April 10 to April 24, 2009

SPRING CLEAN-OUT ...
From April 6 through May 1, the Borough is relaxing the rules that normally apply to the kinds and quantities of material the residents may put out for collection as trash. Residents may put out any quantity of regular trash and yard waste.

Restrictions still apply to large and heavy items, construction debris, household hazardous waste, and trees and stumps. If in doubt, call 429-0183 before putting questionable items out for pick-up.

Put out material to be collected on your regular trash day. Public Works crews will pick it up on that day or as soon after as possible. Clean-Out ends on the last regular trash day in April. Please do not put “Clean-Out” material out after your last regular trash day.

... AND SPRING COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP
The Borough participates in a statewide program aimed at making New Jersey a litter-free state. One aspect of Haddonfield’s Clean Communities program is Spring Clean-Up Week, this year: Saturday, April 25 thru Saturday, May 2.

Community organizations, schools, churches, neighborhood groups, families, and individuals are invited to help make Haddonfield litter-free by picking up trash and recyclable items from parks, parking lots, walkways, sidewalks, and other public places to which they have been assigned.

To arrange an assigned “spot,” contact Lynn McCabe, the Borough’s Clean Communities Officer, at 429-4700 x 315.
The Public Works Department will provide bags and will pick up filled bags for disposal. Participants should provide their own gloves, rakes, etc., as required.

RABIES CLINIC
The Borough will conduct a free rabies clinic for cats and dogs owned by Haddonfield residents on Saturday, April 25 from 10am to 12pm, in the parking lot behind the Borough Hall.

Owners must produce a current license. Although the deadline for obtaining licenses for 2009 was January 31, licenses will be issued on the spot on April 25. Late fees will apply. The application form is available at the Borough Hall, Information Center, and Public Library. It may also be downloaded from the Borough’s Web site.

POTHOLES
A Public Works crew recently placed cold patch in a number of potholes throughout the town, providing a temporary fix for serious holes. Beginning in May (after the asphalt plants reopen), a crew will use hot patch for repairs. The procedure, tested in 2008, involves saw-cutting a rectangular hole that is considerably larger than the problem area, spreading a tack material, adding hot patch, and finally tamping the hole to produce a flat surface and ensure a solid seal of the new material with the existing roadway. The new procedure takes additional time, but it produces a patch that lasts much longer than the old method.

ARBOR DAY
In observance of Arbor Day 2009, the Borough will plant a tree at 10am on Friday, April 24. The location is 131 Kings Highway E, in front of Harrison’s. All are welcome to attend.

EARTH DAY
The Commissioners encourage all residents to attend a celebration of Earth Day 2009, to be held at Crows Woods on Saturday, April 25. The “rain-or-shine” program is sponsored by the Environmental Commission. See page 24 of the April 10 issue of What’s On for details.

ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE
The deadline for registering to vote in the Board of Commissioners election on Tuesday, May 12 is Tuesday, April 21.
Registration forms may be obtained in Room 101 at the Borough Hall, or downloaded from the Borough Web site.

BOND ORDINANCE FOR ROADWORKS
During their meeting on March 24, the Commissioners introduced a bond ordinance for the water and sewer utility portion or various roadworks projects to be undertaken this year. The amount to be raised through the issuance of bonds is $3,420,000.
The projects included are: elimination of clay sanitary and brick storm sewer connections at Tanner Street, plus the replacement of a 4” cast iron water main with an 8” ductile iron pipe; stormwater sewer and sump pump connections on Woodland Avenue; installation of a new gravity sewer main connection to the CCMUA pumping station at Grove Street; replacement of damaged sewer pipes at Station Avenue; and the replacement of an emergency bypass pump on Elm Avenue.
A public hearing on the proposed ordinance will be held during the Commissioners’ meeting on Tuesday, April 14.

