Meeting Postponed

The Commissioners' Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 9 has been postponed to Wednesday, March 10. The place and time remain the same: Borough Hall (Room 102) at 8:00pm.

Borough Budget

The Commissioners plan to introduce the budget for the 2004-05 fiscal year during their meeting on Tuesday, March 23. A summary will be published in “Municipal Matters.” Details will be published in the Borough's legal newspaper and on its website. During their meeting on February 24, the Commissioners introduced an Ordinance authorizing an increase in the budget cap for the 2003-04 fiscal year. This was a routine procedure, designed to ensure that the Borough budget can cover all necessary expenses within the state-mandated caps. The Commissioners also introduced an ordinance relating to water and sewer rates for the coming year. Water rates would rise from $4.00 to $4.20 per 1,000 gallons; sewer rates would rise from $1.90 to $2.00. The combined rate is slightly less than 6%. A rate increase of this magnitude is necessary because water demand in 2003-04 was lower than anticipated, resulting in less revenue, because the cost of water will rise in the coming year. (New Jersey-American Water Company, from which the Borough is required to purchase at least 30% of its water, was recently granted an 8% increase in the rates it may charge), and because significant capital improvements have been scheduled. Public Hearings on both these proposed ordinances will be held during the Commissioners' Meeting on Wednesday, March 10.

Pothole Patrol

It's time! The Borough and the County are compiling lists of streets in Haddonfield that have pothole problems, in preparation for filling as soon as practical after asphalt plants reopen. To report potholes on Borough streets, call 429-0183. To report potholes on County roads, call 566-2980.

Change of Zoning Designation

A public hearing will be held during the Commissioners' Meeting on Wednesday, March 10 with respect to an ordinance they introduced on February 24. The purpose of the Ordinance is to modify the boundary location between the CBD (Central Business District) zone and the R-7 (single-family residential) zone in the area of 501 N. Haddon Avenue. The proposed change would relocate this boundary by 40 feet on Wayne Avenue to include the existing parking lot that serves 501 N. Haddon Avenue. As required by law, the owners of properties located within 200 feet of 501 N. Haddon Avenue have been advised of details.

Earth Day Activities

Once again, the Borough's Environmental Commission is planning a celebration of Earth Day, in Crows Woods. This year the event will take place on Sunday, April 25, from 12:00n to 4:00pm (with a rain date of Sunday, May 2). A variety of activities is being planned, including guided nature walks, guided bird walks, a wildflower scavenger hunt, a raptor program conducted by Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, and a nature program presented by Dave Orleans. And a picnic lunch! Details will be published in an upcoming Municipal Matters.

... and a Program on Diversity

The Human Relations Commission has booked a dynamic speaker who uses humor to explore various aspects of the issue of diversity. The one-hour program, titled 'Take My Diversity, Please!' will be presented in the Middle School auditorium on Monday, April 26 at 7:30pm. The presenter, Joey Novick, is a professional stand-up comic who has appeared on Comedy Central and MTV, and at numerous professional conferences of school teachers and public officials, throughout the country.

Business Improvement District

Following the recent adoption of an ordinance creating a Business Improvement District in Haddonfield and designating a District Management Corporation, the Commissioners took action recently in several areas. They introduced amendments to the BID ordinance relating to membership of the District Management Corporation; the powers of the corporation (deleting the power to fund rehabilitation of properties in the district and to accept, purchase, rehabilitate, sell, lease, or manage property in the district); and the schedule of properties in the district (removing three which had been included previously in error). The Commissioners also authorized the appointment of the following members of the District Management Corporation (to be known as Partnership for Haddonfield, Inc.):

• Representing professionals, service providers, and non-retail businesses: Amy James (orthodontist), Anthony Scoleri (Mane Stop), (one position open);
• Representing retailers: Eleanor Togneri (Here's My Heart), Rob Jordan (Elverston Jordan Florist), Marcus Severs (The Little Tuna);
• Representing commercial property owners: Jack Leonard, Guy Elzey III, Stephen Wiseley;
• Representing the Commissioners: John Reisner (chairman);
• Representing residents: Joanne Verdi.

