Haddonfield New Jersey 08033
Haddonfield New Jersey 08033
Borough of Haddonfield
Municipal Matters

 

October 27 to November 10, 2006

ELECTION & REFERENDUM: NOV 7
Borough offices will be closed on Tuesday, November 7, the date of the General Election. The Public Library will be open, as will the Borough Hall (a polling place).

Voters may cast ballots for US Senator, Member of the House of Representatives, and Camden County Freeholders.

In addition to three State of NJ referendum questions, a local question will be on the ballot. It asks:
“Shall the Borough of Haddonfield adopt an ordinance establishing an ‘Open Space Trust Fund’ which shall have the following provisions:
A. The Fund will be funded through the collection of local property taxes in an amount not to exceed $0.02 (two cents) per one hundred dollars of assessed value.
B. The Fund shall be used exclusively to purchase, develop and maintain lands in Haddonfield for recreation and conservation purposes; or to acquire and preserve historic properties, structures, facilities, sites and area in Haddonfield; or to pay debt service on indebtedness issued or incurred by Haddonfield for any of the purposes set forth above.
C. The Fund will sunset on the fifth anniversary of its approval unless renewed by the voters.”

If voters approve of the question, the actual rate would be determined by the Commissioners. If they decide it should be 2¢ (the maximum allowed), the added tax for a property assessed at the Borough average ($225,000) would be $45.

The Commissioners have published a statement on the referendum in question-and-answer form. Copies are available at the Borough Hall (Room 101), the Information Center, the Public Library, and the Mabel Kay House. The statement may also be accessed at haddonfieldnj.org.

The polls will be open from 6:00am to 8:00pm. The results will be tallied in the Borough Hall auditorium.

HOPKINS POND UPDATE
Hopkins Pond was closed on September 21 after dead fish and a foul odor were reported earlier in the day. It was reopened on October 13 after the Camden County Health Department determined that lelens of dissolved oxygen in the pond had returned to normal and the problem had abated. Periodic monitoring of the water quality will continue for some time.

DOWNTOWN VISION UPDATE
A report by the Borough’s planning consultants for the future of the downtown (Brown and Keener Bressi) will be the subject of a forum, sponsored by the Civic Association, to be held in the Borough Hall auditorium at 7:30om on Monday, November 6.

When available, copies may be perused at the Borough Hall (Room 101), the Information Center, and the Public Library and accessed at haddonfieldnj.org.

Follow-up meetings will be held to give interested members of the public the opportunity to comment and ask questions about the material in the report.

ROADWORKS UPDATE
Lincoln Avenue was reopened on September 29 and it appears that the traffic calming devices at the Center and Walnut intersections are working as intended.

An opening ceremony at the Middle School (held indoors because of rain) was attended by numerous state and local officials including Mayor Colombi and Commissioners Rochford and Borden; Jack Tarditi and Norm Hinsey, representing the Transportation and Pedestrian Safety (TAPS) Committee; representatives of the NJ Department of Transportation, including Kris Kolluri, the Commissioner; representatives of the Borough’s transportation and engineering consultants.

Assemblyman Lou Greenwald announced that Haddonfield would be eligible for a $100,000 grant from the state’s “Safe Routes to School” program for traffic calming work at the corner of Lincoln and Chestnut; Commissioner Kolluri made an on-the-spot authorization for $50,000 from his discretionary fund. If all funding is in place, it is hoped that work on that project will be undertaken next summer.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING UPDATE
The staff of the NJ Council on Affordable Housing issued a pre-mediation report earlier this month, analyzing and critiquing the Borough’s Third Round Affordable Housing Plan, and requesting additional information in certain matters. The Borough has 90 says to respond.

It is important to note that the report is a working document. It does not represent a decision by the Council.

BANCROFT UPDATE
In June, the Borough’s planning consultants for the Bancroft site (Heyer, Gruel & Associates) presented key issues and a preliminary list of key objectives and recommendations for the “reuse” of the site during a workshop at the Borough Hall.

At the end of the meeting, the list of options was narrowed to several scenarios for further study.

