BOROUGH- IMPORTANT CURRENT TOPICS

Water Restrictions
Commissioners have extended water restrictions to Level 2, following reports of low water pressure between the hours of 4 and 8 a.m.

To prevent problems with possible firefighting water pressure demands, the prohibition of outdoor use of water from the borough water system between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. remains in effect every day.

In addition, properties with odd-numbered addresses are allowed to water only on odd-numbered calendar dates and properties with even-numbered addresses are allowed to water only on even-numbered dates. Violators will receive a warning from the borough and potentially a court summons.

NEW CHIPPING SCHEDULE

The Public Works Department's new schedule for the chipping of small tree limbs, branches, and brush is now in effect.

During the first FULL week of each month, crews chip vegetative materials on trash/recycling day. (Monday is regarded as the first day of a week, not Sunday.)

For the rest of the month, crews will chip each Friday based on requests received by phone - 856-429-0183 x 0 - Monday through Thursday.

ANNUAL CLEAN COMMUNITIES PROGRAM

Each year the Borough participates in New Jersey’s state-wide Clean Communities Program.  This program is aimed at making New Jersey a litter-free state.  We hope to make the 2010 program another banner year for our beautiful town.

The 2010 program will consist of two phases:

1. The Spring Clean-Up Week Saturday, April 24th thru Sunday, May 2, 2010
2. The year round “Adopt-A-Spot” program

If you would like to participate in some phase of the 2010 Clean Communities Program or to find out more information about this program, please contact Mr. Lynn McCabe, the Clean Communities Officer, at 429-4700, ext. 315.

 

Camden County Department of Health and Human Services

The h1n1 flu outbreak continues to grow in the United States and internationally. Confirmed cases have been reported in New Jersey. An updated case count of confirmed h1n1 flu infections in the United States is kept at Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention’s link shown below. The CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation. Pertinent information regarding signs and symptoms and what can be done to help prevent infection can be obtained from all the links shown below.

The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services has opened a toll-free telephone line for the general public to call in regards to H1N1 Influenza and Vaccine. The telephone line will be operational Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The number is 1-866-321-9571.

For more information on the H1N1 Influenza outbreak, please visit the following websites:

Camden County Department of Health and Human Services at www.camdencounty.com

State of New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services at http://www.state.nj.us/health/flu/h1n1.shtml

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm

Additional Federal information: http://www.flu.gov/

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Budget Review Committee Updates

Abbreviated Detail Revenue Account Status (PDF)
Abbreviated Detail Revenue Account Status 12/31/09 (PDF)
Budget Review Committee Updates-May 2010 (PDF)
The Budget Process (PDF)
5 Year Revenue Comparison (PDF)
DetailRevenue Account Status (PDF)
Detail Budget Account Status (PDF)

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Advisory Board Members - Library Architect Project

4/1/09 - The Commissioners will be putting together a 9 member advisory board, consisting of a diverse group of residents, to meet with the architectural firm that will be hired to review current conditions and possible expansion of the Haddonfield Public Library. If you are interested in participating with this group please email your contact information to boroughmail@haddonfield-nj.gov with "Advisory Board Member - Library Architect" in the subject line.

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Camden County – Mosquito Extermination Commission

The Mosquito Extermination Commission has conducted mosquito control operations throughout the county for many years. They are licensed to do so and keep up with changing methods so that they use state of the art techniques. Since the first week of a mosquito’s life must be in water the management of water is the first line of defense. The County cleans stream, stocks fish and investigates man made conditions that hold water. If mosquitoes are already developing in water there are insecticides that can be applied to any natural water body or artificial container. If adult mosquitoes are already on the wing they can administer an Ultra Low Volume spray to a specific area. In addition, the County is constantly reaching out to the public to remind them to prevent mosquito development on their property by eliminating stagnant water.

The importation of West Nile virus and the resulting outbreak of West Nile Fever in New York in 1999 alarmed the public anew to the diseases that can be spread by mosquitoes. There is a dramatic increase in the number of residents who want their neighborhood “spayed” like was done in New York City. At the same time some people want to know what is happening and if the treatment is really needed. The facts are that West Nile Fever virus has now been found in people and other animals throughout the country. In 2003 there were 9, 122 clinical human cases from 45 states and Washington, DC. Of those cases 223 people died. Even with this rapid spread and the increase in cases in other states, the number in New Jersey has been kept in check. Although, the number of human cases in NJ continued to increase in spite of the existing sanitation ordinances, preventive mosquito control and common sense on the part of the public. Atlantic, Burlington and Ocean Counties also had human cases of Eastern Encephalitis in 2003. Eastern Encephalitis is a much more serious disease than West Nile Fever and it has a long history in our county. Keeping mosquitoes under control and generally keeping disease outbreaks from gathering momentum in Camden County is the Mosquito Extermination Commission’s mandate.