Business Improvement District

During their meeting on February 10, the Commissioners read for the second time a proposed ordinance to establish a Business Improvement District in Haddonfield, held a Public Hearing on the matter, and voted to adopt the proposed ordinance.
In acknowledging concerns of some members of the business community, the Commissioners expressed their commitment to continually review aspects of the legislation - the assessment of mixed residential/commercial properties, for example - and, if necessary, to amend the ordinance in the future.
The Commissioners introduced an amendment on February 10 to remove provisions that would have enabled the District Management Corporation to fund the rehabilitation of properties and to accept, purchase, rehabilitate, sell, lease, or manage property; and remove two properties previously included in error.
The Commissioners will now move to appoint the members of the District Management Corporation. One of the Corporation's first tasks will be to develop a budget. Once the proposed budget has been approved by the Borough, the assessment rate for properties in the district will be set and included on the tax bills for the Third Quarter, which have an August 1 due date.

New Recycling Truck

The Commissioners have authorized the purchase of a new large-capacity, side-loading recycling truck, replacing an aging top-loading truck. The Borough will now have two side-loading trucks. The low bidder (of three) for the contract was Holman Truck Center of Maple Shade: $114,920.

Funds for Curb Cuts

The Commissioners have authorized the signing of a Community Development Block Grant application for 2004-05 in the amount of $36,216 to cover the cost of constructing handicapped curb cuts at various crosswalks near schools in the Borough.

Proclamation: Black History Month

During the Civil War years, Haddonfield participated in the route of the Underground Railroad to help save African slaves from lives as treatment as merchandise rather than as human beings. For some years, the Borough's Human Relations Commission has sponsored programs designed to enable residents to increase their knowledge and appreciation of the untold contributions to this country and the world by Black Americans.
The Commissioners urge all Haddonfield residents to take advantage of the many programs relating to Black history available in the Delaware Valley and through the media, and to support Black History Month in Haddonfield and throughout the nation.

Borough Budget

Because the State has not yet set state aid figures for the coming year, the Borough has not been able to complete its work on the proposed Budget. It is expected that the Budget will be introduced during the Commissioners' meeting on February 24 or March 9. Details will be published in “Municipal Matters.”

Correction: Crows Woods and Dogs

The February 6 issue of “Municipal Matters” contained an error with respect to the places and times when dogs may run at large. The only public place where dogs may run off-leash is in the wooded area of Crows Woods, before 12n and after 5pm. Between 12n and 5pm, dogs in the wooded areas of Crows Woods must be on a leash.
In all other public places (including the playing fields at Crows Woods), those who have the custody of dogs must keep them on leashes at all times.

Proclamation: Heart Month

Heart disease in the number one killer of women over the age of 25 and claims the lives of more than half a million women each year, more than the next seven causes of death combined and nearly twice as many as all forms of cancer. Of all women who die suddenly of heart disease, 63% have no previous symptoms. The Commissioners urge all Haddonfield residents to wear red during February as a sign of support for women who have been touched by heart disease and to join the American Heart Association in encouraging women to take charge of their cardiovascular health, pay attention to their hearts and help them live longer, stronger lives by reducing their risk for cardiovascular disease.

Economic Development

The report of the Business District Task Force included a recommendation that the Borough should investigate the economic development of the business district on a formal basis. The Commissioners accepted that recommendation, and during their meeting on February 10 they authorized the retaining of Public Solutions, Inc., a Haddonfield consulting firm, to provide various services during the next twelve months. The fee will be $3,000 per month. Details of this important initiative will be published in a future issue of Municipal Matters.

New Fire Company Members

The Commissioners have accepted the applications of High School students, Geoffrey Dreher and Richard Kahl for membership as Explorers (trainees) in Haddon Fire Company No. 1. Congratulations to both!

Holiday Hours

Borough offices will be closed on Monday, February 16, in observance of Presidents Day. Mondays trash and recycling collection will be postponed to Tuesday. Police, fire, ambulance, and emergency water and sewer services will be provided around-the-clock, as usual.

AARP Tax Service Discontinued

For many years, the AARP has provided a free income tax preparation service for seniors from January through April 15. It is a nationwide program. This year, AARP has been unable to recruit enough volunteers in our area to maintain its past level of service, and has had to cancel a number of locations, including Haddonfield. Haddonfield senior citizens and other qualified residents will still be able to take advantage of the service, but at other area locations. [For a list, turn to page 21.]