The consultants have now completed a report on the fiscal impact of those scenarios (one of which envisions the site’s reuse as open space).

Copies of the 48-page report will be available for perusal at the Borough Hall (Room 101), the Information Center, and the Public Library. The report may also be accessed at haddonfieldnj.org.

Follow-up meetings will be held to give interested members of the public the opportunity to comment and ask questions about the material in the report.

THE COMMISSIONERS THANK…
•…all who were involved in making this year’s Fall Festival, held on Saturday, October 14, such a successful event. The day could not have been more perfect.
•…the Civic Association for sponsoring the annual Town Meeting on October 19
•…the many residents and business owners who attended the Town Meeting, for their questions and comments.

LEAF COLLECTION
Please note these important points!
• Trash Day is also Leaf Day.
Wait to put out your leaves as close as possible to your regular trash and recycling collection day.
DO NOT put leaves in the street or within 10 feet of a storm water inlet! Keep them behind the curb at all times. This is a requirement of new state-mandated stormwater regulations.

• Rake leaves into one or two large piles rather than long rows.
• No brush or branch chipping is done during leaf season. Brush and other vegetative matter will be picked up as trash and must be in lengths no longer than four feet and tied or bundled.
• Leaf collection ends on your trash day during the week of Monday, December 11 to Friday, December 15. No collection will take place after that week. To dispose of leaves after that date, put them in trash bags for regular trash pickup.
• If you use a lawn service, please insure the contractor is familiar with and follows these rules. (If a summons is issued for a violation, it is the HOMEOWNER who must appear in court.)
• Call 429-0183 with questions.

October 13 to 27, 2006

HOPKINS POND UPDATE
For those who are not aware, the Camden County Health Department closed Hopkins Pond on the afternoon of September 21, after dead fish and a foul odor were reported earlier in the day. The Borough determined that sewage had leaked into the pond from a broken pipe underground at the Library Point and flowed into a stormwater sewer that eventually empties into Hopkins Pond at Grove Street.

The source of the leak was located and the sewage flow was stopped within five hours after the report was received. In a cooperative effort with state and county agencies, remediation efforts began the next day. They included vacuuming out any sewage sludge still in the pipes, adding fresh water nightly from adjacent hydrants, and aerating the pond using pumps and air compressors.

By October 6, with agreement of all agencies, these efforts were able to be discontinued. The fish no longer were dying or in distress, and the measures of dissolved oxygen had returned to prior levels. Most odors had dissipated. There will be follow-up on improving the pond and on inspecting other sanitary sewer pipes that are near stormwater lines.

As information is available, it will be reported.

HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION
The Camden County Division of Environmental Affairs will hold two special collection days in October:
• On Saturday, October 21, household automotive products, paint, pesticides, fuel, personal care products, home/hobby products, and household cleaners may be dropped off at the Public Works Complex, 2311 Egg Harbor Road, Lindenwold.
• On Saturday, October 28, household computer and electronic equipment may be dropped off at the same location.

For more information, call 858-5241.

BARKING AND HOWLING
During their meeting of October 10, the Commissioners were scheduled to introduce an amendment to the Ordinance that covers public nuisances.

The amendment relates to dogs and other domestic animals that, by repeated, frequent barking, howling, crying, or growling over a long period of time, “disturb the peace, quiet, comfort and/or repose” of residents. It was felt that the language in the current language was not specific enough to deal with this problem.

A Public Hearing on the proposed Ordinance will be held during the Commissions’ meeting on October 24 (7pm at the Borough Hall, Room 102).

TRICK OR TREATING… AND PARADING
The Police Chief recommends that, in the interests of safety, door-to-door trick-or-treating activity for Halloween be conducted on Tuesday, October 31 from 2:00pm to dusk.

The Halloween Parade, sponsored by the Celebrations Association, will take place on Monday, October 30 at 6:30pm, from the Presbyterian Church to the Borough Hall parking lot.

