March 28 to April 11, 2008

BOROUGH BUDGET
    The Commissioners were scheduled to hold a Public Hearing on the Borough Budget for 2008 during their regular meeting on Tuesday, March 25.
    In light of recent announcements by the Governor with respect to the amounts of state aid that municipalities are likely to receive this year, the Commissioners intended to postpone their vote to address the loss of aid or until definitive information has been received from the state.

BUSINESS DISTRICT BUDGET
    The Commissioners held a Public Hearing on the 2008 budget of the District Management Corporation (known as Partnership for Haddonfield) during their meeting on March 11 and subsequently adopted it.
    The Operating Budget for 2008 is $326,270, of which $250,000 will be raised from assessments on commercial properties in the District (the same as was raised in 2007).

SALARY ORDINANCE
    The Commissioners introduced a proposed Salary Ordinance during their meeting on March 11 and were scheduled to hold a Public Hearing and vote on March 25.
    The proposed increase in salaries for non-union employees – 3.25% – matches that provided to members of the Teamsters Union under their contract. Members of the Police Benevolent Association Local received a 4% increase in 2008, in accordance with their contract.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
    Earth Day 2008 will be observed in Haddonfield on Saturday, April 26. As usual, the Environmental Commission will present a variety of family-focused activities and programs at Crows Woods. Stay tuned for details.

WANTED: EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICER
    The Borough is seeking to fill a vacancy in the position of Emergency Management Coordinator. This is a volunteer position and holder of the position must be a resident of Haddonfield.
    Resumes and cover letters should be sent to Sharon McCullough, Borough Administrator, PO Box 3005, Haddonfield NJ 08033. Alternatively, visit the Borough Web site and click on “Volunteer for a borough board.”

PLEASE REPORT POTHOLES
    It's Pothole Patrol time! Call the Public 429-0183 x 0 to report potholes on roads in Haddonfield. Or visit the Borough Web site and click on “Public Works,” then “Report a Pothole.”

OPEN SPACE TAX
    The Commissioners were planning to adopt a resolution during their meeting on March 25 to set the Open Space Tax for 2008 at 0.05¢ (one-half of one cent).

SPRING CLEAN-OUT
    Each year in the spring, the Borough relaxes its rules with respect to the types and amounts of trash that can be put out for collection by Public Works Department crews. This is in recognition of the fact that spring is a time when many residents clean out their basements, attics, and garages.
    For details of “what” and “how much,” see the Town Calendar or visit haddonfieldnj.org.
    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.

COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP WEEKEND
    It's time for individuals, couples, families, and community organizations to sign up to help pick up litter and other debris that has accumulated in parks, parking lots, and other public spaces during the winter months. Community Clean-Up Weekend will be Friday, April 25 thru Sunday, April 27. Contact Lynn McCabe – 429-4700 x 315.

BOND ORDINANCE INTRODUCED
    The Commissioners were planning to introduce an ordinance during their meeting on March 25 to provide for the selling of bonds to finance general capital projects ($1,418,500) and water and sewer projects ($1,225,000).
    The general capital projects include the 2008 road maintenance program, purchase of vehicles for the Public Works Department, improvements to the Public Library and other Borough buildings.
    The water and sewer projects include utility work required by the road program, a bypass pump with emergency generator at one of the pump stations, and maintenance of water and sewer facilities.
    A Public Hearing on the proposed ordinance will be held during the Commissioners' meeting on Tuesday, April 8.

WARNING TO PARKING OFFENDERS
    The Commissioners were scheduled to introduce an amendment to the Traffic and Parking Ordinance that is designed to encourage those who park in metered spaces to observe the law, especially with respect to time limits on parking.
    The proposed amendment would double the penalty for a motor vehicle owner who incurs a third, fourth or fifth metered parking violation in any one calendar year, upon conviction of such violation, and triple the penalty for a motor vehicle owner who incurs six or more metered parking violations in any one calendar year.
    A Public Hearing on the proposed amendment will be held during the Commissioners' regular meeting on Tuesday, April 8 (Borough Hall, Room 101, at 7:30pm).

