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Last Updated: Jan 11th, 2012 - 11:55:09
COMMISSIONER WORK SESSION OF JUNE 15, 2009
The Work Session of June 15, 2009 was called to order at 5:15 p.m. and the open public notice announcement was read by the Borough Administrator. In attendance were Commissioner Colombi, Commissioner Borden and Commissioner Kasko, the Administrator, the Solicitor and the Borough Clerk. Also in attendance were the following members of a library support group entitled A Better Library for Everyone (ABLE): Susan Briant, Ann Lawson, Joe Haro, Ruth Balton and Carla Janoff.
No public comments were made.
Ruth Balton addressed the Commissioners and expressed ABLE’s interests in working with the Commissioner for a better library. She explained that members of this group were in attendance at this meeting to find out where the Commissioners stand in this matter and to gather information about the process currently being undertaken. Commissioner Colombi pointed out that the new Board of Commissioners has not had the chance to discuss this topic to-date. She also pointed out the no decisions have been made, and will not be made, on this issue until the architectural firm recently hired to create three conceptual (preliminary) designs for the building and site(s) have been received. It was pointed out that all three conceptual designs will include a construction estimate for the design. The report is expected by the end of the summer. Both Commissioner Borden and Commissioner Kasko, through subsequent discussions, reiterated that no decisions have been made regarding this issue. When Ms. Balton asked what the Commissioners would like to see from ABLE, Commissioner Colombi stated that once all the information has been received regarding the recommendations for what should be done at the library she felt that ABLE’s job would be to help educate the residents regarding the information received and encourage them to go out and vote on the referendum. Carla Janoff asked if there was any stimulus money currently being offered that could be used for this type of project and how this could affect the time frame if there is. The Administrator replied that she and Susan Briant have looked into this possibility and there is nothing available at this time. Through subsequent discussion all three Commissioners stated again that it is important to wait for the report from the architect before any decision can be made.
The Commissioners agreed that the next meeting of the Library Architect Advisory Board should be put on the Borough web page for anyone interested in attending.
The members from ABLE left the meeting at 5:50 p.m.
The Administrator reviewed the June 23rd agenda. Specifically discussed was the first reading of the non-unionized employees’ salary ordinance. Commissioner Kasko was advised that the previous Board of Commissioners had agreed to a 2.75% increase for all non-union employees, except for managerial positions which will be frozen at the 2008 rate for this year. The increases will be made retroactive to April 1st. Commissioner Kasko asked why the increases were held until this time. The Administrator replied that this was due to the uncertainties in the State Aid numbers early in the year. He then asked what the savings would be with regards to the freezing of the managerial wages. The Administrator replied that the savings is approximately $26,000. All resolutions were then reviewed. The Administrator advised that the reason for the amendment to a prior resolution authorizing the signing of a professional services agreement for the feasibility study and the advisability of combining the municipal court systems of Haddon Heights and Haddonfield is because Audubon will now be included in the study. Also discussed was the request from the Partnership for Haddonfield to hold a new series of events entitled “Summer Sundays – Music on the Court” to be scheduled for Sundays in August. Commissioner Colombi expressed concerns regarding the residents that now live above Kings Court. She asked that the Administrator find out what types of music will be played during these events.
The responses to the advertisements on the vacancies of the Zoning Board and Human Relations Commission were discussed. It was agreed that the Commissioners will review the applicant information for further future discussions. The Commissioners also agreed that the recent opening on the Planning Board should be advertised in Municipal Matters although it has already been advertised on the Borough’s web page. The changes that will be occurring on the Municipal Alliance Committee due to changes in various organization membership were briefly mentioned.
The Borough Engineer joined the meeting at 6:30 p.m. to discuss possible time frame changes to the implementation of the 2010 Road Program. The Administrator explained that there will be a delay in receiving 2009 grant approval letters from the State due to the high volume of paperwork they are reviewing for various stimulus projects from across the state. Therefore, a suggestion is being made to move up the time table for the 2010 Road Program work. After some discussion the Commissioners agreed to move forward with advertising for bids on Station Avenue and a small portion of Pennbrook Avenue. The Commissioners also agreed to hold a special meeting on Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. to authorize the advertisement of these bids, as well as award a bid for Phase II of Lincoln Avenue project. Discussions ensued regarding the process required to eliminate a company from the bidding process by naming them as a non-responsive bidder.