HYDRANT FLUSHING
The Public Works Department’s semiannual hydrant flushing operation is under way. Two sections of the town have been completed. The remaining sections:
• North of Kings Highway and East of the Speedline – October 17, 18, 19, and 20.
• South of Kings Highway and East of the Speedline – October 24, 25, 26, 27.

The purpose of the program is to flush corrosive material from the system.

LEAF COLLECTION: WAIT FOR IT!
The Borough’s annual leaf collection program will begin during the week of Monday, October 23 – not Monday 16, as previously advised.

Please do not rake leaves to the curb before Saturday, October 21 (or into the street at ANY time – PLEASE!). Until that date, leaves and other vegetative waste must be placed in cans marked with yellow stickers (available at the Borough Hall, Room 101, and the Information Center), or in biodegradable paper bags.

A TOWN MEETING
A Town Meeting sponsored by the Civic Association will be held in the Borough Hall auditorium on Thursday, October 19 at 7:30pm. The meeting will provide an opportunity to residents and business owners to raise issues with and ask questions of the Borough Commissioners and other officials.

…AND A TOWN FORUM
The Civic Association will also sponsor a Town Forum on “Visioning” on Monday, November 6 at 7:30pm in the Borough Hall auditorium.

Representatives of the Planning Board will describe recommendations made by the Borough’s planning consultant with respect to the future physical appearance of the downtown.

REVALUATION STATUS
The Borough Assessor is preparing to mail letters to all property owners during November, explaining the property revaluation process that will be carried out in 2007.

NOVEMBER 7 ELECTION
The voter registration deadline for the November 7 election is Tuesday, October 17. Registration forms are available in Room 101 at the Borough Hall and at the Information Center.

Applications for absentee ballots must be mailed to the Camden County Board of Elections on or before October 31. Alternatively, they can be hand-delivered to the Board by 3:00pm on November 6. Completed absentee ballots must be received by the Board by 4:00pm on November 6. Application forms are available in Room 101 at the Borough Hall and at the Information Center.

Questions? Call (856) 225-7219.

CONTRACT AWARDS
• CROWS WOODS – During their meeting on September 26, the Commissioners awarded a contract for the construction of a pavilion near the entrance to the Crows Woods Nature Area, and related sitework. The low bidder, at $156,783, was Garden State Construction & Landscaping of Deptford.

Part of the cost of site improvements will be covered by a bequest to the Borough from the estate of Chizzy and Ruth Evans, through the Haddonfield Foundation. A $25,000 County open space grant was also approved for this project. It is expected that work will begin in November.

• CURB RAMPS – During their meeting on September 26, the Commissioners awarded a contract for the removal of architectural barriers and the installation of curb ramps at various locations throughout the Borough. The low bidder, at $39,715, was Marandino Concrete Co of Vineland.

This is the second year the Borough has applied Community Development Block Grant funds, received through Camden County, to this work.

• CENTENNIAL FIELD – During their meeting on October 10, the Commissioners were expected to award a contract for an addition and renovations to the Centennial Field House.

The low bidder, at $184,868, was System Construction Consultants of Pennsauken. Part of the cost will be covered by a grant for $75,000 from the State of New Jersey.

It is expected that work, which will include conversion of toilet facilities in the existing building to storage, and the addition of a new handicap-accessible toilet facility, will begin by November.

• SEWAGE PUMP STATION – During their meeting on October 10, the Commissioners were expected to award a contract for the replacement of the sewage pump station on the grounds of the Public Works facility off Centre Street.

The low bidder, at 543,510, was Sub-Level Installations of Mt. Laurel.

• TREE TRIMMING – During their meeting on October 10, the Commissioners were expected to award a contract for trimming of 30 trees in the next 60 days to Elite Tree Service, in the amount of $27,000.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
The Commissioners have invited proposals for communications/publicity services, including the creation, writing and distribution of communications and publicity material in addition to that produced by the Borough’s professional staff.

Copies of the RFP are available at the Borough Hall, in Room 101. Proposals are due on Friday, October 20.