Business Improvement District

During their meeting on January 27, the Commissioners introduced an amendment to the proposed Business Improvement District ordinance they introduced in December. The amendment included corrections to the list of properties that would be included in the District. It removed several that had been included in error and added some that had been omitted inadvertently. It also clarified the procedure for determining whether a property should be included in the District or not.
The Commissioners held a Public Hearing on the original ordinance and will hold another on the ordinance as amended during their regularly scheduled meeting on February 10. A copy of the amendment has been mailed to all property owners affected by the ordinance, along with a list of all the properties to be included in the District. The amended ordinance and the report of the Business Improvement District committee of the Business District Task Force may be accessed on the Boroughs website: haddonfieldnj.org.

Maple Avenue Bridge Open

The reconstructed crossing over the railway line at Maple Avenue opened on January 14. Some restoration and utility work remains to be completed, as does the creation of a pocket park on the Haddon Avenue side. The Commissioners express their appreciation for the cooperation of both the NJ Department of Transportation and the residents of Maple Avenue and nearby streets.

Dogs in Crows Woods

During their meeting on January 27, the Commissioners approved, on a trial basis through June 1, the running of dogs at large in the wooded area of Crows Woods from noon until 5pm, seven days a week. Owners of dogs are reminded that: They may not permit their pets to run at large on public property, including the playing fields at Crows Woods.
They must immediately pick up their pets feces from both public property and from private property other than their own.
The only public place where dogs may run at large is the wooded area of Crows Woods, from noon until 5pm.
As spring approaches and the level of activity in public parks and playing fields increases, it is especially important that the rules be followed. The Police Department actively enforces regulations relating to dogs in public places. The Commissioners will continue to monitor the trial at Crows Woods and will proceed with their plan to retain a consultant to prepare recommendations for possible inclusion into the Master Plan relating to the recreational use of open space in Haddonfield.

Site Development at Bancroft

On the morning of a scheduled Zoning Board hearing of an application by Bancroft NeuroHealth for site plan approval and a use variance, Bancroft withdrew its application, but reserved its right to submit a new application in the future. Should a new application be submitted, details will be published in Municipal Matters.

Board, Commission Changes

John Stokes, the longtime chair of the Planning Board has resigned, citing issues related to his new position as executive director of the Pinelands Commission. The Commissioners invite residents who may be interested in serving on the Planning Board to submit a letter of interest, along with a resume and statement of relevant qualifications and experience. (PO Box 3005, Haddonfield NJ 08033.) The Board meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 7pm. Members also participate in at least one subcommittee, requiring at least one additional evening meeting each month. Kathy Tassini, co-historian of the Borough and a longtime member of the Historic Preservation Commission, advised the Commissioners recently that she did not wish to be reappointed to the Commission. The Commissioners have appointed Monica Wondrasch, a resident who owns property in the Historic District, as Alternate II, through December 2005. The Commissioners thank John Stokes and Kathy Tassini for their long and dedicated service to the Borough and the community.

Congratulations! And congratulations!

During the annual Mayor’s Breakfast on January 10, the name of the Citizen of the Year for 2004 was announced. Make that names – plural. For only the second time in more than 30 years, two residents were honored: Beverly Aldeghi and Butch Brees. The Commissioners thank Beverly and Butch for their service to our community [see page 4] and congratulate them on receiving this
most deserved (and prestigious) award.

Trashing the Highway – Not!

One of the issues raised during meetings of the Business Development Task Force was the conflict between the Borough’s downtown trash collection schedule and the Business Association’s nighttime shopping promotions. Borough regulations permit businesses to place trash on the sidewalks after 5:00pm, Sunday through Friday. But between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Business Association actively promotes Candlelight Shopping from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. To eliminate this conflict, the Borough designated eleven locations between the Hi-Speedline and Haddon Avenue – generally behind the stores and on side streets – where trash and recycling from Kings Highway stores was to be placed. Even though the change meant a slight inconvenience for most merchants, there seemed to be widespread agreement that the result – no trash on Kings Highway – was a worthwhile improvement. Accordingly, the Borough plans to continue with the new arrangement, with continual monitoring.

Appointments

During their meeting on December 23, the Commissioners made the following reappointments:
• Historic Preservation Commission: Elise Vider, William Blake, Jefferson Moon (Alternate I);

• Library Board of Trustees: Carlton Reed

• Shade Tree Commission: Neal Rochford

• Human Relations Commission: Al Schomer (Chair), Leah McGarry Morris, Lance Curley, Beverly Harting, Bart Singer, Carl Maugeri, Ann Hermann-Richards, Linda Wharton (Alternate I), Ellen Stone (Alternate II)

• Neighborhood Disputes Mediation: Robert Harbeson, Deborah Vermaat, Beverly Harting, Leah McGarry Morris

• Senior Citizen Advisory Board: Dory Mann (Director). The Commissioners thank these residents for their willingness to serve on these important Borough committees.

