HOLIDAY HOURS
Borough offices will be closed on Wednesday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. The Public Library will be closed. The Information Center will be open from 10:00am to 12:00n. Emergency services - police, fire, and ambulance - will be available around-the-clock, as usual, as will emergency water and sewer services.
Wednesday's trash and recycling collection will be postponed to Thursday. Business owners are asked to not put trash and recycling out for collection after 7:00am on Tuesday morning, or before 5:00pm on Wednesday night.

HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS
A display of pyrotechnics, in celebration of Independence Day, will be presented in the High School stadium on Tuesday, July 3, starting at around 9:30pm. It will be preceded by a band concert, starting at 7:30pm. In the event of inclement weather, the fireworks display will be postponed to Saturday, July 7.
The parade down Kings Highway, from Chestnut Street to the High School, is scheduled to begin at 10:00am on Wednesday, July 4. In the event of inclement weather, the parade will be cancelled. Check HaddonfieldOnline.com for details.
The Commissioners thank the members of the Celebrations Association for their dedicated work in planning and presenting the fireworks display and the parade. They remind residents and business owners that Independence Day festivities in Haddonfield are organized and paid for by the Association - not by the Borough. Contributions to the cause (payable "Haddonfield Celebrations Association") should be mailed to PO Box 15, Haddonfield NJ 08033.

SUMMER FUN
The Summertime Recreation Program sponsored by the Borough is under way, as is the Summertime Reading Program sponsored by the Public Library's Children's Department.
Copies of the schedule of activities are available at the Borough Hall, Information Center, Public Library, and on the Borough's Web Site (www.haddonfieldnj.org).
These summer programs are free to all Haddonfield residents and students attending schools in Haddonfield.

ACTION ON UNDERAGE DRINKING
Three meetings have been held in recent months to address various aspects of the issue of underage drinking: a Mayor's Roundtable in late April, a Town Forum hosted by the Civic Association in mid-May, and a Community Call to Action in mid-June. A fourth meeting - a Leadership Summit - was scheduled to be held on June 27 to develop an overall strategy, define mechanisms and tools, and set a timetable for the development of a Plan of Action to be implemented in the fall.
Residents who are interested in working on this important issue should contact the Commissioners by phone (429-4700 x 225) or via the Borough Web site: www.haddonfieldnj.org.
To speak directly with Mayor Colombi, call 428-0348.

NOTE: FIREWORKS ARE...
(a) Illegal, except when used in a display for which the appropriate permits and approvals have been obtained;
(b) Potentially dangerous to life, limb, and property.
(c) Spectacular, when well presented.
For these reasons, the Commissioners and the Chief of Police urge residents to confine their enjoyment of fireworks to the exhibition at the High School on Tuesday, July 3.

SUMMER CURFEW HOURS
Parents and juveniles are reminded that summer curfew hours are now in effect: 11:00pm to 5:00am, seven days a week. An exception applies for juveniles in the company of parents.
The curfew was imposed early in 2007 in response to an increase in the number of "criminal mischief" incidents in recent years, the majority of which were perpetrated by youth, many of whom were residents of nearby towns that have curfews.

AUDIT REPORT RECEIVED
The Borough has received copies of the audit for 2006, carried out by Bowman & Company, as required by state law. The Commissioners were scheduled to accept the report formally during their meeting on June 26.
As in previous years, the auditors have reported that the Borough's financial operations and records are in good order. As usual, they made several recommendations of a minor nature. The Borough has completed action on recommendations in the report for 2005.
Copies of the Audit Report are available for perusal in Room 101 of the Borough Hall and at the Public Library. A summary is available at www.haddonfieldnj.org.