September 29 to October 13, 2006

SEWER LEAK CLOSES HOPKINS POND
The Camden County Health Department closed Hopkins Pond on September 21, having determined that sewage in the pond had caused a significant number of fish to die from lack of oxygen. (As sewage turns to sludge, it absorbs large amounts of oxygen from the water that surrounds it. Fish cannot survive in such circumstances.)

The Director of the Borough’s Water & Sewer Utility determined that the sewage had leaked from a broken pipe below the Library Point (between the Holiday Tree and the fountain) and flowed into a stormwater sewer that eventually empties into Hopkins Pond at Grove Street.

The problem was noticed first by a Haddonfield police officer on patrol, during the morning. He detected a foul odor and noticed numerous dead fish floating in the pond. The Borough’s Emergency Management Plan was activated and officials from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection and the NJ Fish and Wildlife Office were called to the scene, along with officials from the Camden County Health Department and Parks Department.

After the cause of the problem was identified, a bypass pump was put in place at the Library Point to prevent sewage from flowing into the stormwater sewer. A contractor inspected the pipes with a special TV camera to determine the exact location of the break. The broken pipes were repaired on September 22. The Fire Company opened hydrants in key locations overnight on September 22 and 23, to flush additional water through the stormwater sewer; overnight rain on September 24 served the same purpose. Specialized equipment has been used to remove remaining sewage in the pipes leading to the Pond. The County is also taking steps to aerate the Pond and remove surface scum.

On September 21, the Police Department hand-delivered notices explaining the situation to residents on Hopkins Lane and Sylvan Lake Avenue.

There has been no indication that any chemicals or other toxins were involved in the incident, that there was any danger at any time to human health, or that there will be any lasting damage to the environment or further loss of wildlife. Even so, Camden County will keep Hopkins Pond and the area around it closed for some time.

The Commissioners thank all those involved for their swift and appropriate responses to this situation.

Questions? Borough Administrator: 429-4700 x 215.

PARKING RATES
The Commissioners have approved increases in the rates for parking meters and parking permits:
• Mid-term (up to 3 hours) rates are now 25¢ for 30 minutes.
• Long-term (up to 12 hours) rates are now 25¢ per hour.
• Rates for permits in parking lots have increased 50%. Rates for other types of parking permits have doubled.

FALL FESTIVAL
Community groups are reminded that the “late bird” deadline to register for Fall Festival is approaching rapidly. Registration forms, which are available at the Information Center in Kings Court, must be returned (with a check for the $50 registration fee) by Friday, October 6.

Questions? Call 216-7253.

ROADWORKS
The contractor for the roadwork on Lincoln Avenue has advised the Borough that work will be substantially completed and the road will be open to traffic by September 29. The Commissioners thank residents, especially those who live on and near Lincoln, for their patience and cooperation throughout the construction period.

The Commissioners have awarded a contract for the resurfacing of Marne Avenue, from Haddon Avenue to Wood Lane. The work will be carried out by South State, of Bridgeton, for $259,655, of which $150,000 will come from State Aid.

Work on four streets will be undertaken as part of the Borough’s $1,000,000-a-year road program. This work will be carried out by DeFalco & Bisconti, for $945,194.
• Milling and overlay of Hawthorne Avenue, from Grove Street to Narberth Avenue.
• Milling and overlay of Hillside Lane, from Farwood Avenue to Longwood Avenue.
• Reconstruction of Mansfield Avenue from Station Avenue to the border. (Work across the border will be reimbursed by the Borough of Haddon Heights.)
• Reconstruction of Redman Avenue, from Barberry Lane to the border.

In all cases, the Borough will notify residents by special notice of the construction timetable.

LEAF COLLECTION: WAIT FOR IT!
The Borough’s annual leaf collection program will begin on Monday, October 16.

Please do not rake leaves to the curb before Saturday, October 14. Until that date, leaves and other vegetative waste must be placed in cans marked with yellow stickers (available at the Borough Hall, Room 101, and the Information Center), or in biodegradable paper bags.