EXPLORATION OF SHARED SERVICES
The Commissioners have authorized the preparation of an application for a SHARE (Sharing Available Resources Efficiently) Grant from the state. If approved, the grant will enable the Borough to carry out a study of the feasibility of sharing Municipal Court functions with Haddon Heights, and possibly with Audubon. About 90% of the cost of the study will be borne by the state. Haddonfield’s contribution is expected to be about $1,200.

APPROVAL OF SHARED ADVERTISING COSTS
Like Haddonfield, Audubon and Collingswood will hold municipal elections on Tuesday, May 12. State law requires that civilian and military absentee ballot applications be published in at least one local newspaper for each election.
In an effort to reduce advertising costs, the three municipalities have agreed to place a single, joint advertisement. The Commissioners authorized the signing of a Shared Services Agreement during their meeting on March 24.

March 27 to April 10, 2009

LIBRARY ARCHITECT SELECTION PROCESS
From more than 30 firms that responded to the Borough’s request for proposals for architectural services, the Commissioners have narrowed the list to two. A final choice will be made after references have been checked.
The firm that is awarded the contract will be required to evaluate the site and structure for code compliance, and prepare at least three conceptual designs: one for a renovation of the existing building and two for renovations that include an addition to the existing building.

RABIES CLINIC
The Borough will conduct a free rabies clinic for cats and dogs owned by Haddonfield residents on Saturday, April 25 from 10:00am to 12:00n, in the parking lot behind the Borough Hall.

Owners must produce a current license. Although the deadline for obtaining licenses for 2009 was January 31, licenses will be issued on the spot on April 25. Late fees will apply.

The fees (including late fees) for dogs are $22 (neutered); $25 (non-neutered). The fees (including late fees) for cats are $18 (neutered); $21 (non-neutered). Higher late fees apply after April 30.

Applications for licenses also may be submitted at the Borough Hall (Room 101) during regular business hours. The application form is available at the Borough Hall, Information Center, and Public Library. It may also be downloaded from the Borough’s Web site.

ONLINE EQUIPMENT SALE SUCCESSFUL
The Borough recently listed a 1986 Ford F-700 bucket truck with 50ft boom for sale on GovDeals.com, an online auction site that specializes in listing government equipment that is surplus to requirements.

The starting bid was $2.00 The bid increment was $5.00. After 79 bids, the truck sold for $6,904.

REMINDERS, ALERTS, ETC. BY E-MAIL
The Borough now has a system in place that enables it to send mass e-mail messages to residents, business owners, and others who register to receive them. The system can be used to alert those who are registered to impending deadlines (for the payment of taxes, pet license fees, etc.), and to public safety situations.

To sign up, visit the Borough’s Web site and look for a box titled “E-news from the Borough.”

CONGRATULATIONS TO TED DORN
The Commissioners congratulate Ted Dorn, a former four-term Borough Commissioner, on reaching the 50 Year milestone for membership in Haddon Fire Company No. 1.

Over the years, Ted has served as a Lieutenant, Captain, Treasurer, and President of the Fire Company. Well done!

BOROUGH BUDGET
When they introduced the budget for 2009 during their meeting on February 10, the Commissioners had not received information from the state with respect to the amount of state aid the Borough would be receiving for 2009.

Advice was received recently. Haddonfield’s allocation will be $42,222 less than it was last year.

The final amount will be set when the State Legislature acts on the state budget. The Commissioners will not take any further action on Haddonfield’s budget until then.

The proposed budget is available for perusal at the Borough Hall (Room 101) and at the Public Library. It may also be downloaded from the Borough’s Web site.

HOLIDAY HOURS
Borough offices will be closed on Friday, April 10. The Public Library will be open from 10:00am to 5:00pm. The Information Center will be open from 12:00n to 4:00pm.

Friday’s trash and recycling collection will take place on Friday, as scheduled. Police, fire, and ambulance services will be available around-the-clock, as usual, as will emergency water and sewer services.