March 14 to March 21, 2008

NEW FIRE COMPANY EXPLORERS
    During their meeting on February 26, the Commissioners welcomed three new members of the Fire Company's Explorer program: Greg Bellman, Sean Brohpy, and Brian Oatway.
    The Fire Explorer Program offers high school-age students the opportunity to learn, grow, develop leadership skills, and accept the very serious responsibility of assisting in firefighting activities. Those interested in learning more should contact Explorer Advisor Rusty Trottman at 856-428-9511.

BOROUGH BUDGET
    The Commissioners introduced the Borough Budget for 2008 at their meeting on February 12. A Public Hearing is scheduled to be held during their regular meeting on Tuesday, March 25 (7:30pm in Room 102 of the Borough Hall).
    Normally, a Budget Statement and summary of the Budget would be published at this time, and the Commissioners would vote on the Budget during their March 25 meeting. In light of recent announcements by the Governor with respect to the amounts of state aid that municipalities are likely to receive this year, the Commissioners will postpone their vote to address the loss of aid or until definitive information has been received from the state.

BUSINESS DISTRICT BUDGET
    The Commissioners were scheduled to hold a Public Hearing on the 2008 budget of the District Management Corporation (known as Partnership for Haddonfield) during their meeting on March 11.
    The Operating Budget for 2008 is $326,270, of which $250,000 will be raised from assessments on commercial properties in the District (the same as was raised in 2007).

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
    Earth Day 2008 will be observed in Haddonfield on Saturday, April 26. As usual, the Environmental Commission will present a variety of family-focused activities and programs at Crows Woods. Stay tuned for details.

WANTED: EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICER
    The Borough is seeking to fill a vacancy in the position of Emergency Management Coordinator. This is a volunteer position and holder of the position must be a resident of Haddonfield.
    Resumes and cover letters should be sent to Sharon McCullough, Borough Administrator, PO Box 3005, Haddonfield NJ 08033. Alternatively, visit the Borough Web site and click on “Volunteer for a borough board.”

HOLIDAY HOURS
    Although Borough offices will be closed on Friday, March 21, the normal trash and recycling collection schedule will be followed. The Public Library will close at 5pm. The schedule for the Information Center had not been finalized at press time. Call 856-216-7253 to check.

DOGS AND LEASHES
    As the weather become warmer and more dogs and their handlers venture into the outdoors, the Borough reminds residents and visitors to Haddonfield of the regulations relating to dogs, public places, and leashes.
    Those who take dogs into public places in Haddonfield are required to have those dogs on leashes at all times.
    “Public places” include sidewalks, streets, parks, school grounds, playing fields, and all parts of Crows Woods, including the Nature Area.
    Also: when dogs defecate on public property, those in charge of them are required to immediately pick up the waste and to dispose of it appropriately.

RECYCLING OF SPECIAL MATERIALS
    Camden County will hold a Household Special Waste Collection Day on Saturday, March 29 at the Cherry Hill Public Works Complex, 1 Perina Boulevard, from 8:30am to 3pm.
    An Electronics Recycling Collection Event will be held on Saturday, April 12 at the Camden County Public Works Complex, 2311 Egg Harbor Road, Lindenwold, from 8:30am to 12:30pm.
    Call 858-5241 for details, or visit camdencounty.com.

PLEASE REPORT POTHOLES
    It's Pothole Patrol time! Call the Public 429-0183 x 0 to report potholes on roads in Haddonfield. Or visit the Borough Web site and click on “Public Works,” then “Report a Pothole.”

SPRING CLEAN-OUT
    Each year in the spring, the Borough relaxes its rules with respect to the types and amounts of trash that can be put out for collection by Public Works Department crews. This is in recognition of the fact that spring is a time when many residents clean out their basements, attics, and garages.
    For details of “what” and “how much,” see the Town Calendar or visit haddonfieldnj.org.
    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.