The timetable for the leaf collection program calls for leaves to be vacuumed once a week, on the same day as trash/recycling collection. Please rake leaves as close as possible to your trash/recycling collection day. Rake leaves to the park strip (between the curb and the sidewalk), and keep piles of leaves at least 10 feet away from stormwater inlets.

Note that IT IS ILLEGAL to rake leaves into the street. Residents who contract for yard work are advised to ensure that their contractors are aware of this requirement. It is the property owner who will be held responsible for infractions.

CALENDAR DATES
• Yo Dude! and Antique Auto Show: Saturday, September 30
• Hydrant flushing will be carried out in October. See page 32.
• Open House at the Fire House: Thursday, October 12 from 7:00 to 9:00pm.
• Fall Festival: Saturday, October 14. See separate note.
• Leaf Collection will begin on October 16. See separate note.
• Town meeting, sponsored by the Civic Association: Thursday, October 19 at 7:30pm.

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September 15 to September 29, 2006

ROADWORKS
During their meeting on August 29, the Commissioners awarded a $35,725 contract to Asphalt Paving Systems of Hammonton to carry out microsurfacing on Colonial Ridge Drive (from Washington to Upland), Sylvan Lake Avenue (from Kings Highway to the end), and on Elm Avenue (from West End to the Borough border).

TOWN CALENDAR
The Commissioners record their thanks to all who helped produce this year's Town Calendar, especially the PTAs, Public Library, Historical Society, Information Center, and the designer, David Podgor.

Additional copies may be purchased at the Borough Hall (in Room 101), and at the Information Center. The cost is $7.

A NEW PORTABLE GENERATOR
The Commissioners have authorized the acquisition of a portable generator that can be used by the Water and Sewer Department at sewage pump stations and water wells that do not have a backup power system in place.
The successful bidder was Godwin Pumps of America; the cost was $25,995.

CABLE TV UPDATE
In early August, the State of NJ enacted legislation designed to facilitate the entry of additional cable TV providers into New Jersey by means of system-wide franchises granted by the Board of Public Utilities. This means that a company such as Verizon, for example, would be able to offer cable TV service throughout New Jersey without having to obtain approvals from individual municipalities, as in the past.

Prior to the Legislature's action, Verizon had submitted franchise applications to a number of area municipalities, including Haddonfield. The Commissioners granted Verizon's application on May 23, subject to terms and conditions to be negotiated and codified in the form of a municipal ordinance.

These negotiations have been suspended pending the conclusion of action at the state level. Verizon is continuing to replace its copper wiring in Haddonfield with fiber-optic cable that can be used for both telephone and television services.

BID REQUESTS ON THE WEB
A new feature has been added to the Borough's Web site: Current Bid Requests. The complete texts of legal advertisements inviting bids for needed goods and services, published as required by law in the Retrospect, are reproduced here.

OPEN SPACE TAX LEVY ON THE BALLOT
A petition filed with the Borough Clerk by a group of residents in August contained more than enough valid signatures of registered voters for the question posed by the group to be included on the ballot on November 7.

The question is: “Shall the Borough of Haddonfield adopt an ordinance establishing an ‘Open Space Trust Fund' which shall have the following provisions:
A. The Fund will be funded through the collection of local property taxes in an amount not to exceed $0.02 (two cents) per one hundred dollars of assessed value.
B. The Fund shall be used exclusively to purchase, develop and maintain lands in Haddonfield for recreation and conservation purposes; or to acquire and preserve historic properties, structures, facilities, sites and area in Haddonfield; or to pay debt service on indebtedness issued or incurred by Haddonfield for any of the purposes set forth above.
C. The Fund will sunset on the fifth anniversary of its approval unless renewed by the voters.”

If voters approve of the question, the actual rate would be determined by the Commissioners. If they decide it should be 2¢ (the maximum allowed), the added tax for a property assessed at the Borough average ($225,000) would be $45.

OVERNIGHT PARKING CLARIFICATION
A question arose recently about restrictions the Borough places on the “overnight” parking of vehicles on the street.

The rule is that parking is prohibited on streets between 2:00am and 5:00am.