VACANCY ON SHADE TREE COMMISSION
Following her recent appointment to the board of the Partnership for Haddonfield, Beverly Aldeghi resigned from the Shade Tree Commission in order to devote her volunteer time to Business District matters. As a result, a vacancy exists.
Interested residents may apply online, at www.haddonfieldnj.org. Click on "Volunteer for a Board Position."
The Shade Tree Commission meets on the third Monday of each month (except July and August) at 9:00am. In addition to attendance at meetings, service on the Shade Tree Commission involves attendance at periodic training sessions, research, and field visits throughout Haddonfield.
The Commissioners express their appreciation to Beverly Aldeghi for her dedicated service.

"STEEP SLOPE" ORDINANCE
The Commissioners have introduced an Ordinance that contains detailed language about measures designed to prevent and limit erosion of "steep slopes" when new construction is taking place. A steep slope is defined as one that has a grade of more than 15% over a 100-foot horizontal interval.

NEW ADMINISTRATOR APPOINTED
The Commissioners have selected Sharon McCullough to succeed Borough Administrator Richard Schwab when he retires on July 1. Ms. McCullough is the current Assistant to the Administrator, a position she has held for the past three years.
Advertisements placed in January in local, state, and national publications and web sites generated more than 60 applications. A committee of former Mayors, chaired by Commissioner Neal Rochford, recommended a dozen to be considered closely. Interviews produced a short list of excellent candidates, but in the end the Commissioners concluded that Sharon McCullough’s qualifications, experience, and familiarity with Haddonfield made her the right person for the job.
During her 19-year career in government, Sharon has worked in five other New Jersey municipalities. She has been Chief Finance Officer for the Borough of Woodbine and the City of Absecon and was the Township Administrator of Fairfield prior to coming to Haddonfield in March of 2004. She is a Certified Municipal Finance Officer, a Certified Municipal Clerk, and is qualified to be a Certified Purchasing Officer.
In Haddonfield, Ms. McCullough has overseen the daily operations of the various administrative offices in the Borough Hall including Clerk, Assessor, Tax Collector, Finance and Community Development. She has been responsible for or involved in preparing and administering the annual budget; instituting new purchase control systems; coordinating the first consolidation of short-term debt into cost-effective longer-term bonding to stabilize the debt-service line in the annual budget; updating the Borough personnel manual and providing required training to all employees; handling all grant applications and grant administration; participating in all labor negotiations and labor management issues; and serving as Acting Borough Administrator in the absence of the Administrator.
She will continue to serve as Personnel Officer, Budget Officer, Purchasing Officer , and Deputy Clerk, while taking on the responsibilities currently handled by the Administrator.
Ms. McCullough is lives Woodbine, New Jersey, with her husband and two children.

RETIREMENT PARTY FOR RICHARD SCHWAB
A celebration of Richard Schwab’s 28-year tenure as Borough Administrator will be held at the Tavistock Country Club on Sunday, July 1. Hors d’oeuvres, a light buffet, and desserts will be available from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. Tributes will be presented at 4:30pm.
The cost to attend is $45 per person. Checks payable “Schwab Retirement Party” should be mailed to PO Box 3005, Haddonfield NJ 08033. Contributions to a retirement gift are welcomed. Dress is Country Club casual.

SUMMER FUN
The Summertime Recreation Program sponsored by the Borough is scheduled to get under way on Monday, June 25.
Copies of the schedule of activities are available at the Borough Hall, Information Center, Public Library, and on the Borough’s Web Site (haddonfieldnj.org).
The Public Library’s Summer Reading Program for children began on June 12 and will run through the end of August.
These summer program are free and open to all Haddonfield residents and students attending schools in Haddonfield.

WATER QUALITY REPORT
The Borough’s annual Water Quality Report is “at the printer” and will be “in the mail” by the end of June.

HELP MAKE THE FOURTH HAPPEN
The Commissioners remind residents and business owners that Independence Day festivities in Haddonfield are organized and paid for by a community organization – the Haddonfield Celebrations Association – not by the Borough.
Contributions are needed for the parade, bands, prizes, entertainment, and fireworks. Checks (payable “Haddonfield Celebrations Association”) should be mailed to PO Box 15, Haddonfield NJ 08033.