DO YOU LIVE IN THE HISTORIC DISTRICT
    Spring is also the time when property owners focus on building maintenance. The Borough reminds the owners of properties in the Historic District that the external elements of structures in the District are subject to the requirements of the Historic District Ordinance. Those elements may not be altered or replaced without prior approval of the Historic Preservation Commission.
    Questions? Lisa Soderberg: 429-4700 x 209.

February 29 to March 14, 2008

BOROUGH BUDGET
The Commissioners introduced the Borough’s budget for 2008 during their meeting on February 12. A Public Hearing is scheduled be held during their regular meeting on Tuesday, March 25 (7:30pm in Room 102 of the Borough Hall).
The Commissioners’ Budget Statement and a summary of the Budget will be published in the next issue of Municipal Matters.

WHAT WILL YOU BID?
Several months ago, the Borough listed an old fire truck on GovDeals.com, an eBay-type Web site that serves government agencies. After spirited bidding, the truck sold for $6,000.
The success of that first listing led the Borough to try the auction route again to dispose of a dump truck and a pick-up truck. Again, success.
Early in March, the Borough will list more than a dozen items, ranging from a desk, filing cabinet, and overhead storage cabinet to a copier, fax machine, and Princess-style telephone. The items will be listed for ten days; bidding is open to all.

SPEAKING OF BIDS ...
During their meeting on February 12, the Commissioners authorized the advertising for bids for asphalt street parching and miscellaneous concrete replacement.
The work, which is required from time when roads and curbs are dug up for utility repair, for example, will be paid for on a per-unit basis. Bids are due by 10am on March 6.

... AND MORE BIDS (AND ASPHALT)
The Borough recently awarded a contract to Asphalt Paving Systems of Hammonton to carry out various roadworks in the vicinity of Crows Woods.
The project will include:
• Repaving portion of the existing entry to the area, including aprons and curbing for the Plays & Players’ parking lot;
• Renovating the driveway leading to the Crows Woods Gardens and formalizing the parking area at the Gardens;
• Refurbishing the parking area in front of the new Nature Area pavilion.
Where required, the existing surface will be removed to a depth of 6 inches. A 4-inch street-base will then be laid, with 2 inches of gravel on top.
The parking lot for the soccer fields is not included in the current contract. The Public Works Department will work on that area itself, refreshing and stabilizing as required.
The contract, which was awarded within the Interlocal Services Agreement with Camden County, is worth $132,262. Work isexpected to begin in mid-March.

... AND MORE ASPHALT
It’s Pothole Patrol time! Call the Public 429-0183 x 0 to report potholes on roads in Haddonfield. Or visit the Borough Web site and click on “Public Works,” then “Report a Pothole.”

HELP WANTED
The Borough’s Emergency Managment Coordinator, Craig Jordan, resigned recently and the Commissioners are inviting expressions of interest in filling the vacancy.
This is a volunteer position and holder of the position must be a resident of Haddonfield.
Resumes and cover letters should be sent to Sharon McCullough, Borough Administrator, PO Box 3005, Haddonfield NJ 08033. Alternatively, visit the Borough Web site and click on “Volunteer for a borough board.”
The Commissioners thank Craig Jordan for his service to the Borough and the community.

HELP OBTAINED
The Commissioners have chosen Noreen D. Duffey, a Mt Laurel resident, to serve as program coordinator for the Municipal Alliance. Noreen is a part-time teachers’ assistant at Haddonfield Friends School and a former senior advertising specialist at Aramark in Philadelphia.
She will be responsible for helping the Alliance to sponsor, support, and endorse initiatives that promote healthy behaviors, foster enlightened attitudes, warn of the perils of substance abuse, and condemn irresponsible practices, especially with respect to underage drinking.
Her work will include serving as a spokesperson for the Alliance, responding to requests for information from the public and the media, organizing activities and events, implementing programs, preparing and submitting grant applications, and acting as a liaison between the Alliance and school Guidance departments and the Police Department.
It is expected that Noreen will work an average of 20 hours per week.
Her phone number will be 856-429-4700 x 257. E-mail alliance@haddonfield-nj.gov.