Residents who have late-night visitors are urged to advise them that their vehicles are liable to be ticketed if they leave them on the street after 2:00am, even if they intend to leave later in the morning – at 3:00am, for example-and not stay "overnight." (The same would apply to early-morning visitors who arrive before 5:00am.)

There are several exceptions to the ban:
* Residents who do not have space to park on their own property may apply for a permit to park on the street during the restricted hours.
* Residents who are temporarily unable to park on their own property- because their driveway is being repaved, for example – may register that fact by calling the regional Overnight Parking Message System at 784-9161 x 7.

65 CLUB DEDICATION
Renovations to the Borough's building at 110 Rhoads Avenue – originally built as a polling place, now used as premises for a retired men's club, and commonly known as The 65 Club – were completed recently. The Borough covered the cost of infrastructure work, including bringing various services up to code. The members of the 65 Club contributed "sweat equity" and cash for other aspects of the renovation.

The Commissioners encourage members of the community to visit during an Open House on Thursday, September 21 from 1:30 to 3:30pm; a dedication ceremony will take place at 2:00pm.

PARKING METER RATES
The Borough's income from parking meters and permits has remained more or less level for the past ten years: about $125,000 per year from meters and $40,000 from permits. During that period, however, costs have risen. (Expenses include installation of new and replacement meters, maintenance of existing meters, parking enforcement officers, development and maintenance of lots, and debt service.)

The Commissioner believe it is appropriate to adjust parking meter and permit fees so that the additional revenue will help offset increased expenses.

In the case of many meters, the adjustment will take the form of a reduction in the time that users of metered spaces will receive for a certain amount paid, rather than an increase the amount paid for a certain time. For example, 2-hour and 3-hour (mid-term) meters currently cost 25¢ per hour; in the future, they will cost 25¢ per half-hour. 12-hour (long-term) meters currently cost 25¢ per 2 hours; in the future, they will cost 25¢ per hour.

Permits that allow all-day parking in lots (designed primarily for downtown workers) will increase from $85 per quarter to $127.50 per quarter. Permits that allow residents who do not have parking space on their own properties to park in Borough lots will increase from $30 per year to $60 per year.

Since it is intended that the cost of operating the meter and permit service will be covered by revenue from the service, it is expected that it will no longer be necessary to use general revenue to help cover expenses. That will help keep property taxes down.

Revenue from meters and permit also helps cover the cost of providing 5-day-a-week trash collection service in the business district. Increased revenue collected could help cover the cost of implementing streetscape recommendations that may arise from the Visioning study.

An Ordinance covering the short-term meters was introduced during the Commissioners' meeting on October 29; a Public Hearing was scheduled for September 12. A second Ordinance covering the long-term meters was introduced on September 12; a Public Hearing will be held on September 26.

If approved, the new rates would become effective after October 1 (mid-term) and after January 1 (long-term).

AUDIT ACTION
The Borough's annual audit typically includes a list of items that the auditor identified as requiring corrective action. These are usually minor in nature and are easy to address.

The Commissioners have accepted the Corrective Action Plan recommended by the Chief Financial Officer, and the Borough has filed it with the State Division of Local Government Services.

VACANCY: SHADE TREE COMMISSION
There is a vacancy on the Shade Tree Commission. Interested residents should call Richard Schwab, the Borough Administrator, to discuss details: 429-4700 x 215.

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August 11 to September 1 , 2006

PROPERTY TO BE AUCTIONED
During their meeting on July 25, the Commissioners authorized the Borough Administrator to dispose of surplus and unclaimed property by offering it for purchase at public auction.

The items include tractors, dump trucks, chippers, mowers, leaf vacuum machines, a trailer, a Chevy Caprice, 36 bicycles, 2 rings, a watch, a camera, an iPod, a backpack, and a CD case containing 57 CDs.

The auction will be held at the Public Works Department facility at 555 Centre Street, on Tuesday, August 15 at 3:30pm. A half-hour preview period will begin at 3:00pm.

