June 18, 2007
By Sharon McCullough, Deputy Borough Clerk
Jun 18, 2007, 17:00
COMMISSIONER’S WORK SESSION OF JUNE 18, 2007
The work session of June 18, 2007 was called to order at 5:09 p.m. The open public notice announcement was ready the Borough Administrator. Mayor Colombi and Commissioner Rochford were in attendance along with the Borough Solicitor, Borough Administrator, and the Deputy Clerk. Commissioner Borden was running late from a previous appointment.
Also in attendance were Susan Briant, Director of Haddonfield Library, Leslie and Alan Berger of Library Development Solutions
Commissioner Borden entered the meeting at 5:25 pm
The first item to be discussed was the consultant services contract assigned to Library Development Solution. Mrs. Berger began to explain the services to be provided. She explained that the focus groups will not be specific to facility needs but the wants and needs for people who use the library or why they don’t if they don’t use it currently. The focus groups would be created by the Library Board, Commissioners, Community leaders and advertising if necessary. They would be willing to include any questions the Commissioners may want asked. Mayor Colombi stated she would like the Commissioners to maintain an arms length distance so that the public would not believe the process was tainted based on their involvement. They will hold up to eight focus groups. The next phase would be the Building Program. An updated Building Program and Needs Assessment is required for the Borough to participate in should the state re-finance the Library Aid program. Susan is looking into setting up a foundation for the library. Leslie indicated that they were planning on beginning the focus groups in the fall. They could start the Building Program in the summer months. Part of this would include any deficiency that they find of the existing building should the community decide to keep the existing facility. They will also be reviewing the services the library provides. The Burgers indicated that they have determined that only 40% of Haddonfield’s residents have a library card. The Burger’s believe that this amount should be closer to 65%. Commissioner Rochford described the community meetings that were previously held by the architects regarding the library building. He discussed his concern that at those meetings the people created the best library they wanted but held out the dollar value until the end. Once they realized the cost the community determined that the cost was too high. Mr. Berger explained that they have no vested interest in the outcome. They will not provide prices during any point while providing their services. Commissioner Rochford stated that he felt the Commissioners should prepare that any funding ordinance for library improvements would end up with a referendum. The Bergers will revise the proposal that will include a timeline for completion of each project. It was agreed the Berger’s will provide the Administrator with focus group guide documents. They estimate that the first draft should be completed by November 2007 for the Needs Assessment and focus groups with the Building plan being done by January or February 2008.
The next item to be discussed was the June 26 agenda. Commissioner Rochford discussed the audit findings. The Audit will be presented on June 21st. The street bids may be added to the agenda.
There is a vacancy on the Shade Tree Commission. The Commissioners agreed to advertise the vacancy. The Mayor asked after the new program for reimbursement to residents who wish to have take down Borough trees at their property that are on a take-down list. The Administrator advised that the Shade Tree Commission did not discuss this program at their last meeting, although a decision should be reached by their next meeting.
The Planning Board has approved in concept the steep slope ordinance. It was agreed to introduce this ordinance on the June 26th agenda. The Administrator will inform the Environmental Commission of this decision so that their comments can be made to the Planning Board. Commissioner Borden announced that the Planning Board has decided to table a tree protection ordinance at this time.
The Solicitor has received a copy of the recapture agreement for Maple Avenue. He will review this agreement and advise prior to the June 26th Commissioner Meeting if it is acceptable. If so, it will be added to the June 26th agenda.
Commissioner Rochford updated the Commissioners on the latest PfH meeting. The Board received many complaints on the condition of the Borough parking lots. The Commissioners reviewed the proposed changes for the sign ordinance. It was suggested that the new proposed outside banner be changed from being allowed up for two weeks to only one week. The revised ordinance will be forwarded to HPC for their review and approval. Once HPC has approved the changes the Commissioners will place the revised ordinance on the agenda.
The Commissioners discussed the interviews with the Affordable Housing developers. The Commissioners decided to pursue the CIS group. The Assistant Administrator will schedule a site visit with CIS and the Commissioners in the near future. The Solicitor asked for all the contracts with CIS in Somerdale. The Administrator reviewed the recent decisions by COAH on various waivers.
The Commissioners discussed the affects of the Supreme Courts decision on the Bancroft redevelopment zone. They asked that a decision be obtained from Mr. McManimon. The Solicitor reminded the Commissioners that Bancroft was supposed to share with the Borough the final report from the Stalback Company.
The Assistant Admin handed out the RFP for the design and development of Kings Court. She requested that the Commissioners provide her with any comments before next Tuesday. It is expected that this will be included on the June 26th Agenda authorizing the advertising of the RFP.
The Commissioners discussed the status of the turf field project. They agreed that the project would not be completed in 2007 due to several unknown engineering issues and the lack of a formal payment plan.
The Mayor updated the Commissioners on the status of the hiring of a new Public Works Superintendent.
Commissioner Rochford asked that we remind the community of the curfew and the new hours through Municipal Matters. He also asked if there are any statistics yet for the new law. The Assistant Administrator explained the proposed changes to the Municipal Alliance grant program. Commissioner Borden suggested that the Borough fund money over and above the grant funds available through Municipal Alliance. He believes that the school should match the funds the Borough is willing to budget. It was decided that the Commissioners will review new potential programs through their new initiative to see what changes should be in the program. The Commissioners discussed how the police will handle the issue. The next Call to Action meeting will be June 27th. It will be a meeting of community leaders. The Commissioner decided on a list of potential participants.
The Commissioners reviewed the proposal for Terminal Leave. They have approved the use for the Administrator and Public Works Superintendent.
The Administrator informed the commissioners that Lawnside has questioned the municipal boundary. The matter has been turned over to the Borough Engineer for review.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon McCullough
Deputy Clerk
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