RECYCLING
Camden County will hold a Household Special Waste Collection Day on Saturday, March 29 at the Cherry Hill Public Works Complex, 1 Perina Boulevard, from 8:30am to 3pm.
An Electronics Recycling Collection Event will be held on Saturday, April 12 at the Camden County Public Works Complex, 2311 Egg Harbor Road, Lindenwold, from 8:30am to 12:30pm.
Call 858-5241 for details, or visit camdencounty.com.

MONEY FOR RECYLING
The Commissioners have authorized the submission of an application to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection for a Recycling Tonnage Grant. These funds can be used to advance the Borough’s recycling program.
Also, the Commissioners have authorized the signing of an Interlocal Services Agreement with Camden County, entitling the Borough to receive $18,659.06 as its share of the 2006 County Recycling Tonnage Rebate for 2006.

February 15 to February 29, 2008

REVALUATION
Postcards advising property owners of their new valuations were scheduled to be delivered by mail on or before Friday, February 15. The postcard shows the new assessed value of the land, of the improvements to the land, and of the property as a whole. It also shows the total amount of the taxes that were billed in 2007, based on the old valuation.

Note that the taxes payable for 2008 will be different from the amount printed on the postcard, and will not be finalized until the Borough, School District, and County adopt their 2008 budgets.

Property owners who still have questions about their new valuation may make an appointment to meet with the Tax Assessor by calling 429-4700 x 227.

Property owners who wish to formally appeal their new valuation must do so by May 1. (Note that this deadline has been extended, from April 1.) Follow the instructions on the postcard. Details are also available on the Borough's Web site.

BOROUGH BUDGET
The Commissioners were scheduled to introduce the Borough's budget for 2008 during their meeting on February 12. A Public Hearing is scheduled to be held during the Commissioners' regular meeting on Tuesday, March 11 (7:30pm in Room 102 of the Borough Hall).

The amount of the Operating Budget is $13,553,996, of which $8,537,973 is to be raised by local property taxes.

The local purpose (i.e. municipal) tax rate will be 37.75¢ per $100 of assessed value. Thus, municipal taxes for a property assessed at the new Borough average – $491,359 – will be $1,855.

On an apples-to-apples basis (i.e. taking into account the recent reassessment), the local purpose tax rate for 2008 represents an increase over the 2007 local purpose tax rate of 5.92%. For the owner of a property assessed at the Borough average, local purpose taxes will increase $104 for the year.

BUSINESS DISTRICT BUDGET
The Commissioners were scheduled to introduce the 2008 budget for the District Management Corporation (known as Partnership for Haddonfield) during their meeting on February 12 and will hold a Public Hearing on March 11.

The Operating Budget for 2008 is $326,270, of which $250,000 will be raised from assessments on commercial properties in the District (the same amount as was raised in 2007). To supplement this assessment, $44,270 will be appropriated from surplus funds and $32,000 has been budgeted to be raised from the Crafts & Fine Arts Festival in July.

The tax rate for 2008 will be 12¢ per $100 for the 246 Schedule A properties and 6¢ per $100 for the 34 Schedule B properties in the District. (Because the average assessed value of properties in the District has about doubled as a result of the revaluation, the 2008 rates are about half of the 2007 rates.)

ELEVATOR AT MABEL KAY
Plans to install an elevator at the Mabel Kay House have been approved by the Historic Preservation Commission and the Site Plan Committee. The matter will be considered by the Planning Board during its meeting on March 4.