TREE TRIMMING, REMOVAL
Based on the Borough's recent satisfactory experience with a fixed-price contract for removal of a specified number of dead and dying trees (as opposed to an hourly-rate contract for an undefined number), the Commissioners decided to advertise for bids for tree-trimming services on the same basis.

During their meeting on July 25, they awarded a contract to Elite Tree Service of Manalapan for the trimming of 75 trees at various locations throughout the Borough. The contract is valued at $54,375.

At the time the proposed contract was advertised, the number of trees on the “trim” list was about 150, so more than 75 will remain to be attended to until funds become available. An additional 30 dead and dying trees remain on the “take down” list; funds for their removal are not currently available.

TOWN CALENDAR
The 2006-07 version of the community calendar is “at the printer” and is scheduled to be mailed to residents and business owners before the end of August.

Residents and business owners who do not receive a calendar in the mail should contact the US Postal Service.

After the delivery has taken place, additional copies may be purchased at the Borough Hall, in Room 101.

VACANCY ON SHADE TREE COMMISSION
The resignation of Vince Rubatsky, who is relocating, has created a vacancy of the Shade Tree Commission.

The Commissioners invite expressions of interest from residents who have a measure of arboreal expertise.

The Commission meets each third Monday (except in July and August) at 9:00am in the Borough Hall.

Members decide which trees should be removed, which species should be planted, and where, and which methods of husbandry are most appropriate for trees in public places.

Letters and resumes should be sent to the Commissioners at PO Box 2005, Haddonfield NJ 08033, or delivered to the Borough Hall, Room 101.

Questions? Call the Administrator: 429-4700 x 215.

The Commissioners thank Vince Rubatsky for his service to the Commission and the community.

TURN OFF THE TAP!
Water consumption in the Borough exceeded two million gallons per day on five occasions in July, one-third more than the desired average of 1.5 million gallons per day. The monthly average was more than 1.75 million gallons per day.

Apart from wanting to conserve water, the Borough also seeks to limit the additional wear and tear on its pumps that results from spikes in consumption. For this reason, the Commissioners ask residents and business owners to be especially conscious of conservation during daylight hours. Watering lawns, washing cars, and filling pools at the same time as a dishwasher, washing machine, bath or shower is running is not helpful. The watering of lawns should take place before 6:00am and after 6:00pm, and especially not in the heat of the mid-afternoon.

TRASH IN THE BUSINESS DISTRICT
In an effort to improve hygiene and reduce unsightliness in the business district, the Clean Communities Officer and the Zoning Office are contacting restaurateurs and food purveyors to make sure they are aware of regulations for the proper disposal of food waste and other trash from their operations.

Food waste must be placed in plastic bags at least 1.3mil thick and the bags must be placed in rigid containers with secure lids. Cardboard boxes must be flattened and tied in bundles. Outdoor spills of food waste must be cleaned up.

Trash and materials to be recycled must be stored indoors. They may be placed outdoors, in approved locations, after 5:00pm on the day before pickup or before 7:00am on the day of pickup.

COMMISSION MEETING POSTPONED
The agenda for the Commissioners' meeting of August 8 included a motion to postpone the regular Board of Commissioners meetings scheduled for Tuesday, August 22 (the fourth Tuesday) to Tuesday, August 29. Both the Work Session (4:00pm) and the Board meeting (7:30pm) would be held a their regular times.

The postponement resulted from an unexpected change in the business travel schedule of one of the Commissioners.

LINCOLN AVENUE ROADWORKS
Work on the reconstruction of Lincoln Avenue between Park Place and Chestnut Street is proceeding on schedule. The intersections with Walnut Avenue and Centre Street have been closed for some days in preparation for the construction of raised speed tables designed to slow traffic and enhance pedestrian safety.

The Commissioners express their appreciation to residents on and near Lincoln Avenue for their cooperation during this time of dust and disruption. The goal remains to have the work completed and the street opened again by Labor Day.

THIRD QUARTER TAX DEADLINE?
Monday, August 21 at 4:30pm. Borough Hall, Room 105.

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