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ELECTION
    Haddonfield will hold its quadrennial election for the Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, May 12. Six candidates filed petitions by the deadline on Thursday, March 19. In alphabetical order, they are:

• Edward F. Borden Jr (incumbent) – “Experience. Common Sense. Results.”
• Letitia G. Colombi (incumbent) – “Tish! For All the Right Reasons.”
• JoAnn Gurenlian (challenger) – “Fiscal Transparency. Common Sense Government.”
• Jeffrey S. Kasko (challenger) – “New Leadership We Can Trust.”
• Sean D. Leonard (challenger) – “Fresh Ideas.”
• Neal Rochford (incumbent) – “Leadership That Works for You.”

CALENDAR NOTES
Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars for the annual Arbor Day ceremony on Friday, April 24 and for Earth Day celebrations at Crows Woods on Saturday, April 25.

POTHOLE PATROL
Residents and business owners are encouraged to report potholes by calling the Public Works Department at 856-429-0183 x 0.

March 13 to March 27, 2009

LIBRARY UPDATE
    In January, the Borough invited proposals from architects to prepare conceptual designs for the future use of the Public Library building in accordance with the library service program prepared by a development consulting firm.
    More than 30 proposals were received by the deadline in February. The Library Director and Borough Administrator examined the proposals in detail and presented their recommendations to the the Commissioners, each of whom also reviewed all of the compliant proposals.
    A number of proposals have been selected for close examination; their authors will be interviewed in the coming weeks.
    The firm that is selected to undertake the work will evaluate the ability of the building’s site and structure to accommodate possible expansion of the facility, evaluate the building for code compliance, and prepare at least three conceptual designs: one for the existing building; one for a 7,500 sqft expansion of the existing structure; and one for a 15,000 sqft expansion. In each case, estimates of the cost of renovation and/or construction will be provided.
    The Commissioners hope to award a contract for architectural services in April.

VACANCY ON BOROUGH COMMISSION
    A vacancy exists on the Borough’s Historic Preservation Commission. Residents who are interested in serving are invited to send either a resume and letter detailing their background and qualifications to the Commissioners (PO Box 3004, Haddonfield NJ 08033) or apply online via the Borough Web site. Click on “Volunteer for a Borough Board.”
    Residents who would like their names added to waiting lists for other Borough boards, commissions, and committees are welcome to indicate their interest via the Borough Web site.

MUNICIPAL ELECTION
    Residents are reminded that the deadline for candidates to file for this year’s Board of Commissioners election is Thursday, March 19 at 4pm. The petition form is available from the Borough Clerk, in Room 101; 94 valid signatures of registered voters are required on the nominating petition (1% of the registered voters at the November 2008 general election).

PUBLIC HEARINGS ON TWO BUDGETS
    The Commissioners were scheduled to hold Public Hearings on two budgets during their meeting on Tuesday, March 10: the 2009 municipal budget and the 2009 Partnership for Haddonfield budget.
    As reported previously, the Commissioners will not act on the municipal budget at this time, since the Borough has not been advised by the state of the amount of state aid the Borough will receive for 2009. The Commissioners do not expect to hear from the state until the late spring or early summer.
    The Partnership budget was scheduled to be adopted following the Public Hearing.

BOROUGH BUDGET 101
    The Borough held two information sessions recently, designed to help property owners, residents, and business owners understand the structure and content of the municipal budget.
    Community organizations that would be interested in having a representative of the Borough present a program about the municipal budget, and in particular the 2009 Budget, should contact the Borough Administrator, Sharon McCullough, at 429-4700 x 215.

LANDFILL LITIGATION SETTLED
    For a number of years, the Borough has been a defendant in environmental cost recovery/contribution litigation involving cleanup and remediation at the Pennsauken Sanitary Landfill.
    An opportunity arose recently to settle the suit and the Commissioners decided it would be in the Borough’s best interests to settle, rather than go to trial, the outcome of which could have cost considerably more than the amount of the settlement (about $54,000, a significant portion of which, at least, will be covered by insurance).
    During their meeting on February 24, the Commissioners authorized the signing of a settlement agreement. The Borough has not admitted any liability in relation to the claims that are the subject of the litigation.

