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Last Updated: Jan 11th, 2012 - 11:55:09
COMMISSIONER WORK SESSION OF SEPTEMBER 2, 2009
The Work Session of September 2, 2009 was called to order at 5:12 PM and the open public notice announcement was read by the Administrator. In attendance were Commissioner Colombi, Commissioner Borden, Commissioner Kasko, the Administrator/Deputy Clerk, the Solicitor, and Anne Frey (in the absence of the Clerk). Also in attendance were Kim Custer and Jaime Horwitz-Fram from the Haddonfield Parks Conservatory.
No public comments were made.
Both Ms. Custer and Ms. Horwitz-Fram discussed the application request on behalf of the Haddonfield Parks Conservancy for funding from the County Open Space Acquisition Program for the purchase of the Driscoll property. They explained that this parcel of land connects with both the Greenwald Park in Cherry Hill and Hopkins Pond. Commissioner Borden voiced his concerns with the application with regards to if and when the Bancroft property was to become available. He questioned if the Borough would be able to apply again for funding from the county. Ms. Horwitz-Fram provided printouts from the county website showing other various towns’ multiple applications and awards for various projects. She also commented that the Bancroft property is a very significant parcel and Ms. Custer remarked that each application is decided on a case-by-case basis. Both remarked that this property would actually help when and if the Bancroft property because available because it would then be one continuous tract of land. Commissioner Kasko asked for the size of the Driscoll property. Ms. Horwitz-Fram responded that it is 1.2 acres with an appraised/assessed value of $750,000.
Ms. Horwitz-Fram then started a discussion on the Open Space Fund, the purpose, the original wording and the tentative end date of 2011. Commissioner Colombi commented that 50% of the signatures of the original petition were told the fund was for turf and field maintenance, etc. Ms. Horwitz-Fram remarked that it is a five year investment and that people need to see something done with the fund. She further remarked that the Driscoll property is near six schools and offers lots of potential. Ms. Custer remarked about the greenway potential to the Historic District as well as the proposed Wetland Study Area and the Hadrosaurus Link. Commissioner Colombi noted that there is interest from the County per her discussions with Freeholder Jeffrey Nash (County Parks Department) for their assistance with the dinosaur trail. The Commissioners discussed the funds needed to purchase the property with the County and State possibly matching the use of the Open Space Fund. Commissioner Borden was concerned about the total overall financial requirements of the property. Ms. Custer remarked that there was little to no maintenance as the intent is for the property to remain in a natural state. She further stated that this would also be enhanced by the County’s newly proposed facility on Park Blvd., which is also for environmental education. The Solicitor asked if the County might be interested in purchasing the property. Ms. Custer replied that she had been informed through a phone conversation with the County that they would not be interested in making this purchase themselves. The Solicitor was given the authority to negotiate a contract with Peter Driscoll for the purchase of the property with a contingency if grant monies are not received. Ms. Horwitz-Fram asked for a resolution authorizing the grant application. Both Commissioner Colombi and Commissioner Kasko were in favor. Commissioner Borden was opposed at this time. The Borough Administrator noted the resolution would be added to the September 8th agenda.
The Administrator summarized the agenda for the upcoming Commissioners’ Meeting of September 8th. Ms. Custer and Ms. Horwitz-Fram left the meeting at 6:05 PM.
The Administrator announced that she had been approached by both Joe Haro and Kirk Peterson expressing their interesting in being members of the Citizen Advisory Budget Committee that is to be formed in the near future. Commissioner Kasko Stated he was happy with the names already received and commented there had been additional advertising for this group. A meeting date of September 28, 2009 at 7:00 PM has been set to meet with the applicants.
At 6:15 PM the Administrator started the discussion for the contract for Borough Solicitor. Commissioner Borden moved to go to close session on this topic. Commissioner Colombi seconded the motion. The Commissioners then voted unanimously on the motion. The Solicitor left the meeting for this discussion.
The Commissioners returned from closed session at 6:35 PM. The Solicitor also rejoined the meeting at that time.
The Commissioners then discussed the Professional Services Contracts for the Borough’s Coalition on Affordable Housing (COAH) professionals, the Redevelopment Attorney, and the Bond Counsel. The Commissioners decided to renew the contracts with the COAH professionals, as well as the Redevelopment Attorney for another year. The Administrator remarked that the COAH plan should be done by the end of this year. The Commissioners also agreed to go out for a Request for Proposal for Bond Counsel Services.
The Administrator advised the Commissioners of a request for a skate park at Fall Festival. The Commissioners discussed and agreed to allow this event. The Commissioners further discussed the parking issues with the Mechanic Street lot when the Highway is closed. All agreed to leave it exactly the same.
Commissioner Kasko updated the Commissioners on the Partnership for Haddonfield, LLC events: First Friday, Visual Enhancement Program, and Summer Sundays.
The Administrator reminded the Commissioners of the upcoming NJ League of Municipalities Convention. Commissioner Kasko asked if there was a way to tabulate the visits to the Haddonfield Webpage. The Administrator stated she believed there were and that she would check with the webmaster. The Commissioners briefly discussed pedestrian safety in the downtown area. Commissioner Colombi commented on a recent article about Collingswood and their pedestrian enforcement. Commissioner Borden advised that he would address this issue with the Police Captain.
Commissioner Colombi announced that the next shredding event is to be held on Saturday, September 26th.
Commissioner Borden updated the Commissioners on the status of the Chief of Police selection in very general terms.
Commissioner Borden made a motion to go into closed session at 7:25 PM to discuss negotiations for the purchase of the Driscoll property. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Colombi. The Commissioners voted unanimously on the motion.
The Commissioners returned from closed session at 7:45 PM.
Commissioner Kasko and Commissioner Colombi discussed the card tables at the Mabel Kay House and how they are obtained. Commissioner Kasko expressed concerns over some tables that had been discarded. Commissioner Colombi explained that these tables are donated to Mabel Kay and are not purchased using public monies.
The Administrator reminded the Commissioners of the Kings Court re-opening event on Friday, September 4th at 5:30 PM.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted
Anne Frey
Clerk Typist - Administration Office
Reviewed By
Sharon McCullough
Administrator/Deputy Clerk
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