Got dogs? Cats?

You must register them by January 31 (or pay a penalty).

An Opportunity to Serve

For many years, our community has had organization in place – the Haddonfield Auxiliary Police – whose purpose is to assist the Police Department carry out a variety of tasks. Support services provided by the Auxiliary Police include: serving as bailiff at the Municipal Court, each Monday night; providing traffic and pedestrian control during major events (parades, races, festivals, athletic events at the High School, etc.), providing additional security at times of potential trouble (“mischief” nights, for example). The group meets for training one night a month, and it is called upon for assistance six to ten times a year. During their meeting on January 13, the Commissioners appointed the following as Auxiliary Police Officers: Bernard Brody, Frederick Chase, Timothy Chase, William Elias, E. Guy Elzey Jr, Steven Harski, Carol Smith, Theresa Fitzgerald, Deborah Fesi. Residents who are interested in learning about the activities of the Auxiliary Police, with a view to becoming officers, may call the Police Department at 429-4700 x 250.

Business District Ordinances
During their meeting on January 13, the Commissioners adopted three ordinances designed to make it easier for business owners to
apply for and obtain approval for signs, outdoor displays or merchandise, and outdoor furniture for food service.
Zoning Officer: 429-4700 x 224

Business Improvement District

The Commissioners will have a Second Reading and hold a Public Hearing during their meeting on Tuesday, January 27 on a proposed ordinance for the designation and operation of a Business Improvement District in Haddonfield. The meeting will be held in the Borough Hall starting at 8:00pm. The proposed ordinance may be read on the Borough’s website: haddonfieldnj.org. Administrator: 429-4700 x 215

Dogs in Crows Woods

Also on Tuesday, January 27, the Commissioners will have a Second Reading and hold a Public Hearing on an amendment to the ordinance that regulates the running of dogs in Crows Woods. The amendment would extend the hours during which dogs may run at large on Saturdays. If the proposed amendment is adopted, the hours would be the same for all seven days of the week: opening to 5:00pm. The amendment would also enable the Director of Public Works and Parks to require the owners of dogs to leash them when public events are being held in Crows Woods (example: the Environmental Commission’s Earth Day and Bird Watching Tour on April 24.)

Disposing of Christmas Trees

Public Works Department crews are continuing to chip Christmas trees. To help ensure the 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.
If you still have brush from the fall, place it alongside your tree, for chipping.
Public Works Department: 429-0183

Observing Martin Luther King Jr Day

In recent years, the Human Relations Commission has sponsored a program on the third Monday in January to honor the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr. It will do so again this year. The program, titled “The Message is in the Music,” will be presented by the award-winning and internationally acclaimed concert choir of the Creative Arts High School in Camden. The free event will take place in the Middle School auditorium on Monday, January 19, starting at 7:00m. The Commissioners encourage residents and business owners to mark their calendars for what promises to be a powerful and uplifting event. NOTE: Since Monday, January 19 will be a public holiday, the Borough Hall will be closed. Monday’s trash and recycling collection will be postponed to Tuesday. Police, fire, ambulance, and emergency water and sewer services will be provided around the clock, as usual.

State of the Borough

The annual Mayor’s Breakfast will be held on Saturday, January 10 in the Presbyterian Church’s Fellowship Hall. The event will begin at 9:00am with a breakfast prepared and served by members of the Lions Club, the host organization. Mayor Colombi’s State of the Borough address will follow and the proceedings will culminate with the naming of Haddonfield’s Citizen of the Year for 2004. All residents and business owners are invited – and encouraged – to attend. Donation: $5.00.

Bancroft Development Application

A special meeting of the Zoning Board has been scheduled for 7:00pmon Thursday, January 22 for the purpose of continuing the
hearing on the variance application and site plan application of Bancroft NeuroHealth.