ACTION ON UNDERAGE DRINKING
Recent incidents in Haddonfield have shone a spotlight on underage drinking and other risky behaviors by teens. They occurred at about the same time that the Surgeon General of the United States issued a Call to Action to “reduce underage drinking, encourage good choices, and create a culture of wellness across the Nation.”
The Commissioners and other leaders of our community have responded to the incidents and Surgeon General’s Call to Action in a number of ways, including:
•A Mayor’s Roundtable, held on a Sunday evening in late April, gave some two dozen residents an opportunity to express their views on the issue; another two dozen representatives of key organizations listened and observed.
•A Town Forum hosted by the Civic Association in mid-May gave members of the community an opportunity to hear from a panel of experts, ask questions, and express their views.
• A Community Call to Action meeting, scheduled for June 13, was designed to provide information about underage drinking and its consequences (including legal sanctions against teens and adults), and to enable residents to sign on to support a multi-faceted, sustained, community-wide drive to change the culture of acceptance of underage drinking as a “rite of passage” to adulthood.
•A Leadership Summit, scheduled for the end of June, will be used to develop an overall strategy, define mechanisms and tools, and set a timetable for implementation.
Residents who are interested in working on this issue should contact the Commissioners by phone (429-4700 x 225) or via the Borough Web site: www.haddonfieldnj.org.
To speak directly with Mayor Colombi, call 428-0348.

SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET
During a special meeting on May 21, the Commissioners decided to cut the proposed budget for the School District for the school year 2007-08 by $57,200.
When Haddonfield voters rejected the proposed budget on April 17, the matter became the responsibility of the Commissioners, as required by state law. They consulted with representatives of the Board of Education and examined the Board's proposed budget in detail.
Mayor Colombi and Commissioner Rochford came to the conclusion that it would be possible to eliminate one proposed program - Elementary World Language - without negatively affecting the education of the students. (The salary-and-benefits cost of a new teacher would amount to $57,200.) Commissroner Borden argued that the budget should stand, as proposed, but voted with the other two Commissioners on the resolution.
The effect of the Commissioners'action will be to reduce the proposed School District tax rate by 0.6¢, or $13.20 per year on a property assessed at the Borough av~rage of $220,000.

OPEN SPACE TAX RATE SET
During their meeting on May 22, the Commissioners set the tax rate for the Open Space Tax Fund. This action was required following the successful passage of a referendum last fall, re- quired as a result of a successful petition drive last summer.
The Commissioners set the rate at 1 ~ per $1 00 of assessed
value for the 2007 tax year. The cost to owner of a property
assessed at the borough average of $220,000 will be $5.50 per quarter for the next four quarters. The tax will generate a total of $103,858 in the first year.
The Commissioners have no current plans for using the funds. The public will be notified and public hearings will be held before any such plans are put into effect.

DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN
The Commissioners have been notified that the Borough has been awarded a 4-to-1 matching grant (worth up to $40,000) from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission. The money will be used to pay for work required to codify the principles and goals described in the Downtown Area Element of the Borough's Master Plan that the Planning Board adopted
recently.

VOLUNTARY WATER RESTRICTIONS
During their meeting on May 22, the Commissioners gave MayorColombi, as Commissioner of Public Works, the authority to determine whether mandatory restrictions should be enforced, based on the conditions of water use and availability, between June 14 and September 3.
At this time, the restrictions are voluntary. Residents and business owners are asked to not use water outside between the hours of 6:00am and 6:00pm.

RETIREMENT PARTY FOR RICHARD SCHWAB
Mark your calendar for Sunday, July 1.

COMING UP: FLAG DAY
The Commissioners remind residents and business owners that Thursday, June 14 is Flag Day and encourage all to fly the Stars & Stripes on that day. They also invite the entire community to join them in Kings Court at 6: 15pm for the Borough's annual Flag Day celebration.

