|
|
Last Updated: Mar 25th, 2008 - 16:31:17
COMMISSIONER’S WORK SESSION OF APRIL 16, 2007
The Work Session of April 16, 2007 was called to order at 5:30 p.m. and the open public notice announcement was read by the Borough Administrator. In attendance were Commissioner Colombi, Commissioner Rochford, the Administrator, 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.
The Administrator reviewed the proposed agenda for the April 24th Commissioner Meeting.
Commissioner Borden arrived at 5:36 p.m.
The annual professional appointments were discussed in general terms, specifically whether or not the Commissioners would like to ask for proposals for at least some of these positions. Commissioner Borden and Commissioner Rochford agreed to send out RFP’s for the Borough Engineer position now and the other two in staggered years. Commissioner Colombi was not in favor of this process.
The Solicitor arrived at 5:39 p.m.
The Assistant to the Administrator updated the Commissioners on the seven proposals received for Banking Services. It was announced that Commerce and Colonial Banks had offered the best rates in their proposals and discussions will be held with their representative to clarify various items. Commissioner Colombi disclosed that she is on the Board of Directors for Colonial Bank and will have to recuse herself from voting on this issue. Commissioner Rochford advised that he currently owns stock in Colonial Bank, but was in the process of selling it. The Solicitor advised that once he had divested himself of that stock, he would not have to recuse himself in this matter. The procedures used to make the final determination were discussed. A recommendation will be made to the Commissioners at the April 30th work session.
The Assistant to the Administrator presented the recommendations of the Director of Utilities regarding the bids received on the emergency water and sewer main services and the water/sewer lateral work. It was recommended that both the emergency water main work bid and the emergency sewer main work bid be awarded to 4RO Services. For the lateral and water services it was recommended that the bid be awarded to Ivymont. The Commissioners agreed to move forward with these recommendations and put the award resolutions on the April 24th agenda.
The Administrator reviewed the plan being discussed by the PfH nominating committee on filling the vacancies on the PfH Board. The Commissioners agreed that if the full PfH Board makes these recommendations they would make the appointments.
Commissioner Rochford updated the Commissioners on the agreement between the PfH and the Farmer’s Market Committee to operate under PfH sponsorship. The Administrator indicated that now people from each group need to meet to determine the final steps and/or procedures. It was agreed to use the Borough’s barricades and have Public Works drop them off on Friday and pick them up on Monday.
Commissioner Borden updated the Commissioners on the status of the Downtown Visioning Plan. The Planning Board hearing is scheduled for April 25, 2007. The idea of Haddon Avenue having a conditional use imposed for retail use was mentioned as a potential possibility.
In a topic related to Affordable Housing issues the Solicitor discussed the plans for acquiring the partial properties adjacent to the Snowden Avenue parking lot and the impact of the COAH waiver conditions permitting this purchase. He advised what the timetable is on the purchase agreements and various options were discussed. It was agreed by the Commissioners that the Solicitor should go back to the sellers and ask for an additional 90 days from today to make the purchase so the Board of Commissioners can negotiate with COAH on their conditions. Commissioner Borden and the Administrator reported on their meetings with three affordable housing developers regarding what could be built on the Snowden Avenue parking lot. The Administrator advised that the Commissioners need to determine how they would like to proceed and who they would like to use as the developer. Commissioner Borden advised that, due to a potential conflict, he will not be able to participate in the determination of which developer to use because of his relationship with one of them of the Ingerman Group. The Administrator reviewed the plans from the developers in detail with the Commissioners. Commissioner Rochford asked specifically how many units we were looking at building on this site and what impact it would have in regards to the RDP requirements imposed by COAH based on the Bancroft property. The Assistant to the Administrator, after calling the Borough’s COAH Planner, advised that the COAH Planner indicated that there would be a 25% bonus credit from rental units and that the Borough should try to get 44 units in total between Snowden Avenue and the Bancroft property. It was agreed to request further clarification on that number. The Administrator advised that approximately 24 units seems to be the overall consensus among the developers as the minimum cost effective number for the Snowden Avenue parking lot. The Commissioners discussed what number of units they feel would be best for development on the parking lot. The process for choosing a developer was discussed. The Commissioners agreed to advertise an RFQ for a developer. The Commissioners also discussed a response to Jim Rhoads’ letter about the number of affordable units required for his plans for 501 N. Haddon Avenue when compared to the proposal for affordable units at the 110 Ellis Street site. The Commissioners agreed to use the Planning Board and Zoning Board Solicitor Pete Lundgren’s proposed response which explains the different legal circumstances between the two applications. It reiterates the request for a 20% minimum set-aside. With regards to voluntary mediation with COAH and various objectors it was agreed to advise them the Borough was not prepared to go ahead at this time until there has been a chance to develop a plan for the Snowden Lot and provide the information to the public for their response.