January is “Cats ’n’ Dogs Month”

State law requires the owners of cats and dogs to register their pets in the municipality where they live by January 31 each year. (After that date, late fees apply.) The required form is printed on page 53 of this issue of What’s On in Haddonfield. Forms are also available at the Borough Hall (Room 105), Visitor Center, Public Library, and Mabel Kay House, and may be downloaded from the Borough’s web site:
www.haddonfieldnj.org.
429-4700 x 200

Dogs in Crows Woods

During their meeting on Tuesday, December 23 (at 8:00pm in the Borough Hall, Room 102), the Commissioners changed the
“sunset” date in the Ordinance that proscribes rules for the running of dogs off-leash in the wooded area of Crows Woods from January
14 to June 1.
At the same time, they agreed to review the times on Saturdays when dogs are not permitted to be off-leash. The Ordinance bans off-leash dogs on weekdays from 12:00n to 5:00pm on weekdays and from the park’s opening to 5:00pm on Saturdays. The question is whether the hours on Saturday should be the same as on weekdays.

Meeting Days and Times

The Board of Commissioners holds regular business meetings at 8:00pm on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month in Room 102 of the Borough Hall. Action can be taken at these meetings, and public comment will be received.

Business District Ordinances

During their meeting on December 23, the Commissioners introduced several Ordinances developed in response to last year’s report of the Business Development Task Force.
The Task Force recommended that the Borough should make it easier for businesses to do business by easing the requirements for obtaining certain approvals. It also recommended that the Borough should help the business community to help itself by putting in place a mechanism for raising adequate funds, on a consistent basis, for business district promotion and related purposes.

Sign Regulations

If adopted, this Ordinance will simplify the procedure and shorten the time required for new businesses to obtain approval for permanent exterior signs.
Under the current Ordinance, the Historic Preservation Commission evaluates applications and makes a recommendation to the Planning Board, which approves or denies the application. Since the Planning Board almost always agrees with the Historic Preservation Commission’s recommendation, the Commissioners believe it is appropriate for the Historic Preservation Commission to have the power to give final approval.
There is one addition to the Ordinance, relating to the placement and time of placement of temporary signs erected for political purposes.

Outdoor Eating Facilities

If adopted, this Ordinance will simplify the procedure and shorten the time required for restaurants and other purveyors of food-type products (ice cream and water ice, for example) to obtain approval to place tables and chairs on the sidewalk in front of their establishments.
Under the current Ordinance, restaurant owners must apply to the Zoning Board for a Use Variance. Since the furniture and activities associated with the sale and consumption of food and related items is in the public right-of-way, and therefore regulated by the Commissioners, it seems appropriate that applications for Outdoor Eating Facilities should be considered by the Zoning Officer and, if in order, be approved by the Commissioners on an annual basis. There would be no need for the application to go to the Zoning Board.
A member of the Historic Preservation Commission will be appointed to represent the Commission in reviewing the application and ensuring that aesthetic standards are met.

Merchandise Displays

If adopted, this Ordinance will – for a six-month trial period –remove the limit on the number of items that merchants may display on the sidewalk in front of their stores, as long as the merchandise remains within the allowed space in the public right-of- way. The revised Ordinance would also allow the outdoor display of clothing, but not on racks. One mannequin may be displayed if it is dressed in clothing for sale in the store.
Under the current Ordinance, the number of items that may be displayed is limited to ten; clothing may not be displayed at all.
During the six-month trial period, a committee of the Business Development Task Force will monitor the merchants’ response to the eased restrictions and recommend changes, if necessary, for the future. The timing of the trial period is such that the experiment will end before the summer Craft Fair but allow recommendations for the future to implemented for the fall season. An annual approval requirement will keep the control of improper displays in the hands of Borough officials. From a content perspective, this is part of the plan to help create a livelier downtown streetscape.

Business Improvement District

The Commissioners believe that the business community is a vital economic and social force in the Borough and that a self-funding “special improvement district” would enhance the commercial viability and attractiveness of the business district and promote growth and employment within the Borough.
If adopted, this Ordinance would designate a nonprofit District Management Corporation (to be called Partnership for Haddonfield, Inc.)
and authorize the introduction of a special assessment on business and commercial properties throughout the Borough.
The funds raised by the assessment would be spent exclusively on purposes permitted by state stature and specified in an annual budget approved by the Commissioners after a public hearing process. Properties that would be exempt from the assessment would be property owned by municipal, county, state, or federal governments; property used exclusively for residential purposes; property that is unimproved, undeveloped, and in a residential zone; and churches, schools, cemeteries, and other such exempt property.
The Ordinance would automatically be repealed and be of no legal effect after December 31, 2008, meaning there would be a maximum of five years after which the Commissioners would have to revisit the program and renew, amend or not renew it.