UNDERAGE DRINKING: A CALL TO ACTION
The Commissioners invite concerned members of the com- munity to attend a meeting in the Middle School auditorium on Wednesday, June 13 at 7:00pm.

HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION AWARD
During the Commissioners' meeting on May 22, the Human Relations Commission presented its annual Alvin R. Schomer Award to SarahTurrin, a senior student at Haddonfield Memorial High School.
The award recognizes "outstanding service to the community in fostering tolerance and diversity and demonstrating leader- ship and strength of character."
In congratulating Sarah, the Commissioners also noted that she is one of about 70 seniors from throughout the Delaware Valley who received a Student Citizenship Award from the Philadelphia Inquirer.

CONTRACT FOR BANKING SERVICES
During their meeting on May 22, the Commissioners ac- cepted a proposal for banking and investment services from Commerce Bank, one of nine banks that responded to the request for proposals.
The Commissioners determined that Commerce offered the best combination of services and interest rates on account bal- ances and noted that the value of these services will be better than that being provided under the existing arrangement with Commerce Bank.

EQUIPMENT, CONTRACT FOR TREE SERVICES
During their meeting on May 22, the Commissioners accepted a $17,550 bid from Lyon & Son Tree Service of Barrington for the removal of 30 trees at various locations throughout the Borough.
The Commissioners also authorized the purchase of a new chipping machine for the Public Works Department. This fol- lows a decision to reactivate the Department's tree trimming program, having determined that it would be too expensive to continue to use a private contractor for those services.
The chipper, valued at $40,704, will be purchased from R. J. Sherman & Associates on Lumberton.

FARMERS' MARKET UP AND RUNNING
The Commissioners congratulate the organizers of the new Haddonfield Farmers' Market on the successful launch of this new venture. The market, which is located in part of the PATCO parking lot near the train station, operates each Saturday from 11 :OOam to 3:00om.

LIBRARY CONTRACT
The Commissioners have awarded a contract to Library Development Solutions, of Princeton, to determine residents' needs and preferences for library services, and to use the information gathered to update the library building program.  Funds for the work were allocated in a prior-year budget, but were not used. It is expected that the consultant will conduct a number of public meetings, small and large, and possibly a survey as well. Work will begin in the near future and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

PILOT PARKING PROGRAM
The Commissioners have decided to extend, for up to six months, a pilot parking program instituted in October 2005 and designed to increase the availability of on-street parking in the downtown business district. The program provides incentives to employees of businesses to park in the Borough lots in the rear of the businesses, rather than at the meters on the streets.  Special monthly permits are available at the Information Center. The fee is $40.

APPOINTMENTS
The Commissioners have made several appointments to the Board of Trustees of the Partnership for Haddonfield, the non-profit business district management corporation:    

• As Alternate II, Lisa M. Blaber will fill the unexpired term of Beverly Lloyd-Aldeghi, who becomes Alternate I.
   
• Kerrie Bantivoglio, formerly Alternate I, will fill the unexpired term of Mark Ruggerio (representing professionals), who has resigned from the Board.

WATER & SEWER FEES
 The Commissioners introduced an Ordinance on May 8 to increase the fees for new water and sewer connections. This will be the first increase since 1992 for some fees, since 1978 for others. The updated fees include:    

• For Water service, the fee for a new 1-inch connection will be $3,500.
   
• For Sanitary Sewer service, the fee will be $4,500 for a new 4-inch connection and $4,600 for a new 6-inch connection.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
A Retirement Party for Richard Schwab, the Borough Administrator, will be held at the Tavistock Country Club on Sunday, July 1 from 3pm. Residents, business owners, vendors, Borough employees, and all who wish to say "Farewell" are urged to mark their calendars. Details will follow.

SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET
 Following a 989 "yes" to 995 "no" vote on the School District budget on April 17, the Commissioners assumed the responsibility, as required by state law, for reviewing the budget and for deciding if it should be reduced.   