The Commissioners hope to be able to advertise for bids by the end of March.

STILL GOT LEAVES? REMOVE THEM!
The Borough reminds property owners that the leaf-collection season ended in December and that responsibility for removing leaves from park strips, behind curbs, and streets is now each property owner's responsibility – not the Borough's.

The Borough also reminds property owners that it is obliged, by state law, to issue complaints answerable in Municipal Court against property owners who place leaves in the street, or within ten feet of a stormwater inlet.

DOWNTOWN ZONING ORDINANCE
The owners of property in the Central Business District, and other interested parties, are reminded that the Borough's planning consultants will discuss the proposed downtown zoning ordinance during the Zoning Board meeting on Tuesday, February 19. The meetings will begin at 7:30pm.

Copies of the proposed Ordinance are available in Room 101 of the Borough Hall. The proposed Ordinance may also be downloaded from the Borough's Web site.

APPOINTMENTS
The Commissioners have appointed Lori Warsaw to the Human Relations Commission, replacing Joyce Howell, who resigned.

The Commissioners thank Joyce Howell for the contributions she made to the Commission and for her service to the community.

BIDS AND CONTRACTS
The Borough is advertising for bids for asphalt street patching and miscellaneous concrete replacement that is required when work is carried out on underground utilities.

During their meeting on February 12, the Commissioners were scheduled to award a contract for communications services to Community News Network. The contract includes the preparation and distribution of “Municipal Matters.”

HOLIDAY HOURS
Borough offices will be closed on Monday, February 18, in observance of Washington's Birthday. The Public Library will be open. Police, fire, ambulance, and emergency water and sewer services will be available around-the-clock, as usual.

Monday's trash and recycling collection will be postponed to Tuesday. Business owners are asked not to place trash and recycling out for collection between 7am on Friday and 5pm on Monday.

February 1 to February 15, 2008

COMING: NEW WATER METERS
The Borough is losing a significant amount of revenue through inaccurate readings from water meters whose serviceable life ended many years ago. After a close examination of the op-tions, the Commissioners decided to replace all meters that are older than five years, townwide, with new meters that can be read electronically as a vehicle passes by. Once the meters are installed, it will no longer be necessary for Borough personnel to go door-to-door, or enter premises, to read the new meters.

This will be a major project for the Borough and it could cost as much as $1.75 million. Since the cost will be paid from the Water & Sewer Utility budget, not the the general Operating Budget, property taxes will not be used to fund this project.

During their meeting on January 22, the Commissioners authorized advertising for bids for (a) the purchase of new meters and (b) their installation. Bids are due on February 14.

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
During the annual Mayor's Breakfast, sponsored by the Lions Club and held this year on Saturday, January 26, Mayor Colombi announced the name of the Citizen of the Year for 2008: Norie Wisniewski.

Norie has a long history of volunteer service in our commu-nity. She is best known for her work on behalf of senior citizens and as the Executive Director of Interfaith Caregivers. She has been a member of the Rotary Club since 1995, has directed its International Service activities for the past six years, and will serve as its president in 2009-10.

The Commissioners thank Norie Wisniewski for her many years of service to the community and congratulate her on receiving this prestigious award.

BOROUGH BUDGET
If the Borough receives the data it needs from the State in sufficient time, the Commissioners will introduce the Borough budgets for 2008 during their regular meeting on Tuesday, February 2.

DOWNTOWN ZONING ORDINANCE
Brown Keener Bressi, the Borough's planning consultants, will discuss the proposed downtown zoning ordinance during the Planning Board meeting on Monday, February 4 and the Zoning Board meeting on Tuesday, February 19. Both meetings will begin at 7:30pm.

Copies of the proposed Ordinance are available in Room 101 of the Borough Hall. The proposed Ordinance may also be downloaded from the Borough's Web site.