Public hearings on the first three Ordinances will be held on Tuesday, January 13 at 8:00pm; on the BID Ordinance on Tuesday, January 27 at 8:00pm. Adoption may follow a public hearing.

Mayor’s Breakfast
Residents, property owners, and business owners are urged to mark their calendars for Saturday, January 10, the date of the annual
Mayor’s Breakfast.
Sponsored by the Lions Club, the function will be held in Fellowship Hall at the Presbyterian Church, starting at 9am. The event will
include a “State of the Borough” address and the announcement of Haddonfield’s Citizen of the Year for 2004.

Leaves and Christmas Trees
The leaf collection program for 2003 has been completed. Residents who wish the Public Works Department to pick up leaves should put them out in plastic bags with their regular trash.
The Christmas Tree chipping program will begin on Monday, January 2. To help ensure the efficiency of the chipping operation and the safety of crews, please:
• Do NOT put your tree out before Monday, January 2.
• Put your tree out for 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.
If you still have brush from the fall, place it alongside your tree, for chipping.
Public Works Department: 429-0183

Bancroft Development Application
A special meeting of the Zoning Board has been scheduled for 7pm on Thursday, January 22 for the purpose of hearing the variance application and site plan application of Bancroft NeuroHealth.

Property Taxes and Pet Licenses
Property owners are reminded that taxes not paid by year’s end will be recorded as delinquent and become subject to collection. Other Borough offices will close at noon on December 31, but the Tax Office will remain open until 4pm to receive property tax payments.
Owners of dogs and cats are reminded that NJ law requires them to obtain licenses for their pets annually. The required form is printed on page 34 of this issue of What’s On in Haddonfield. Forms are also available at the Borough Hall (Room 105), Visitor Center, Public Library, and Mabel Kay House.

Holiday Wishes
As another eventful year at home and abroad draws to a close, the Commissioners wish to take this opportunity to thank the employees of the Borough for their dedicated and professional service to the community of Haddonfield.
They also wish to recognize the hundreds of residents who contribute so generously of their time and talents as volunteer members of boards, commissions, and committees.
The service rendered by these employees and volunteers helps keep our town “the best place to live in the Delaware Valley.” Arts on New Year’s Eve Haddonfield’s sixth annual First Night celebration of the arts is now just days away.
First Night began in Boston in 1976 as a townwide initiative to address a recurring problem: automobile accidents (and injuries and deaths) resulting from the excessive consumption of alcohol by New Year revelers. This year there will be more than 200 official First Nights in cities and towns throughout North America, and every one will be family-oriented and alcohol-free.
Once again, the program will include a wide variety of performances that will appeal to a wide variety of ages. Once again, the venues will stretch along the Kings Highway “spine” from the Methodist Church to the High School. Once again, two pyrotechnic displays at the Town Clock have been scheduled (at 9pm and 12m). And once again the price of admission is just $10.
Buttons, which provide admission to all indoor venues, are available at the Visitor Center (in the Haddonfield Mall), Professional Printing Services (116 Haddon Ave N), and – new this outlets year – Commerce Bank, Equity Bank, and PNC Bank. They can also be purchased online at www.ticketweb.com or by calling 429-4700 x 300.
First Night provides an opportunity to celebrate the beginning of a new year without the excesses that often lead to tragedy.
The Commissioners encourage all residents to invite their friends and relatives to join them downtown for this delightful once-a-year event. They also thank the scores of volunteers who have worked so hard to stage this event for the thousands who will come to celebrate in Haddonfield on New Year’s Eve.
Commission Meetings
The Board of Commissioners will meet as scheduled on Tuesday, December 23 at 8pm in Room 102 of the Borough Hall.
As usual, the Commissioners will also meet on December 31 to formally “close the books” for the year. This meeting will be held in Room 102 at 11am. No other business will be transacted.
At 11am on Friday, January 2, the Commissioners will hold a brief meeting to adopt the Temporary Budget for 2004 and to pay urgent bills. No other business will be transacted at that meeting.
The first regular Board of Commissioners meeting for 2004 will be held on Tuesday, January 13. The Board meets at 8pm on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, in Room 102 of the Borough Hall. Residents, property owners, and business owners are encouraged to attend these meetings. A period for comment and questions from the public is always included.
Borough Administrator: 429-4700 x 215

Next Time You’re Surfing ...
... take a look at the Borough’s newly redesigned web site – www.haddonfieldnj.org – a joint venture of the Borough and the Business Association. It’s packed with useful information (including back issues of “Municipal Matters.”)