Below are links to information provided to the municipalities within Camden County regarding mosquitoes:

Public Notice
Mosquito Problems Start At Home
A New Species of Mosquito Found in Camden County – Asian Tiger
Mosquitoes – What Everyone Should Know
Fyfanon – A Mosquito Control Product
Scourge® - A Mosquito Control Product

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HADDONFIELD RECEIVES REPORT ON LIBRARY NEEDS

The Haddonfield Borough Commissioners and the Public Library's Board of Trustees have received a report detailing the recommended basic requirements for a modern public library to serve the community's 11,600 residents.

Titled "Library Program (A vision for the future)", the 55-page report was prepared by Leslie and Alan Burger, the principals of Library Development Solutions, a Princeton consulting firm. Using a series of focus groups, a town meeting, and a user survey, the consultants developed a “community needs assessment" that identifies preferences for library services and facilities. In addition, they evaluated the current library's space to determine options for delivering modern library services within that space, and prepared a library program to guide an architect in designing a new library building.

Given "the lack of other available and affordable options in Haddonfield," the consultants recommend that the existing building be replaced with a “modern, energy efficient, highly functional new library." The minimum size would be 22,355 square feet in area, providing expanded service areas for adults, new areas for teens and children, and more community meeting space. Such a facility would house between 65,000 and 80,000 items. The estimates of need are based on Haddonfield's anticipated population size for the next 25 years.

Using current rates of $300 per square foot for functional space and $275 per square foot for “non-assignable” space, the consultants estimate that the new building would cost slightly less than $8.3 million, if built today. They note that costs can be expected to rise by 5 to 7 percent per year.

The “basic library program” provided by the consultants describes the types of features they believe should be incorporated in a new building. The report also lists a number of “contemporary options" that could enhance the basic program, at additional space and cost.

The library program details needs in the following areas: exterior requirements, entrances, interior recommendations, adult services, and children's space. For each functional area of the library, the report describes the activities to be provided for and gives estimates of the area required, the number of people to be accommodated (public, staff, and daily traffic), the numbers of seats and computers to be provided, and the kinds and numbers of materials (books and "non-books") to be housed. It also lists the appropriate architectural features, ambience, furnishings, and equipment, and defines the desired proximity to and distance from other key functional areas in the building. An architect would use these specifications to allocate and relate spaces in a new building design.

The Borough Commissioners have not yet evaluated the consultants' recommendations. They will schedule a date, time, and location for a public meeting at which Library Development Solutions will present and discuss their report. Several dates in early February are being considered. Copies of the report are available for perusal at the Public Library and in Room 101 of the Borough Hall or download here. The document may also be downloaded from the Public Library's Web site: www.haddonfieldlibrary.org .

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FORECLOSURE FACTS & ASSISTANCE

If you need assistance with Foreclosure Issues or would like to learn about what resources may be available to residents(including homeowners or renters), please contact 1-888-995-HOPE (4673) or one of the counseling agencies listed on page of "Foreclosure Fast Facts".

The NJ HOPE (Home Ownership Preservation Effort) website provides information about resources that are available for homeowners who are delinquent in their mortgage payments, need counseling or have questions. Additional materials and sources of information on buying a home, mortgage assistance and foreclosure is available by clicking here.

The New Jersey Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) is receiving a $51 million award from the US Department of Housing and Urba
Development as part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. The NSP, which is administered by the NJ Department of Community Affairs, will provide funds to municipalities and non-profit and/or for-profit developers to acquire and redevelop foreclosed properties Applications for funding under this program must be submitted by February 6, 2009. More information can be found at DCA's website, www.state.nj.us/dca.

The Office of Housing and Economic Opportunities, Inc., in conjunction with Camden County Board of Freeholders, is proud to present a program that can put cash in your hands for your first home purchase, while also providing you with the knowledge necessary to deal with credit issues that re intertwined with every sale and repair. The Mortgage Readiness Initiative for First Time Home Buyers can do just that! Please click here for more information.