The Administrator reported to the Commissioners on a recent meeting with PSE&G regarding the high volume of street openings that have been occurring on roads that have recently been repaved. It was agreed that the stability of the type of patch used over the next year will be closely followed. As there are still patches that need work, the Commissioners agreed to discuss this again at the next regularly scheduled work session.
The Borough Engineer left the meeting at 7:30 p.m.
The amendment to the 2009 Budget was reviewed by the Administrator. After some discussion, the Commissioners agreed to reduce the Shade Tree Operating Expense portion of the budget by the amount the Borough is losing in State Aid ($42,222) and to put the amendment on the June 23rd agenda. It was explained that this reduction will still leave money to go out for bids for tree take downs should it be needed. The Administrator pointed out that in prior years the Tree Crew, with the help of those companies being awarded bids for take downs, have been able to bring the schedule for take downs up to date. Therefore, these costs should not be as high.
The Commissioners reviewed a request from Starbucks Coffee for a waiver per Chapter 84-4, entitled Director of Public Safety waiver on their business hours of operation. They are asking to be allowed to open for business at 5:00 a.m. rather than the required 6:00 a.m. After a review of the current waiver granted to Starbucks allowing deliveries between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., the Commissioners agreed to this new waiver with the stipulation that the delivery waiver does not change.
JIF’s Sustainable Energy Meeting report, carried over from the last work session, was further reviewed by the Commissioners. After a brief discussion the Commissioners agreed to join this program to broker for lower fees on electricity and natural gas. The program will cost $600 to join; although whether or not the program moves forward will be determined by how many municipalities sign up. The Commissioners further agreed to delay payment of this initial fee until such time as it is determined the program will definitely move forward. A resolution will be added to the June 23rd agenda authorizing the membership in this program.
The Administrator advised the Commissioners that the Partnership for Haddonfield has a potential new restaurant they are considering for the vacant space now available. The Commissioners were made aware of possible incentives that may be provided to help entice this prospective tenant into moving into town.
The Commissioners were informed that the recent Bicycle Route Study done by Cross County Connection was completed by them at their own expense. The Administrator advised that there is a grant available through Cross County Connection which could pay up to $3,100 for the signage recommended in the study. The Commissioners agreed to apply for the grant, but to examine the recommended sign usage for ways to reduce the number of signs.
A request to have the time that trash can be put out on the day before pickup changed to a later time was reviewed by the Commissioners. After some discussion it was agreed to further discuss this issue at the next regularly scheduled work session.
The Administrator provided a conceptual plan for a Sculptural Garden at the intersection of Mechanic Street and Haddon Avenue to the Commissioners. This plan was provided by Stuart Harting. The Commissioners agreed to the concept.
A grand opening event for Kings Court was discussed. The Administrator will advise the Partnership for Haddonfield, who has some ideas and suggestions for such an event, that something can be scheduled for Saturday, July 4th at noon. If this is not feasible for PfH, then something can be scheduled for September.
The Solicitor advised the Commissioners on the status of an ongoing issue with an employee. The Commissioners agreed that the Solicitor should write a letter to this employee per his recommendations.
The Commissioners discussed the notice from the Civic Association that they would like to start video taping the Commissioner Meetings, which would then be put on their web page. The Commissioners agreed that when the fourth graders all stand and introduce themselves that the video tape should be turned off for the safety of the children.
Commissioner Borden discussed an idea from the Parking & Access group to paint all of the 12 hour meter poles a different color so that they can be easily spotted. Commissioner Colombi suggested doing a map of the parking lots indicating where the various types of meters are located rather than painting. She also suggested that this question be asked of Remington & Vernick for their opinion. This topic will be addressed again at a later work session.
Commissioner Kasko informed the Commissioners that he had recently received a request from the residents on Radnor Avenue to address the issue of traffic and parking on their street during games held at Radnor Field. He also stated that they would like traffic calming devices installed. Commissioner Borden stated that studies have been done which show that there is no justification for speed humps in that area. The Solicitor remarked that research has been done regarding lowering the speed limit to be under 25 MPH, but there are regulations prohibiting such.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Deanna Bennett
Borough Clerk
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