Holiday Hours
The Borough Hall will close at noon on Wednesday, December 24 and remain closed on Thursday (Christmas Day) AND Friday, December 26.
On New Year’s Eve (Wednesday, December 31), the Borough Hall will close at noon, except for the Tax Office, which will remain open until 4pm to receive property tax payments. The Borough Hall will be open on Friday, January 2. The Public Library will close at 1pm on both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Police, fire, ambulance, and emergency water and sewer services will operate around-the-clock, as usual.

Speaking of Pets ...
During their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, December 23 (at 8pm in the Borough Hall, Room 102), the Commissioners will hold a Public Hearing on a proposal to change the “sunset” date in the Ordinance that proscribes rules for the running of dogs off-leash in the wooded area of Crows Woods. The current date is January 14, 2004; the proposed date is June 1, 2004.

Mark Your Calendar
To mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2004, the Human Relations Commission and the Haddonfield Ministerium will jointly sponsor an event to be held in the Middle School auditorium on Monday, January 19, starting at 7pm Among the features will be performances by students from the Camden High School for the Performing Arts.

Leaf Collection is Done!
The 2004 leaf collection program was scheduled to end on December 12. Generally, the program has gone very smoothly, thanks to mild weather (until the snow!), few equipment problems, hard work by the leaf collection crews, and widespread and consistent cooperation by residents.
On December 15, the Borough will resume the chipping of brush, branches, and other vegetative matter. Remaining leaves should be bagged and placed with regular trash.

Street Repairs ...
Work that began just before Thanksgiving on the patching of relatively large areas of asphalt road surface at about 20 locations around the town is now scheduled (owing to snow delays) to be completed by Christmas, This type of patching is designed to provide a relatively permanent solution to the erosion of asphalt, which the spot filling of potholes does not.

... and Parks Drainage
The Commissioners have awarded a $26,260 contract to Joseph A. Cuzzupe & Co of Cherry Hill for drainage work at Woodland Avenue and Green Acres Field (to drain the road and the field properly into the storm sewer system) and at Centennial Field (along the sideline of the football field, to improve drainage of the field). During the winter months, the Borough will continue to evaluate the need for other site work at various parks. --

Dogs in Crows Woods
The agenda for the Board of Commissioners meeting on December 9 included action to extend the “sunset” date of the ordinance governing to running of dogs at large (“off-leash”) in Crows Woods from January 14 to June 1, 2004. The additional time is intended to give the Borough, dog owners, and other users of Crows Woods to evaluate the trial regulations which permit the owners of dogs to allow their pets to roam off-leash in the wooded area of Crows Woods on Saturday from 5pm to closing and Sunday to Friday from opening until 12n and from 5pm to closing. The Commissioners encourage all users of Crows Woods to report their experiences to the Borough during this trial period.

A Holiday Gift for Shoppers
To encourage shoppers to patronize Haddonfield merchants during December, the Commissioners have temporarily lifted the requirement to pay for the use of metered parking spaces throughout the town, weekdays from 11am. (Parking is free at all times on weekends and public holidays).

Got a Pet? Get a License!
Application forms for licenses for dogs and cats are now available at the Borough Hall, Public Library, Visitor Center, and Mabel Kay House. The form will also be published again in “What’s On in Haddonfield” on Friday, December 19.
The application deadline is January 31; late fees will be added to the license fee after that date.
As in the past, applications may be mailed to the Borough or delivered in person (to Room 105). This year, however, licenses will not be issued over the counter. Licenses, tags, and documentation submitted with applications will be mailed to pet owners during January and February.

12/31 is Coming! Got Your Button?
Buttons for Haddonfield’s sixth annual celebration of the arts on New Year’s Eve (6pm to 12m, with fireworks on Kings Highway E at 9pm and 12m) are available at the Visitor Center (in the Haddonfield Mall), Professional Printing Services (116 Haddon Avenue N), and at area branches of Commerce Bank, Equity Bank, and PNC Bank.
Buttons afford admission to the various performances; they cost $10 for all but babes-in-arms.
216-7253