NO-INTEREST LOAN FOR INFRASTRUCTURE
    During their meeting on February 24, the Commissioners authorized the submission of an application for a loan from the NJ Environmental Infrastructure Finance Program.
    If granted, the no-interest, 20-year loan will provide more than $3.2 million for the utility portion of planned projects on Tanner Street, Woodland Avenue, Station Avenue, Grove Street, and Elm Avenue. The Borough expects to save some $900,000 in interest over the life of the loan.

BOROUGH DOES G-BAY
    The Borough continues to have success with an online auction site, GovDeals.com, as a vehicle for disposing of equipment that is surplus to requirements. The item listed currently is a bucket truck, with a scheduled close date of March 12.
    During their meeting on March 10, the Commissioners were scheduled to authorize the transfer of a 2001 Ford Crown Victoria, previously used by the Police Department, to the Camden County Fire Police.

REMINDERS, ALERTS, ETC. BY E-MAIL
    The Borough now has a system in place that enables it to send mass e-mail messages to residents, business owners, and others who register to receive them. The system can be used to alert those who are registered to impending deadlines (for the payment of taxes, pet license fees, etc.), and to public safety situations.
    To sign up, visit the Borough’s Web site and look for a box titled “E-news from the Borough.”

February 27 to March 13, 2009

LIBRARY PROPOSALS RECEIVED
In response to a request for proposals issued in January, the Borough received submissions recently from more than 30 architectural firms, each expressing an interest in preparing conceptual designs for the future use of the Public Library building in accordance with the library service program prepared by Library Development Solutions, a Princeton-based consulting firm.
The firm that is awarded the contract will be required to evaluate the ability of the building’s site and structure to accommodate possible expansion of the facility, evaluate the building for code compliance, and prepare at least three conceptual designs:
1. A renovation of the existing building to comply with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the library service program, or such portions of the program as can be accommodated.
2. A 7,500 sqft expansion of the existing structure.
3. A 15,000 sqft expansion of the existing structure.
In each case, estimates of the cost of renovation and/or construction are required.
The Commissioners are very pleased with the number of submissions received, with their quality, and with their cost proposals. In conjunction with the Library Board and Library Director, they are reviewing the proposals and plan to have a short list of five firms by the end of the first week of March. Interviews will be conducted during the second and third weeks with a view to choosing a firm and awarding a contract by mid-April. It is anticipated that the firm that is chosen to carry out the work would complete the project by the end of the summer.

AMENDMENTS TO ORDINANCES
During their meeting on February 10, the Commissioners introduced a proposed amendment to the Affordable Housing chapter of the Borough’s Code of Ordinances that will bring the developer fee for affordable housing projects into compliance with new state regulations.
They also introduced a proposed amendment to the chapter that covers peddlers and solicitors. The amendment will change the hour by which peddling and soliciting activities must cease from 9:00pm to 8:00pm.
Hearings on these two Ordinances were scheduled to be held during the Commissioners’ meeting on February 24.

NEW APPLICATION PROCEDURE FOR EVENTS
Community organizations that are planning events that will require Borough assistance – additional street and sidewalk cleaning, barricades, Police and/or Auxiliary Police services, trash and recycling removal, etc. – are now required to complete and submit a form to the Borough in advance of the event.
The form may be downloaded from the Borough Clerk section of the Borough’s Web site.

BOROUGH BUDGET
The proposed budget for the Borough for 2009 was introduced during the Commissioners’ meeting on February 10. A Public Hearing will be held on March 10. The Commissioners will not vote on the budget at that time, however, since they will still be waiting for details from the State about the amount of state aid the Borough will receive for 2009. The budget has been prepared using the 2008 state aid figures.
It is likely that the Borough budget will not be adopted until the late spring or early summer.

