people did not see the benefit that they were being asked to pay for. Businesses do get extra services (daily trash pick-up) but they also pay school tax. He said that Downtown Works is a retail consulting firm. Their report was biased in favor of retailers. He suggested we find out how B.I.D. helped residents in other towns. He wants specific guidelines to evaluate the success in 5 years. He feels that retail will benefit but offices will not. Commissioner Tarditi said that he believes it will improve the overall downtown area.

David Hunter rents office space to publish “What’s On In Haddonfield” and owns and lives in a house at 260 Windsor Ave. He knows he will have to pay more rent. He related why he came to town 20 years ago. He said that the benefits to professionals are indirect. Want ads that say “Haddonfield Office” get a more favorable response. He is in favor of the B.I.D. Brad Porter has a dental practice on Haddon Ave. He feels it will be taxation without representation. He opposes it. Amy James is a resident and a professional. She lives and works in her property at 350 Kings Highway East. She is also against the Ordinance.

Lisa Hurd is our Retail Coordinator. She lives with her family at 330 Homestead Ave. She is concerned about the status of downtown. There are a lot of fine stores in town but there are some major issues. We are on the brink. There is a lack of foot traffic. She feels the time is now to try to attract a better mix of business. She supports the B.I.D.

Debby Hansen, 143 Kings Highway East, operates the Little Shop. She said that the Commissioners have worked very hard on this. She went shopping on Saturday, not in Haddonfield. She said that traffic and parking are difficult everywhere on the weekend.

Before the vote on the Ordinance, Commissioner Tarditi thanked Commissioner Reisner and the people who have worked on this for a number of months. This may not be the perfect answer but it is a work in progress. Mayor Colombi first thanked the parents and their fourth graders for attending such a long meeting. She then said that we will keep looking at this to make it more fair. We hope to make things better. The vote was then taken and the Ordinance passed on second reading.

The fourth graders from Elizabeth Haddon School were asked to introduce themselves. They were Gregory Toci, 147 Lansdowne Ave.; Chris Dengler, 404 Linden Ave.; Andrew Noah, 645 Clinton Ave.; Matthew Godlewski, 736 Mr. Vernon Ave. and Bianca Endres, 115 Avondale Ave. Chris asked why there were no fast food restaurants in Haddonfield. Clerk Betley said that at lunchtime the Bread Board was faster than any fast food restaurant.

Ted Raiczyk, 615 Wayne Ave., asked about a payment to the Haddonfield Mews. This is for the street lights and covers two years. We agreed to reimburse them for this expense.

Beverly Harding accepted the Proclamation as a member of the Human Relations Commission. She thanked the Commissioners.

Commissioner Tarditi wished Mayor Colombi a Happy Birthday.

The meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m.

Janet G. Betley

Borough Clerk