The detailed process of learning about and understanding the School budget began right away. A number of discussions have taken place between representatives of the Commissioners and the School Board to consider the potential effects of any cuts. Many members of the public have expressed their opinions on whether or not the budget and the tax rate should be reduced or maintained.    

During a special meeting to be held on Monday, May 21 - 6:00pm in the Borough Hall Auditorium - the Commissioners will have their final discussion, listen to the views of members of the public, and vote on a resolution to implement whatever decision they make. This decision must be transmitted by the end of that day to the Camden County Superintendent of Schools.    

The Commissioners continue to receive (and welcome) public comment through phone calls, letters and e-mail to boroughmail@haddonfield-nj.gov (or via the e-mail connection on the Borough Web site: www.haddonfieldnj.org).

TOWN FORUM
The Civic Association will hold a Town Forum from 7 to 9:30pm on Monday, May 21 to discuss a "Statement of Community Principles" that addresses the illegal use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs by children in our community.  The Forum will be held at the Methodist Church.

PLANNING BOARD ADOPTS DOWNTOWN PLAN
 After holding a Public Hearing during their meeting on April 25 - and continuing it to permit additional public comment during their regular meeting on May 1 - the Planning Board adopted the Downtown Area Master Plan, a proposal based on the Visioning Project that a subcommittee of the Board has been working on for several years.    

The Commissioners will now arrange for implementing ordinances to be drafted.    

Copies of the Plan are available for perusal in Room 101 of the Borough Hall, at the Information Center and the Public Library, and on the Borough's Web site: www.haddonfieldnj.org.

PROCLAMATION
 During their meeting on May 8, the Commissioners issued a proclamation in recognition of the 80th anniversary of the Rotary Club of Haddonfield, on May 21, 2007.

RECYCLING
   Go green!

CAPITAL PROJECTS FUNDING ORDINANCES
During their meeting on April 24, the Commissioners adopted an Ordinance to authorize the appropriation of $725,000 for capital improvements, $617,500 of which would be financed by the issuance of bonds, plus $1,200,000 in bonds and notes for various water and sewer utility improvements.

FEES FOR WEDDINGS, CIVIL UNIONS, PETS
During their meeting on April 24, the Commissioners adopted an Ordinance to enact a new state requirement that fees (when charged) for wedding or civil union ceremonies conducted by the Mayor or Deputy Mayor be paid to the municipality. The Ordinance sets the fee at $200, but makes it discretionary.
The Commissioners also adopted an Ordinance that increases the fees payable by the owners of dogs and cats for the annual permits required by state law. The $4 (dogs) and $3 (cats) increases are the first since 1978, and are designed to cover increased costs (of animal control services, for example).

HADDONFIELD NAMED “TREE CITY”
The Borough has been notified by the National Arbor Day Foundation that Haddonfield has, for the fourteenth year, been named a Tree City USA community.
The criteria that Haddonfield met are: a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance.

AGREEMENT TO PERMIT FARMERS’ MARKET
In 2006, the Borough and the Delaware River Port Authority entered into an agreement that gives the Borough access to certain areas of the DRPA’s parking lot at the PATCO station. The purpose of the agreement was to enable visitors to the downtown to park, at certain times, in designated areas of the PATCO lot.
The agreement was revised recently to permit the holding of a Farmers’ Market on Saturdays between May 12 and October 27, 2007, and between the hours of 11:00am and 3:00pm (with necessary time for set up and clean up).

RIDING ON SIDEWALKS
The Commissioners have amended the Ordinance that regulates the riding of bicycles, skateboards, and similar devices and vehicles on public sidewalks. In the past, such activity was prohibited. The amended Ordinance permits the riding of these types of personal transportation devices on sidewalks, provided it is not “careless or reckless.”

