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Last Updated: Jan 11th, 2012 - 11:55:09
COMMISSIONER WORK SESSION OF OCOTBER 5, 2009
The Work Session of October 5, 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 Kasko and Commissioner Borden, the Administrator, the Solicitor and the Borough Clerk.
No questions were asked during the public comment period.
The requirement to put in a sidewalk at a location on Concord Drive where a new house is being built was discussed. The Commissioners agreed to not require sidewalks in areas where there are currently no sidewalks at all.
The October 13th agenda was reviewed. Commissioner Kasko asked if the Snow and Ice Removal agreement is the same as previous. The Administrator replied that is the same.
Commissioner Borden moved to go into closed session at 5:25 p.m. to discuss negotiations of the purchase of property for Open Space. Commissioner Colombi seconded the motion. The Commissioners voted unanimous to approve the motion.
The Commissioners returned from closed session at 5:55 p.m.
The Administrator reviewed the July-October 2009 Engineer’s Report. The status of the various 2008 Road Program projects was briefly discussed. A report on the Potter/Ellis Street Intersection Realignment project was given. It was specifically mentioned that a meeting had been held on Wednesday, September 30th with Site Plan Review Committee, Shade Tree Commission and Environmental Commission. During this meeting an idea was presented by the Shade Tree Commission Chairperson which will provide better visibility and access to MacDonald Park. After some discuss the Commissioners agreed that a landscape architect should look at this change to ensure that it would not cause structural issues to a home next to the park.
Steve Springer, 1122 Concord Drive, joined the meeting at 6:10 p.m. to discuss the requirement to put in a sidewalk at his property. Commissioner Colombi informed Mr. Springer that the Commissioners had discussed this issue at the beginning of the meeting and decided that, as there are no sidewalks in his area, he will not be required to incorporate this into his property. Mr. Springer left the meeting at 6:15 p.m. The Administrator will inform the Community Development Director of the change.
The Administrator returned to the review of the July through October 2009 Engineer’s Report. The 2009 Road Program Project statuses were reviewed. After some discussion regarding a street opening on Redman Avenue the Commissioners agreed that a meeting needs to be set up with PSE&G again to discuss the opening of roads that have been newly paved. The Commissioners were informed that the Euclid Avenue Traffic Calming Feasibility Study may be delayed for a short period of time because the findings of the traffic calming study will need to be coordinated with the conclusions and recommendations of a pump station study. Recent site visits to two pump stations conducted as part of the ongoing sanitary sewer pump station study show that it may be feasible to eliminate two pump stations. The Commissioners were asked to review three separate concept plans for the NJDOT Recovery Act Transportation Enhancement Grant Application for Mechanic and Clement Streets. After some discussion it was agreed that these concept plans need to be reviewed by the Parking and Access Committee. Commissioner Borden will schedule a meeting with this group. The water and sewer projects were briefly discussed. It was announced that the Gravity Connection to CCMUA – Phase I project work should begin sometime in November. Commissioner Colombi agreed to contact the owners of the parking lot behind the Armory to discuss utilizing this area for storage of pipes and heavy equipment for this project.
Commissioner Kasko asked for more specific information with regards to responding to residential complaints when newly paved streets have utility street openings done. This lead to additional discussions with regards to PSE&G. The Commissioners reiterated that they would like to have a meeting with them to discuss this issue again.
Commissioner Colombi reported on the success of the second Shredding Event held on September 26, 2009. A total of 16,688 lbs. was received and will be added to the Borough’s recycling total. It was agreed that Commissioner Kasko will talk to Partnership for Haddonfield to get their ideas on how to offer this service to the businesses in town. The cost is approximately $1,200 per truck.
At the request of the Shade Tree Commission Chairperson the Commissioners reviewed the attendance of the members to the Commission and agreed that the member who is not attending a minimum of 75% of the meetings will be asked to step down. The Commissioners agreed that this should be done now so that a replacement can be found before December, which is when all the terms are due to expire.
The Administrator reviewed the monthly report received from Jersey Professional Management regarding the Municipal Court Shared Services Study.
Commissioner Kasko advised that the Partnership for Haddonfield (PfH) opened nine proposals received on September 30, 2009 for the Public Relations/Communications Services Request for Proposal. The Administrator advised the Commissioners of problems that occurred with regards to this RFP opening. Also addressed was a recent issue with an unauthorized “third” banner being hung across Kings Highway without Borough approval. The Commissioners agreed that only two banners are allowed per the written policy and there is no need to make a change. Commissioner Kasko indicated that he has been approached by members of PfH about possibly having a second banner site near the PATCO high speed line. The Commissioners did not agree to add a second place for the hanging of banners. Commissioner Kasko then stated the PfH has informed him that there are vacancies on the PfH Executive Board. PfH is asking for recommendations on potential candidates for these openings. It was agreed that Commissioner Kasko will get clarification on these vacancies as no official resignations have been received.
The Administrator advised the Commissioners that the Sign Committee will be making recommendations to the Community Development Director to make changes to Chapter 191 entitled Signs. These changes won’t be presented until later this month. Commissioner Colombi commented that something needs to be done with these stores on Mechanic Street that are putting out racks of clothes on the weekends.
At 7:30 p.m. Commissioner Borden made a motion to go into closed session to discuss personnel matters. Commissioner Colombi seconded this motion. The Commissioners voted unanimously on the motion.
The Commissioners returned from closed session at 7:43 p.m.
The Administrator announced that the retirement dinner for Sue Lewis has been scheduled for Wednesday, November 4th and Rick Tsonis’ retirement dinner has tentatively been scheduled for December 2nd.
Commissioner Colombi expressed a need for the Commissioners to discuss the continuing situation of dogs running off leash at Crows Woods. She referenced a recent article in The Retrospect wherein a visitor from a surrounding town wrote a letter to the editor stating that there had been as many as eight (8) dogs running loose while they were there with their kids. She stated that issue needs to be resolved. Various possible solutions were discussed. Commissioner Borden stated that he will discuss this issue with the Captain of the Police Department. Commissioner Colombi also suggested that an article be published indicating to the public that this activity is illegal.
Commissioner Borden announced that the Planning Board has formed a sub-committee to discuss the residential zoning ordinance. He also stated that the Commissioners should have a discussion regarding the application for an assisted living facility behind Boxwood Hall. He pointed out that this is a commercial enterprise and that our ordinance does not currently address this type of use. He believes it is an excellent ratable. Although, he expressed concerns about the visual effect this facility will have on Boxwood Hall, which is a historical site. Commissioner Kasko asked how this facility would affect tax property revenues in town. The Administrator explained that this is a benefit to both the Borough and the School District. Commissioner Colombi mentioned that there is a possibility that Bancroft NeuroHealth may be looking at putting this type of facility on that site when they leave. This lead to general discussions about the possible need to start work on a redevelopment plan for the Borough.
The Solicitor recommended that the Commissioners repeal the sex offender ordinance due to recent litigation on this matter. The commissioners agreed to add this to the October 13th agenda. The Solicitor will write up the repealing ordinance.
Commissioner Colombi brought up some procedural issues with the running of various board meetings and asked that the Administrator review the procedures with the Chairpersons.
Commissioner Kasko announced that the Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast is scheduled for Saturday, October 17th at the Baptist Church. This is the same day as the Fall Festival.
Commissioner Borden made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Colombi, which was passed by unanimous vote.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Deanna Bennett
Borough Clerk
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