PRIMARY ELECTION: FEBRUARY 5
The polls will be open from 6am to 8pm. The tally will be recorded in the Borough Hall and the results will be reported on HaddonfieldOnline.com. NOTE: The polling place for voters who live in Districts 8 and 9 (north of Hopkins Avenue and between the Speedline and Grove Street) will be the Tatem School, rather than the Lutheran Church.

REVALUATION
As required by the Camden County Board of Taxation, the Borough's Tax Assessor finalized the new valuations and sub-mitted them to the County at the beginning of the last week of January.

As usual at this time each year, a postcard will be mailed to the owners of all taxable property, stating the assessed value of the land, of the improvements on the land, and of the property as a whole. The postcard will also show the total amount of the taxes that were billed for 2007, based on the old valuation.

Note that the taxes payable for 2008 will be different from the amount printed on the postcard and will not be known until after the Borough, School District, and County have adopted their budgets.

Property owners who wish to formally appeal their new valuation must do so by April 1. Follow the instructions on the postcard. Details are also available on the Borough Web site.

The Commissioners are very pleased with both the process and the outcome of the revaluation. They express their gratitude to the Assessor, Tom Colavecchio, and his staff for carrying out the project in a timely and thoroughly professional manner.

They also express their appreciation to residents, business owners, and landlords for their understanding and cooperation throughout the process. The Assessor's staff were able to con-duct interior inspections of all but 6% of properties - quite an achievement.

Furthermore, the review process - during which some property owners visited the Borough Hall to discuss their new valuations with the Assessor and his staff - was extremely smooth and the vast majority of property owners were satisfied with the Assessor's explanation of their valuation or felt the Assessor listened attentively and noted their concerns.

A snapshot of the revaluation was published in the January 18 issue of Municipal Matters. Here are some additional statistics, based on 2008 valuations but 2007 tax rates:

* For 29% of properties, taxes went down.
* For 28% of properties, taxes went up from 0% to 5%.
* For 24% of properties, taxes went up from 5% to 10%.
* For 19% of properties, taxes went up more than 10%.

The amount raised by taxes for School, County, Borough, and Open Space purposes - based on 2007 tax rates - remained about the same after the revaluation as before: $51,386,000.

Property owners should note that the amount to be raised - and therefore the tax rate and taxes - will change with the 2008 School, Bounty, and Borough budgets.

It is expected that the printed Tax Rolls will be received by the Borough from the County Board of Taxation in mid-February. It is likely that the data will be available on the Internet at about the same time. Details will be reported in Municipal Matters.

APPOINTMENTS
During their meeting on January 22, the Commissioners appointed Anne Walters to the Shade Tree Commission, as Alternate II, and Jeffrey R. Surenian & Associates as counsel for matters relating to the Council on Affordable Housing.

January 18 to February 1, 2008

HOLIDAY SERVICES, HOURS
Borough offices will be closed on Monday, January 21 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday. The Public Library will be open. Police, fire, and ambulance services and emergency water and sewer services will be pro-vided around-the-clock, as usual. Monday's trash and recycling collection will be postponed to Tuesday.

ANOTHER FABULOUS FIRST NIGHT
Once again, Haddonfield's family-oriented, alcohol-free celebration of the arts on New Year's Eve was sold out. And once again, the feedback from those who attended was over-whelmingly positive. The Commissioners express their thanks to the many mem-bers of the community who, as volunteers, helped make First Night such a success. They also acknowledge the assistance of members of the Police Department, Fire Department, and Information Center, the dedication of Linda Tuno, the First Night executive director, Jane Mathers, the talent coordinator, and the other members of the First Night Steering Committee.

REVALUATION REVIEWS
Property owners are reminded that the deadline for mak-ing an appointment to meet with a representative of the Tax Assessor's Office to discuss their new property value is Friday, January 18. Call 429-4700 x 257, x 260, or x 261 between 9am and 4:30pm to make an appointment.