FEES FOR PARKING PERMITS
In response to requests from certain residents who are not able to park vehicles on their properties, and who must therefore obtain permits to park overnight in public lots, the Commissioners have reduced the fees for those permits, effective July 1.
For those with no off-street area for parking, the fee has been reduced from $25 to $15. For those with areas that are too small, the fee has been reduced from $100 to $60.

HYDRANT FLUSHING
The Public Works Department’s semiannual hydrant flushing operation began on Tuesday, May 1 and will continue through Friday, May 25, ad follows:
•May 1 thru 4: South of Kings Hwy, West of the Speedline
•May 8 thru 11: North of Kings Hwy, West of the Speedline
•May 15 thru 18: North of Kings Hwy, East of the Speedline
•May 22 thru 25: South of Kings Hwy, East of the Speedline
The purpose of the program is to flush corrosive material from the system.

POTHOLE PATROL
Asphalt factories resume operations in the spring, so the Public Works Department will soon be filling potholes that developed during the winter months. Residents are encouraged to call 429-0183 to add the locations of potholes to the Department’s “hit list.”

DOWNTOWN PROMOTIONS
During their meeting on April 10, the Commissioners approved the use of the public right of way for two activities scheduled to take place on the weekend of Saturday, May 12: “Mom’s the Word,” a shopping promotion sponsored by the Partnership for Haddonfield, and the Lizzy Haddon Girls’ Basketball Tournament.

PROCLAMATIONS ETC.
The Commissioners issued three proclamations recently.
•Historic Preservation Month, urging citizens to recognize and participate in historic preservation events and activities.
•Arbor Day, urging citizens to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands.
As it has done so often in the past, the Shade Tree Commission sponsored the planting of a tree in observance of Arbor Day. This year, the ceremony took place on April 27 on Haddon Avenue, adjacent to the Friends Cemetery.
•Earth Day, urging citizens to renew their commitment to protect our town, our country, our planet.
Haddonfield’s Earth Day Celebration at Crows Woods on Saturday, April 28, sponsored by the Environmental Commission, was very well attended. The Commissioners thank the members of the Commission for their constant efforts to keep environmental concerns in the public eye.
The dedication of the new pavilion and grove of trees at the entrance to the Crows Woods Nature Area, on Sunday, April 29, was also very well attended. Tribute was paid to Chizzy and Ruth Evans, and a plaque recognizing their generous contributions to new work at Crows Woods was unveiled.
The contribution of Eagle Scout Brian Peacock and his sign and trail-blazing project in the Nature Area was also recognized.
The Commissioners thank the various community groups and the many volunteers who have done to much to preserve, conserve, and judiciously develop this precious community resource.

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION
The Environmental Commission will sponsor a day of activities at Crows Woods on Saturday, April 28, in celebration of Earth Day.

CROWS WOODS DEDICATION
At 4:00pm on Sunday, April 29, the Commissioners will dedicate an area at the entrance to the Crows Woods Nature Area, and name it Chizzy Evans Grove in honor of a Borough Commissioner, state legislator, and philanthropist who provided a $25,000 bequest for work at Crows Woods.
The newly completed entrance pavilion, which the new landscaping surrounds, will also be dedicated, and an Eagle Scout sign and trail-blazing project in the Nature Area will be recognized. All are invited to attend the ceremony.

CLEAN-UP WEEKEND
Individuals, families, and community organizations are encouraged to participate in the Borough’s annual Clean-Up Weekend which this year will take place from Friday, April 27 through Sunday, April 29. The focus will be on picking up litter and trash that has accumulated in public parks, parking lots, etc., during the winter months.
Call Lynn McCabe for details: 429-4700 x 315.

CLEAN-OUT COMING TO AN END
The annual Community Clean-Out, when the Borough relaxes the rules that normally apply to the amounts and kinds of materials that residents can put out as trash, will end on Trash Days during the week beginning Monday, April 23.
Normal rules relating to the collection of trash and recycling materials will apply once again from Monday, April 30.