BUDGET INFORMATION SESSIONS
The Borough has scheduled two public information sessions designed to help taxpayers understand the 2009 municipal budget. The first will be held on Wednesday, March 4 at 7:00pm in the Borough Hall auditorium; the second will be held on Thursday, March 5 at 2:00pm.
Commissioner Rochford (the Director of Revenue & Finance) and Sharon McCullough (the Borough Administrator) will discuss the structure and content of the budget. A question-and-answer session will follow.

WATER & SEWER RATES
The Commissioners were scheduled to hold a Public Hearing during their meeting on February 24 on an Ordinance to set Water & Sewer rates for 2009, after which they were scheduled to vote to adopt it.

PARTNERSHIP FOR HADDONFIELD BUDGET
The proposed budget for the Partnership for Haddonfield (the management corporation for the business district) for 2009 was introduced during the Commissioners’ meeting on February 10. A Public Hearing will be held on March 10 after which the Commissioners may vote to adopt the budget.

REMINDERS, ALERTS, ETC. BY E-MAIL
The Borough now has a system in place that enables it to send mass e-mail messages to residents, business owners, and others who register to receive them. The system can be used to alert those who are registered to impending deadlines (for the payment of taxes, pet license fees, etc.), and to public safety situations.
To sign up, visit the Borough’s Web site and look for a box titled “E-news from the Borough.”

NEW FIRE COMPANY MEMBER
During their meeting on February 10, the Commissioners accepted the application of Walter T. Trottman for membership in Haddon Fire Company No. 1.
The Commissioners commend him for his interest in serving the community, and remind other residents and business owners that the Fire Company is always looking for a few more good men and women. Interested parties should call Chief Joe Riggs at 429-4308.

February 13 to 27, 2009

MEETING ON LIBRARY REPORT
Early in January, the Commissioners and the Public Library’s Board of Trustees received a report detailing the recommended basic requirements for a modern public library to serve the Borough’s 11,600 residents.
Titled “Library Program (A vision for the future)”, the 55-page report was prepared by Leslie and Alan Burger, the principals of Library Development Solutions, a Princeton consulting firm.
A public meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, February 19 during which the consultants will present and discuss their findings and recommendations. The meeting will be held in the Borough Hall auditorium, starting at 7pm. The Commissioners encourage all interested parties to attend.
The report may be downloaded from the Public Library’s Web site: www.haddonfieldlibrary.org.

VACANCY ON BOROUGH COMMISSION
A vacancy exists on the Borough’s Historic Preservation Commission. Residents who are interested in serving are invited to send either a resume and letter detailing their background and qualifications to the Commissioners (PO Box 3004, Haddonfield NJ 08033) or apply online via the Borough Web site. Click on “Volunteer for a Borough Board.”
Residents who would like their names added to waiting lists for other Borough boards, commissions, and committees are welcome to indicate their interest via the Borough Web site.

PRESIDENT’S DAY
Borough offices will be closed on Monday, February 16 in observance of President’s Day. The Information Center and the Public Library will be open.
Monday’s trash and recycling collection will be postponed to Tuesday. Emergency services will be provided around-the-clock, as usual.

APPOINTMENTS
During their meeting on January 27, the Commissioners made the following appointments:
• Gary Reses to the District Management Corporation to fill a vacancy resulting from the resignation of Doug Rauschenberger.
• Justine Callahan to the District Management Corporation.
• Diane Schrauth and Julie Beddingfield to the Environmental Commission to fill vacancies resulting from the resignations of Andrew Hyde and Jamie Horwitz Fram.
The Commissioners thank Doug Rauschenberger, Andrew Hyde, and Jamie Horwitz Fram for their service to the Borough and the community.