The Administrator updated the Commissioners on the status of the Bancroft property site. The Planner’s report is that Bancroft NeuroHealth continues taking the position that 200 unit should be built at the property, in order to make the property’s value at a level which would allow them sell for the amount that they need. The Commissioners agreed to have McManimon & Scotland tell them this is not acceptable and that the Borough would provide a plan after the Snowden Lot ideas are analyzed.
Commissioner Borden updated the Commissioners on the proposed steep slopes ordinance, which has been initially reviewed in concept by the Planning Board. Currently the ordinance has been revised from the draft provided by the Environmental Commission and is on the Planning Board’s May agenda for re-evaluation. Discussion was held regarding the value of this ordinance, both in cost and how it will help improve the environment. The Commissioners agreed that they would be willing to adopt this ordinance should it come before them.
The Administrator briefly reviewed the Engineer’s report on project status with the Commissioners. Specifically discussed were the uses of sump pumps for the end of Maple Avenue, Maple Court drainage issues and new developments in the Coles Mill Road pump station project. The Commissioners agreed to the proposed plan on sump pumps for the end of Maple Avenue, which will cost the Borough $15,000 for a permanent solution to the ravine out-fall line that will allow water from sump pumps to be discharged into the ravine in that area. The Commissioners were supportive of the proposed solution to the Maple Court drainage issues and repaving of the road that will cost the Borough approximately $75,000. Regarding Coles Mill Road pump station, the Administrator informed the Commissioners that DEP is willing to put pressure on CCMUA to allow a hookup which would require no pump station. The Engineer must evaluate this possibility.
The Commissioners agreed with the Community Development Director that the developer of 152 Kings Highway West must pay for upgrades to the traffic signal at Kings Highway West and West End Avenue to comply with the NJ DOT permit.
The Administrator advised the Commissioners that there has been another glitch in the building of the Crows Woods pavilion, which could cause a delay in getting the project completed by the scheduled use for the April 28th Earth Day event and the dedication on April 29, 2007. Plans are still be proceed with the 4:00 p.m. dedication ceremony.
Commissioner Colombi updated the Commissioners on a meeting she had with Joe O’Brien, School Superintendent, regarding issues concerning the youth in the community. She recommended the Commissioners support a Mayor’s Roundtable on this issue, although not directly participate in the event. Discussion was held regarding various possible attendees. Municipal Alliance funds could be reallocated to use for the cost of a professional moderator. The Commissioners agreed to put on the April 24th agenda an ordinance correcting the violations and penalties section of Chapter 65 entitled Alcoholic Beverages. The Solicitor will look into expanding the Borough’s ordinances as much as possible regarding improper access to and use of alcohol.
The Commissioners discussed the Library Board’s desire to re-start the building planning process. It was agreed that additional discussion need to be held on this subject. Representatives will be asked to attend the April 30th work session.
The Commissioners agreed to put a resolution on the April 24th agenda authorizing a professional services agreement with Thom Wagner for architectural services for the Mabel Kay Accessibility Project. The architect’s fees would be up to $29,000. It is understood that this project will cost approximately $325,000.
Commissioner Borden made a motion to go into closed session at 9:35 pm to get legal advice from the Solicitor regarding a report on a mediation session and a proposed settlement on a tax assessment suit for the Tricon property owned on Chews Landing Road. Commissioner Rochford seconded the motion, which was passed by a unanimous vote.
The Commissioners returned from closed session at 9:45 pm.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:46 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Deanna Speck
Borough Clerk
© Copyright 2005 by Haddonfieldnj.org
Top of Page
|
|
