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Last Updated: Mar 25th, 2008 - 16:31:17
COMMISSIONER’S WORK SESSION OF MARCH 19, 2007
The Work Session of March 19, 2007 was called to order at 5:00 p.m. and the open public notice announcement was read by the Borough Administrator. In attendance were Commissioner Colombi, Commissioner Rochford, Commissioner Borden, the Administrator, the Solicitor, the Assistant to the Administrator/Deputy Clerk and the Borough Clerk.
As there were no questions during the public comment period, the Commissioners moved to discuss the agenda items.
Commissioner Rochford suggested discussing the Administrator’s position first, then move back into regular agenda items. Also suggested for discussion were other employment positions and Teamsters negotiations. Commissioner Colombi made a motion to move into closed session at 5:05 pm to discuss the positions and the Teamsters negotiations. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Rochford. The Commissioners unanimously agreed.
The Commissioners returned from closed session at 6:00 pm.
Commissioner Borden advised that he will not be available for the March 29th Work Session. It was agreed to keep the meeting as scheduled for now, but cancel at the last minute if it was understood it wasn’t needed.
The proposed March 27th Commissioner Meeting agenda was briefly reviewed by the Administrator.
The Assistant to the Administrator advised the Commissioners of the next steps in general terms for implementation of a budgeted capital improvement program. The various items that were proposed in the 2007 capital program were discussed. The Commissioners agreed to include several of the projects including the purchase of vehicles for the Public Works Department – pickup, dump truck and chipper, the drainage issue project studies, as well as the sump pump issue and improvements to the Crows Woods parking area. The Assistant to the Administrator and the engineer will review the water and sewer projects and develop a capital ordinance on the projects that are ready to move forward including the utility work for the 2007 Road Program. A digital topographic mapping recommendation was discussed and agreed to not be include in the ordinance. Two proposed ordinances, one general capital and a water and sewer capital, will be ready for introduction on April 10th.
The PfH vacancy was discussed in general.
The Administrator advised the Commissioners that Thursday, March 22nd and Saturday, March 24th have been set up for the opening ceremonies for the Little League Field. The Assistant to the Administrator announced that PSE&G has not finished their work at the location at this point. The Mayor will call PS&E if necessary.
The re-building of Mountwell Playground was discussed. The Administrator advised that a newspaper article shows that the whole plan has been developed and he will advise those in charge of the process to be followed. Commissioner Colombi asked if we would be able to move dirt around in that area to level out the playground. The Administrator advised that we could do this, but that we do not have the expertise in leveling. In addition, we could charge for the over time costs, but not charge for equipment use. The target date for this project is sometime in 2008.
The Commissioners agreed to move forward with the “Workplace Partnership for Life” program sample letter, as is, in a paycheck stuffer for the borough employees. The Clerk is to contact this group to get the appropriate information.
The Solicitor advised the Commissioners on legal issues regarding the setting up of a library building fund. It was agreed that the Library can receive a donation into their own accounting system, or utilize one set up through the borough. The Solicitor will look into the legality of the Library receiving the money directly and have it set aside for a specific purpose.
The Assistant to the Administrator advised that the Capital Ordinance discussed earlier will also consist of re-instating $75,000 for the Library that can be used for work on the roof and/or to hire a consultant update the building program.
The status of the Environmental Commission’s recommendation for a steep slope and tree clearing ordinance was discussed. Currently the ordinance is before the Planning Board and if they approve it at their April meeting, then it could be put on the April 10th Commissioner Meeting agenda. The potential problems of building on steep slopes and how it may affect the Borough in the future were discussed.
The proposed ordinance to raise pet license fees was discussed. Proposed changes to section 69-19(1) were discussed and agreed to. The ordinance will not be introduced until the April 10th Commissioner Meeting.
The proposed marriage and civil unions fee ordinance was discussed. The procedures were discussed in general terms. It was agreed to eliminate the administrative fee. This ordinance will not be introduced until April 10th.