ELEVATOR AT THE MABEL KAY HOUSE
The new elevator at the Borough’s senior citizen center on Walnut Street is functioning on a limited basis, awaiting final state inspection. The date of an official opening of the renovations to the center will be announced in the near future.

RECYCLING REBATE
During their meeting on January 27, the Commissioners authorized the signing of an Interlocal Services Agreement with the County that will result in the payment to Haddonfield of more than $18,000 as our share of the Recycling Tonnage Rebate Fund for 2007.
The amount of the rebate is based on the weight of materials recycled by the community.

WATER & SEWER RATES
During their meeting on February 10, the Commissioners introduced an ordinance to set water and sewer rates for 2009.
The budget calls for a 10¢ increase in water rates, from $4.50 to $4.60 per thousand gallons; and for a 5¢ increase in sewer rates, from $2.15 to $2.20 per thousand gallons.
A Public Hearing on the Ordinance will be held during the Commissioners’ meeting on Tuesday, February 24 (7:30pm in Room 102 of the Borough Hall).

BOROUGH BUDGET
During their meeting on February 10, the Commissioners introduced the Borough Budget for 2009.
A Public Hearing is set for Tuesday, March 10. It is unlikely that action will be taken after the Public Hearing, however, since the Commissioners do not expect to have details from the State until the early summer on the amount of state aid that Haddonfield will receive. The budget as introduced assumes that the amount of state aid in 2009 will be the same as it was in 2008.
The $13.8 million budget will be funded, in large part, by a Local Purpose Tax levy of $0.3917 per $100 of assessed value. This represents a 3.76% increase on the rate for 2008. For a property assessed at the Borough average of $491,359, the annual increase in municipal taxes will be $70.
Copies of the proposed budget are available at the Borough Hall, in Room 101, and at the Public Library. The document may be downloaded from the Borough Web site.

PARTNERSHIP FOR HADDONFIELD BUDGET
During their meeting on February 10, the Commissioners introduced the Business Improvement District Budget for 2009.
Revenue from the District assessment on commercial properties in the District is budgeted to remain the same for 2009 as it was for 2008: $250,000. Additional funds are budgeted to be derived from the Crafts & Fine Arts Festival ($32,00), the Partnership Web site ($3,000), and appropriated surplus ($68,681).
The budget proposes expenditure for 2009 totalling $353,681. About 43% of the total is tagged for marketing, public relations, advertising, and special events. About 33% is for retail recruitment and retention.
Copies of the proposed budget are available at the Borough Hall, in Room 101, and at the Public Library. The document may be downloaded from the Borough Web site.
A Public Hearing on the budget will be held during the Commissioners’ meeting on Tuesday, March 10 (7:30pm in Room 102 of the Borough Hall).

January 30 to February 13, 2009

MAYOR'S BREAKFAST
Record numbers of residents, business owners, and School District representatives attended the Mayor's Breakfast on January 24. The Commissioners and the Lions Club (the event sponsors) were delighted with the turnout, and thank all who attended.

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Following the State of the Borough report during the Mayor's Breakfast, Mayor Colombi announced the name of Haddonfield's Citizen of the Year for 2009. Joy Horwitz Fram served as a member of the Environmental Commission for 18 years, and as its chair for more than 10 years. She is an active member of the Parks Conservancy, a longtime trustee for the Civic Association, and a tireless advocate for the Crows Woods Nature Area. The Commissioners congratulate Jamie on her selection and thank her for the contributions she has made to the quality of life in Haddonfield.

FEES FOR OVERNIGHT PARKING PERMITS
During their meeting on January 13, the Commissioners adopted an Ordinance that changes the fees for overnight parking permits. For permits issued from January 1 to March 31, the fee remains at $100 per vehicle. For permits issued on or after April 1, it is now $10 per month.
Applications for permits may be made at the Police Department (basement of Borough Hall).