FEES FOR WEDDINGS, CIVIL UNIONS, PETS
The NJ Division of Local Government Services has advised municipalities that fees paid for wedding or civil union ceremonies conducted by the Mayor or Deputy Mayor must now be paid to the municipality. In the past, fees (when charged) were typically paid directly to the person conducting the ceremony.
On April 10, the Commissioners introduced an Ordinance to enact this new requirement, setting the fee at $200 and giving the Mayor or Deputy Mayor discretion to waive the fee (which they typically do for Haddonfield residents).
Fees for dog and cat licenses have not increased since 1978, even though the costs that those fees are intended to cover (animal control services, for example) have risen.
On April 10, the Commissioners introduced an Ordinance to increase the license fees for dogs from $8 to $12 (neutered) and $11 to $14 (non-neutered). For cats, the fee will increase from $6 to $9 (neutered) and $9 to $12 (non-neutered).
The new fees will apply to the 2008 licenses, which should be applied for on or before January 31.
A Public Hearing on the proposed Ordinances will be held during the Commissioner’ meeting on Tuesday, April 24.

POTHOLE PATROL
Asphalt factories resume operations in the spring, so the Public Works Department will soon be filling potholes that developed during the winter months. Residents are encouraged to call 429-0183 to add the locations of potholes to the Department’s “hit list.”

HAVING MULCH (ETC) DELIVERED?
Residential and commercial property owners are reminded that dumping mulch, dirt, sand, etc. on public streets and sidewalks is prohibited and that it is property owners, not landscaping contractors, who must appear in court when citations are issued.

DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN
The Planning Board will hold a special meeting and Public Hearing – Wednesday, April 25 at 7:00pm in the Borough Hall auditorium – on the Downtown Area Master Plan, a proposal based on the Visioning Project that a subcommittee of the Planning Board has been working on for several years.
This is a very important meeting, and the Commissioners encourage all interested parties to attend.
Copies of the Downtown Area Master Plan are available for perusal at the Borough Hall (Room 101), the Information Center, and the Public Library, and may be downloaded from the Borough Web site.

CAPITAL PROJECTS FUNDING ORDINANCES
During their meeting on April 10, the Commissioners introduced an Ordinance to authorize the appropriation of $725,000 for capital improvements, $617,500 of which would be financed by the issuance of bonds, plus $1,200,000 in bonds and notes for various water and sewer utility improvements.
The proposed expenditures include:
•$330,000 for improvements to parking areas at Crows Woods, including the entrance way, the gardens, and the nature area; and the acquisition of Public Works equipment, including a chipper and a replacement pickup truck and dump truck.
•$75,000 (appropriated but not used several years ago) for roof repairs at the Public Library, and professional studies relating to future improvements.
•$320,000 for drainage work adjacent to the ravine behind the east end of Maple Avenue, and professional studies relating to a Borough-wide sump pump/stormwater study.
•The proposed work includes replacement of a water main on Sylvan Lake Avenue, improvements at the pump station on Grove Street, and system-wide improvements related to infiltration and inflow.
A Public Hearing on the proposed Ordinances will be held during the Commissioners’ meeting on Tuesday, April 24 (7:30pm in Borough Hall Room 102).

RECYCLING
Just do it!

APPOINTMENTS
The Commissioners have appointed Bob Bickel as Recreation Director, Coordinator of the Summer Recreation Program, and chair of the Recreation Council. He takes over from Richard Eastwick, who served in those positions for 17 years.
Bob is a physical education teacher at the Middle School and coaches the High School’s varsity baseball team. He has worked with the Summer Recreation Program for many years.
The program can be thought of as the ultimate “shared service.” The School District makes facilities such as fields, courts, auditoriums, art rooms, gymnasia, classrooms, playgrounds, etc. available during the summer months. The Borough does the same, for municipal facilities. The Recreation Council plans the program and the Recreation Director coordinates it. He also schedules the use of all facilities, both School District and Borough, by non-school users.
The Commissioners congratulate Bob on this appointment, and thank Dick for his many years of dedicated service.