REVALUATION SNAPSHOT
The purpose of a revaluation is to ensure that all properties are at their approximate market values at the same point in time and that they are fairly taxed, relative to each other.
PROPERTY VALUES: The total value of all taxable property in Haddonfield increased by 111%, from $1,050,412,743 to $2,212,678,442 (a number that is likely to change slightly). The value of vacant land increased by 272% (because of its scarcity), residential property by 120%, and commercial property by 114%. Prior to the reassessment, the average value of taxable property was $225,078. Now the average value is $494,939.
PROPERTY TAXES: The total raised for School, County, Borough, and Open Space purposes will remain the same after the revaluation as before - about $51,386,000. Because the total value of property went up, the tax rate must go down in order for the process to be “revenue neutral.” Since the total assessed value is twice what it was, the tax rate is half what it was: $2.322 per $100 of assessed valuation instead of $4.892. Taxes for a property assessed at the new Borough average will be $11,492. (Calculation: $494,939 x .02322 = $11,492). Based on the new valuations, property taxes for 54% of proper-ties will increase while taxes on 46% will stay about the same or decrease.
NOTE, HOWEVER, that the amount to be raised - and therefore the tax rate and taxes - will change with the 2008 Borough Budgets

REALIZING DR. KING'S VISION
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Human Relations Commission will sponsor a program in the Friends Meeting Auditorium (behind the Meeting House on Friends Avenue) on Monday, January 21, starting at 7pm. Titled “Realizing the Dream: Community-Building Groups that Make a Difference,” the program will recognize organiza-tions that work to realize Dr. King's vision by putting the impact, value, and power of group action to work in developing a society in which every individual has an equal opportunity to thrive.

DEADLINE FOR DOGS & CATS: JANUARY 31
State law requires that the owners of dogs and cats obtain licenses for them by January 31 each year from the municipality in which they live. The registration form is available in Room 101 of the Borough Hall, at the Library, Mabel Kay House, and Information Center. It may also be downloaded from the Borough Web site: haddonfieldnj.org.

BREAKFAST WITH THE MAYOR
The Commissioners encourage residents and business owners to attend the Mayor's Breakfast, to be held in the Presbyterian Church's Fellowship Hall on Saturday, January 26, starting at 9am. The event, which is sponsored by the Lions Club, includes both a State of the Borough address by the Mayor and the presentation of the Citizen of the Year Award for 2008.

PRIMARY ELECTION
New Jersey's Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, February 5. The polls will be open from 6am to 8pm. The tally will be recorded in the Borough Hall auditorium and the results will be reported on HaddonfieldOnline.com. The polling place for voters who live in Districts 8 and 9 (north of Hopkins Avenue and between the Speedline and Grove Street) will be the Tatem School, rather than the Lutheran Church.

UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN ZONING
Brown Keener Bressi, the Borough's planning consultants, will discuss the proposed downtown zoning ordinance during the Planning Board meeting on Monday, February 4 (not Tuesday) and the Zoning Board meeting on Tuesday, February 19. Both meetings will begin at 7:30pm. The Commissioners encourage members of the public who are interested in this issue to attend, listen, and ask questions.

COMMUNITY CONVERSATION: THE LIBRARY
The Community Conversation about the Public Library, held in the Borough Hall auditorium on January 9, was well attended. The discussion, which covered topics as varied as current and future services, current and future facilities, and the influence that rapidly changing technology will have on both services and facilities, was focused and productive. The Commissioners and members of the Library Board thank all who participated.

January 4 to 18, 2008

TALKING ABOUT THE LIBRARY
As the culmination of a series of focus groups held in October and November that were designed to give residents an opportunity to discuss the Library facility and the services it provides, the Public Library will hold a Community Conversation in the Borough Hall auditorium at 7pm on Wednesday, January 9.
The Commissioners urge all members of the community who are interested in the future of the Public Library - short-term and long-term - to attend ... and talk!