FEES FOR PET LICENSES
During their meeting on January 13, the Commissioners adopted an Ordinance that changes the fees for dog and cat licenses. The increases, which will be effective on February 1, are required to help cover the costs of animal control and shelter costs and are the maximum allowed by New Jersey law:
• Dogs: Neutered - $17; Non-neutered - $20
• Cats: Neutered - $13; Non-neutered - $16
A late fee of $5 will be added between February 1 and April 30, 2010. After May 1, 2010, the late fee will be $10.

CONTRACTS AND BIDS AWARDED
During their meeting on January 13, the Commissioners awarded a one-year contract for advertising, marketing, and public relations services to Community News Service, Inc.
They also authorized the purchase of a new vacuum leaf machine from Old Dominion Brush of Richmond VA for $31,134; and of a new pot-hole machine from H. A. DeHart & Sons of Thorofare for $29,222 (with options).

PROCLAMATION - SCHOOL BOARD
During their meeting on January 13, the Commissioners issued a proclamation for School Board Recognition Month, acknowledging the efforts and achievements of the Haddonfield Board of Education, and encouraging residents to consider service on the Board.

RECORDS MANAGEMENT
During their meeting on January 13, the Commissioners authorized the signing of an interlocal services agreement with Camden County that will enable the Borough to take advantage of a state records management program.
The Public Archives Records Infrastructure Support (PARIS) grant is worth up to $40,000 and will be used to create microfiche files of the Borough's permanent records.

APPOINTMENTS
Diane Marini resigned recently from the Planning Board. She had served as the Mayor's representative. During their meeting on January 13, the Commissioners appointed Wendy Shafer to fill the remainder of the unexpired term. They thank Diane Marini for her service to the Planning Board and the community.

MEETING ON LIBRARY REPORT
Early in January, the Commissioners and the Public Library's Board of Trustees received a report detailing the recommended basic requirements for a modern public library to serve the Borough's 11,600 residents.
Titled “Library Program (A vision for the future)”, the 55-page report was prepared by Leslie and Alan Burger, the principals of Library Development Solutions, a Princeton consulting firm.
Using a series of focus groups, a town meeting, and a user survey, the consultants developed a “community needs assessment” that identifies preferences for library services and facilities. In addition, they evaluated the current library's space to determine options for delivering modern library services within that space, and prepared a library program to guide an architect in designing a new library building.
A public meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, February 19 during which the consultants will present and discuss their findings and recommendations. The meeting will be held in the Borough Hall auditorium, starting at 7pm. The Commissioners encourage all interested parties to attend.
The report may be downloaded from the Public Library's Web site: www.haddonfieldlibrary.org.

MEETING FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS
Each year, a number of community organizations sponsor outdoor events and activities that require support from the Borough, typically the Public Works Department and the Police Department. When streets must be closed to accommodate the events (runs, parades, etc.), and when large numbers of people attend the events (festivals, etc.), the cost to the Borough can be significant.
In the past, the Borough has usually absorbed the cost of these services, including overtime costs. It might not be able to do so in all cases in the future.
The Commissioners are seeking input from Haddonfield's community organizations and invite representatives to attend a meeting in the Borough Hall auditorium on Thursday, February 5 at 7pm.

January 16 to 30, 2009

MAYOR'S BREAKFAST
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 24, starting at 9:00am. The event, which is sponsored by the Lions Club, will include both a State of the Borough address by the Mayor and the presentation of the Citizen of the Year Award for 2009.

PETS MUST BE LICENSED IN JANUARY
If you own a dog or cat, you must obtain a license for your pet by January 31. A late charge applies to applications submitted after that date. The application form is available at the Borough Hall, Public Library, and Information Center. It also may be downloaded from the Borough Web site.