The New Jersey Public Advocate's Office has put together information regarding "Tenants' Rights During Foreclosure". Please click here to access their "Hot Issues" webpage and follow the link to these Tenants' Rights

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BOROUGH OF HADDONFIELD – AMENDED COAH 3RD ROUND PLAN BASED ON REVISED COAH REGULATIONS OF 2008

The Planning Board held a public hearing on Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. in the Borough Hall Auditorium. The Plan, which amends the Borough’s Master Plan, was approved at this meeting (click here for the Planning Board’s resolution adopting the plan)

Once the Planning Board approved the plan, the Borough Commissioners considered it at their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. The Commissioner voted unanimously to endorse the plan and petition the New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing for substantive certification (click here for the Board of Commissioners’ resolution).

Please click here to review the plan. (13.57 MB)

In addition, copies of the plan are available in the Borough Administration Office (Room 101) in Borough Hall, 242 Kings Highway East, Haddonfield, New Jersey during regular office hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) for a fee of $33.50.

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OTHER CURRENT TOPICS

“Be a Good Neighbor – Be Bear Aware”

Notification that a wheaton colored Rhodesian Ridgeback dog, with a red license tag numbered 151-01-2010, residing at 133 Upland Way has been found to be a Potentially Dangerous Dog by the Haddonfield Court system as per N.J.S.A. 4:19-23 through 36.  The restrictions placed on this animal are as follows:

1. When moved from an enclosure specifically erected and maintained for said animal, be securely muzzled and restrained with a tether approved by the animal control officer and having a minimum tensile strength sufficiently in excess of that required to restrict the potentially dangerous dog’s movements to a radius of no more than three (3’) feet from the owner and under the direct supervision of the owner.

 

Violations of this requirement should be reported to Central Dispatch at 856-429-3000.

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MOODY'S ASSIGNS Aa3 TO BOROUGH OF HADDONFIELD'S (NJ) $4.94 MILLION WATER AND SEWER UTILITY BONDS, SERIES 2008

TOTAL OF $13 MILLION IN OUTSTANDING PARITY DEBT, INCLUDING CURRENT OFFERING

Haddonfield (Borough of) NJ
Municipality
New Jersey

Moody's Rating

Issue                                                                                                                                                Rating

Water and Sewer Utility Bonds, Series 2008                                                                                    Aa3
   Sale Amount          $4,936,000
   Expected Sale Date   07/01/08
   Rating Description   General Obligation Unlimited Tax

NEW YORK, June 25, 2008 -- Moody's has assigned a Aa3 rating to the Borough of Haddonfield's (NJ) $4.94 million Water and Sewer Utility Bonds, Series 2008.  Concurrently, Moody's has affirmed the Aa3 rating on the borough's $8.1 million in outstanding parity debt. Proceeds from the current issue, secured by the borough's general obligation unlimited tax pledge, will permanently finance $1.49 million in maturing bond anticipation notes and provide $3.98 million in new money for various water and sewer utility improvements. The Aa3 rating reflects the borough's mature and moderately-sized tax base with strong wealth levels, average debt burden, and healthy financial position.

HEALTHY FINANCIAL POSITION WITH STRONG RESERVE LEVELS OFFSET BY LARGE SCHOOL
TAX DEFERRAL

Moody's expects that the borough's financial position will remain strong given taxpayer support for services and sound fiscal management. In fiscal 2006, the borough fully replenished the $1.7 million of appropriated reserves and added $1.2 million to fund balance, increasing Current Fund balance to $3.5 million or a healthy 25.9% of Current Fund revenues. Primary sources of fund balance replenishment included an increase in the school tax deferral ($848,000), excess property taxes ($781,000), nonbudgeted revenues ($460,000), and unexpected miscellaneous revenues ($221,000). Unaudited fiscal 2007 results indicate the borough replenished all but $270,000 of the higher $2.3 million of appropriated fund balance, decreasing Current Fund balance slightly to $3.22 million (a still healthy 25.1% of Current Fund revenues). Despite the modest draw down, the borough did not increase the school tax deferral to help replenish the appropriated fund balance for the first time in several years.  Primary sources of replenishment included excess property taxes ($766,000), nonbudgeted revenues ($400,000), unexpected miscellaneous revenues ($300,000), and lapsed appropriations ($261,000).

The borough defers payment of approximately $14.2 million (a sizeable 4.4 times Current Fund balance) of the local school tax levy, which represents 48% of the maximum statutorily allowable 50% of the school tax levy. Management typically maintains this deferred amount at the maximum level annually, but changed this practice in 2007 by not increasing the deferred amount. Moving forward officials intend to maintain the current deferred amount and may reduce it over time. The deferred amount represents an off-balance sheet liability, which Moody's believes could create fiscal vulnerability in the event that school property taxes are reduced. The majority of the borough's revenue is derived from property taxes (72.2% in fiscal 2007), supported by a strong tax collection rate averaging 99% on a current basis for the last seven years.