The proposed ordinance to change the fee structure for on-street overnight parking permits was discussed. The question of whether or not to include apartments in this new fee structure was reviewed. It was agreed to refund the $75 difference to apartment dwellers as well as single family home with no off-street parking.
The ordinance introduced regarding the changes to the Bicycle and Skateboarding ordinance was discussed. Commissioner Rochford reported that he has not heard any feedback from PfH at this time.
Discussion of a possible initiative for alcohol for restaurants will be continued onto the next work session agenda as there is nothing new to report at this time.
The Solicitor advised that PATCO has given the farmer’s market people permission to use a portion of their lot. Discussions were held regarding the use of the portion under agreement with PATCO by the Borough. Various other portions of the PATCO lots were discussed as possible alternative locations for the Farmer’s Market.
PfH’s request to put spring flags out on the highway was discussed. Commissioner Colombi noted that these flags would need to be taken down prior to Memorial Day. The Commissioners agreed to allow these flags. The Clerk will communicate with the Director of the Information Center the times that the American Flags are hung on the highway so that there can be no conflict in this area. It was agreed that a 12 month plan will be requested from PfH on when they would like to have flags hung.
The status of the Downtown Visioning Plan was discussed. The Commissioners were reminded that there is an April 25th public meeting on this plan. Commissioner Rochford asked if there has been any negative pushback from people regarding this subject. Commissioner Borden stated that there has not been much done in that area. The main focus of the recommendations in zoning changes were discussed.
Issues under consideration by the Parking & Access committee were discussed. Commissioner Borden updated the Commissioners on the discussions held at the last meeting regarding the shared parking in various lots, permit vs. shoppers. He stated that further conversations will be held with the shop owners on how to best allocate the parking spaces. Commissioner Rochford asked if there has been any feedback regarding the new parking meter rates. At this time, no reaction has been received. The Assistant to the Administrator announced that the weekly revenues have increased since the adoption of the ordinance.
The Administrator announced that on May 17th from 1-4 pm Angelo Alberto will be leading a tour of downtown Haddonfield for the Congress of New Urbanism. It will start at the Borough Hall.
The Administrator updated the Commissioners on discussions held with Ed McManimon regarding the Bancroft property.
The Administrator updated the Commissioners regarding Affordable Housing issues. First, the resolution from COAH on the waiver restraint regarding the purchase of the back portions of certain properties on Kings Highway was reviewed. The Solicitor indicated that we have 45 days to appeal this resolution. Processes for an appeal were discussed. It was determined that further review of this resolution is needed by the COAH planner and solicitor.
The guidelines for municipalities regarding appellate decisions were discussed briefly, along with FSHC’s view on these guidelines. It was agreed to get further input from our COAH advisors regarding this issue. Commissioner Borden asked if any municipalities have appealed any parts of these guidelines that may be of interest to us. The Administrator will look into this possibility.
The Administrator advised that the Adrenaline 5K run was postponed. The Commissioners agreed to the new date.
The Solicitor advised that the Banling suit against the Borough was dismissed by the Pennsylvania Court. When the request for Counsel fees was discussed by the Solicitor, he recommended to not move forward on this by our attorneys at Brown Connolly because of the minimal chance of being successful. The Commissioners agreed.
The Solicitor updated the Commissioners on the counsel fees to be collected in the Hutter case. It was agreed to talk to Mr. Hutter and/or his attorney to work out some way to finalize the matter.
The Administrator announced that the lawsuit by N. Hinchman residents asking that shade trees be removed, will be represented by the Borough Solicitor.
A request for allowing construction in the area of a drainage easement issue in the Farwood section was briefly discussed. The Solicitor will look into this situation.
The Assistant to the Administrator reviewed with the Commissioner the GIS maps received from Remington & Vernick.
Commissioner Colombi updated the Commissioners on the Crows Woods Pavilion dedication in April.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Deanna Speck
Borough Clerk
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