REALIZING DR. KING'S VISION
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Human Relations Commission will sponsor a program in the Friends Meeting Auditorium (behind the Meeting House on Friends Avenue) on Monday, January 21, starting at 7pm.
Titled “Realizing the Dream: Community-Building Groups that Make a Difference,” the program will recognize organizations that work to realize Dr. King's vision by putting the impact, value, and power of group action to work in developing a society in which every individual has an equal opportunity to thrive.

IT'S TIME TO REGISTER FIDO (AND FELIX)
State law requires that the owners of dogs and cats obtain licenses for them by January 31 each year from the municipality in which they live. The registration form is available in Room 101 of the Borough Hall, at the Library, Mabel Kay House, and Information Center. It may also be downloaded from the Borough Web site: Haddonfield.org.

BREAKFAST WITH THE MAYOR
The Commissioners encourage residents and business owners to attend the Mayor's Breakfast, to be held in the Presbyterian Church's Fellowship Hall on Saturday, January 26, starting at 9am.
The event, which is sponsored by the Lions Club, includes both a State of the Borough address by the Mayor and the presentation of the Citizen of the Year Award for 2008.

CHRISTMAS TREES ...
Residents who have not yet placed their Christmas trees out for chipping are asked to do so now. To ensure efficiency of the chipping operation and the safety of crews, please:
*Put your tree out on your regular trash day.
*Remove all ornaments, tinsel, nails, and tree stands.
*Do NOT place your tree in a plastic bag.
*Place your tree on the park strip.

... AND LEAVES!
The Borough's leaf collection operations for 2007 have been completed. Residents who still have leaves at the curbs in front of their homes must make private arrangements for them to be removed. NJ Department of Environmental Protection regulations require that the Borough prosecute violators.

SNOW AND TOW
Vehicles parked in streets and in parking lots inhibit the efficient and effective plowing of snow. Police officers have the power to arrange for such vehicles to be towed and stored at the owners' expense.
The Police Department reminds residents who have permits for overnight parking on streets or in municipal parking lots that they should make arrangements - now! - to park on private property whenever snow is forecast.

REVALUATION NOTICES ... IN THE MAIL
Property owners who wish to meet with a representative of the Tax Assessor's Office to discuss their new property value may schedule an appointment by calling 429-4700 x 257, x 260, or x 261 on weekdays between 9am and 4:30pm thru January 18. No calls for appointments will be taken after that date.
The Commissioners ask property owners to read the revaluation letter and accompanying material carefully, to be patient when contacting the Tax Assessor's Office (his staff will be busy!) and to remember that, as a result of the revaluation, current taxes will be lower for about one-third of property owners and will remain about the same for another one-third.

BOROUGH RECEIVES TWO GRANTS
The Commissioners have been advised that the Borough has been awarded a grant of $150,000 from the NJ Department of Transportation's Municipal Aid Program for roadwork on Chestnut Street. The Borough has already received $200,000 in grant money for a speed table at Lincoln and Chestnut.
The Police Chief has been advised that the Borough has been awarded a grant of about $2,500 from the NJ Department of Criminal Justice for bullet-proof vests for police officers.

... AWARDS THREE CONTRACTS
The Commissioners have awarded contracts for animal control services and animal shelter service to The Animal Orphanage in Voorhees. The fees are $615 and $350 per month respectively.
The Commissioners have awarded a $59,850 contract for redevelopment and pump replacement at Well 1A to A. C. Schulties of Woodbury Heights. The well is located near the intersection of Centre Street and Reillywood Avenue.

... ISSUES AN RFP
The Borough is inviting proposals from qualified individuals and organizations for advertising/marketing and public relations services. The due date is Thursday, January 10.

... AND SALUTES A LONGTIME BUSINESS
The Commissioners have issued a proclamation that recognizes the 75th anniversary of the insurance business that Henry Bean started in the living room of his in-laws' home on Walnut Street.
The Commissioners congratulate the members of the Bean family and wish them continued success in their business.