The proposed fiscal 2008 budget includes a $2.32 million reserve appropriation, which management expects to replenish from similar sources as in the past. Notably, the fiscal 2008 budget represents the first affected by a newly-adopted state property tax legislation which, aside from very specific exceptions, limits a municipality's property tax levy to 4% annual increases.
Despite the borough's relatively high dependence on property taxes to support operations, due to conservative budgeting and close monitoring of expenditures, the borough was able to stay $137,000 below the 4% levy limitation with only a modest increase in reserve appropriation. The borough is expected to continue to closely manage its expenditures, but the new limitation may result in increased use of fund balance and/or less conservative budgeting practices over time. Future rating reviews will incorporate management's ability to maintain financial stability and current reserve levels in a more stringent legal environment. For more information on New Jersey's tax reform legislation, please refer to our special comment entitled "New Jersey Property Tax Reform Expected to Place Fiscal Pressure on Some New Jersey Municipalities" dated April 2007.

AFFLUENT SUBURB OF PHILADELPHIA

Haddonfield's moderately-sized $2.2 billion tax base will likely remain stable given the affluent and built out nature of the suburban community. Located in Camden County (rated A1), eight miles east of Philadelphia (rated Baa1/stable outlook), the 2.1 square mile borough is primarily residential (88% assessed value) with residents commuting to Philadelphia and the surrounding areas for employment via PATCO, a high-speed train with a station in the borough, I -295 and the New Jersey Turnpike. Assessed valuation growth has averaged less than 1% annually from 2003 to 2008, reflective of the built-out nature of the community, while equalized valuation growth averaged a stronger 9.2% over the same time period, capturing regional market appreciation, which slowed to approximately a quarter of the prior year's rate in 2008. The borough completed a revaluation that became effective in 2008. The borough prudently created a $150,000 tax appeal reserve in the 2008 budget, which officials believe will sufficiently cover the small number of pending tax appeals. New development is on hold pending the state's adoption of new affordable housing rules, which may occur at the end of the summer at the earliest. Management has adopted new zoning laws for its downtown area in preparation for a potential mixed-use development. Current growth primarily consists of tear downs of older housing stock replaced with new homes on the same site, as well as home additions. Income levels are roughly twice the national medians and one and one-half times the state medians, with equalized value per capita at a strong $188,849 (132% of state median).

AVERAGE DEBT BURDEN EXPECTED TO REMAIN MANAGEABLE

The borough's debt position will likely remain manageable given moderate future borrowing plans. The borough's direct debt burden is average at 0.7% of equalized valuation, and increases to a still average 2% when accounting for the borough's pro rata share of overlapping county and school district debt obligations. Debt service comprised a moderate 7.2% of 2006 operating expenditures, reflecting the below average amortization of principal (55.8% retired in 10 years). Officials anticipate issuing approximately $1 million to $1.5 million annually in short term notes for capital needs for the next three years. A new library project may result in an additional $5 million borrowing in the medium to long term. The borough has historically issued bond anticipation notes before permanently financing them as market conditions dictate. The borough has no exposure to variable rate debt or derivative products.

KEY STATISTICS:

2006 Population: 11,515 (1.2% decrease since 2000)

2008 Equalized value: $2.2 billion

2008 Equalized value per capita: $188,849

1999 Per Capita Income (as % of NJ and US): $43,170 (160% and 200%)

1999 Median Family Income (as % of NJ and US): $103,597 (159% and 207%)

Direct debt burden: 0.7%

Overall debt burden: 2%

Payout of principal (10 years): 55.8%

2006 Current Fund balance: $3.5 million (25.9% of Current Fund revenues)

2007 Current Fund balance (unaudited): $3.2 million (25.1% of Current Fund revenues)

Post-sale Parity Debt Outstanding: $13 million

ANALYSTS:
John Medina, Analyst, Public Finance Group, Moody's Investors Service
Elizabeth Bergman, Backup Analyst, Public Finance Group, Moody's Investors Service
Geordie Thompson, Senior Credit Officer, Public Finance Group, Moody's Investors Service

CONTACTS:
Journalists: (212) 553-0376
Research Clients: (212) 553-1653

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