ORDINANCES ADOPTED
During their meeting on March 27, the Commissioners adopted three ordinances:
•An Ordinance establishing salaries and wages for Police Department members of the PBA. The six-year contract calls for a 4.5% salary increase in the third year.
•An Ordinance covering salaries for non-union employees of the Borough. It provides for a 3.75% increase in salaries.
•An Ordinance establishing Water and Sewer rates for 2007: $4.40 per thousand gallons for water and $2.10 per thousand gallons for sewer. These rates represent an increase of 2.4% over the rates for 2006, and the first increase since 2005.

CENTENNIAL FIELD FACILITIES OPEN
Renovations to the pavilion near the Centennial Field tennis courts on Lakeview Avenue have been completed: new handicap-accessible restrooms and new storage space.
The building serves the needs of the Summer Recreation Program, the Tennis Association, the High School Tennis Team, and those who use the Lincoln Avenue football field.
Half of the $153,000 cost was covered by a state grant.

YARD SALES
As the yard sale “season” approaches, the Commissioners remind residents who plan to hold private sales of the need to observe the regulations for yard and garage sales. They include:
•Residents are permitted to hold one sale in any six-month period.
•A permit must be obtained at least two weeks prior to the proposed date of the sale. The permit costs $2 and may be obtained at the Borough Hall, in Room 101. The penalty for not obtaining a permit is $10.
•Signs may be placed only on the property where the sale is taking place. Signs may not be placed on poles or trees or in the ground in the public right-of-way.

HYDRANT FLUSHING
The Public Works Department will begin its semi-annual hydrant flushing program on Tuesday, May 1 and continue through Friday, May 25 on every weekday except Monday.

IT’S CLEAN-OUT TIME!
Spring is a time when many residents clean out their basements, attics, and garages. The Borough aims to facilitate this seasonal activity by relaxing the rules that normally apply to the amounts and kinds of materials that can be put out as trash. See the Town Calendar or haddonfieldnj.org for details.
Also, please note: Vegetative waste can be recycled (as compost) and should not be placed out as trash. Containers of vegetative waste should be identified by yellow stickers, obtainable at the Borough Hall (Room 101) and at the Information Center (in Kings Court). Vegetative waste containers should be placed out on trash day, separate from trash and other recycling.
Questions: Public Works Department: 429-0183

... CLEAN-UP TIME TOO!
Since it’s April it’s also time for community groups, families, and individual residents to support the Borough’s Clean Communities Program, and in particular to sign up to participate on Spring Clean-Up Weekend (Friday, April 27 through Sunday, April 29).
Groups, families, and individuals can register to “adopt” a specific public area for monitoring on a continuing basis during the year to keep the area litter-free. The designated “spot” can be a park, road, parking lot, or any other type of “spot” that is of special interest or concern.
On Clean-Up Weekend (especially Saturday), the focus is on spending a few hours picking up trash and litter that has accumulated during the winter months.
The program is coordinated by Lynn McCabe, the Borough’s Clean Communities Officer. Interested organizations, families, and individuals may find out more details – and register to help on Clean-Up Weekend – by leaving a message for him at 429-4700 x 315.

EARTH DAY ACTIVITIES
In observance of Earth Day, the Environmental Commission will sponsor activities at Crows Woods on Saturday, April 28.
There will be an early-morning bird walk through the Woods; nature hikes through the Woods throughout the day; sunflower-seed potting with the Crows Woods Gardeners; a poster display by the High School Environmental Club; a presentation featuring live animals and titled “Animals with Bad Reputations” by the Academy of Natural Sciences; and a free barbecue lunch.
It is anticipated that the new pavilion at the entrance to the Woods will be available for use on Earth Day. A formal dedication ceremony is being planned. The tentative date is Sunday, April 29 at 4pm.
All events and activities are free, and open to the public.