SPEAKING OF PET LICENSES ...
The fees for dog and cat licenses will increase, effective February 1. The increases are required to help cover the costs of animal control and shelter costs. The new fees are the maximum allowed by New Jersey law:
• Dogs: Neutered - $17; Non-neutered - $20
• Cats: Neutered - $13; Non-neutered - $16
A late fee of $5 will be added between February 1 and April 30, 2010. After May 1, 2010, the late fee will be $10.

BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP PLANS
The Commissioners encourage business owners to attend the next meeting of the Partnership of Haddonfield, on Thursday, January 22, during which the Partnership will discuss its plans and budget for 2009. The meeting will be held in the Borough Hall auditorium, starting at 8:30am.

WATER METER REPLACEMENT
The Borough-wide program to replace all water meters is proceeding satisfactorily. Property owners who were not present when their premises were visited should have received a postcard asking them to call for an appointment to have their meter replaced. The Commissioners urge those who received a card but who have not yet made an appointment to call without delay, to facilitate completion of the program.

MAJOR WORK ON TANNER STREET
The Borough is preparing to begin a major construction project on Tanner Street. The work will include the replacement of a water main, stormwater sewer, and two sewer lines, and the installation of a new sump pump collector system, and new curbs and driveway aprons where necessary. The streetscape will be upgraded, and lanterns similar to those on Kings Highway will be installed.
A meeting to brief property owners, residents, and business owners on Tanner Street will be held in the Borough Hall auditorium on Friday, January 23 at 9:00am. All interested parties are encouraged to attend.

FIRST NIGHT THANKS
The night of December 31 was windy - so windy that the First Night fireworks had to be cancelled. It was also cold enough to keep a significant number of people from venturing downtown.
But the thousands who did brave the weather were entertained by top-line talent, and once again the Commissioners express their thanks to the First Night organizing committee, the many volunteers who helped out at the various venues, the members of the Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments, the Police Auxiliary, and the staff of the Information Center.
Sincere thanks also to the many individuals, businesses, and community groups that contributed financially to the event, to the businesses that served as button sales outlets, and to the churches and schools that so willingly made their premises available for the evening.

OPENING MEETINGS FOR 2009
The Commissioners held a brief meeting on Monday, January 5 to open the books for the new year. They also appointed 11 residents to the Haddonfield Auxiliary Police for the coming year: Bernard Brody, Frederick W. Chase, Timothy A. Chase, Michelle Claffey, Peter J. Dobush, E. Guy Elzey Jr, Eugene G. Haag, Steven F. Harski, Max Hermann, Jack Matty Jr, and Christine Schroeder.
The annual meeting of the Board of Health also was held on Monday, January 5. The Board is considering new regulations for grease traps and is preparing a list of substances that are harmful to pipes, along with a list of more system-friendly alternatives.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DAY - I
Monday, January 19 will be a Public Holiday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr Day. Borough offices will be closed. Trash and recycling collection on the Monday route will be postponed to Tuesday. The Public Library and the Information Center will be open. Vital services - police, fire, ambulance, and water/sewer services - will be provided around the clock, as usual.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DAY - II
The Human Relations Commission will host a Community Conversation at the Markeim Art Center from 7:30 to 9:00pm.
Titled “Civil Rights: The Next Era,” this year's event is intended to be a reflection on how far the movement has come and where it will need to go in the future, taking into account the milestone of the first election of a person of color as president.
The program will include: a panel discussion led by James Peeler, Chair of NJ's Human Relations Council; recognition of Mayor Tish Colombi and former Borough Administrator Richard Schwab for the contributions they have made to the realization of Dr King's vision; and the presentation of the annual Alvin R. Schomer Award for “outstanding service to the community in fostering tolerance and diversity and demonstrating leadership and strength of character” to Monica Ramstad, a senior student at Haddonfield Memorial High School.

January 2 to January 16, 2009

BIKES, BOARDS ARE NOW BANNED
    During their meeting on December 23, the Commissioners held a Public Hearing on a proposed Ordinance that would prohibit the riding of bicycles, skateboards, and similar devices in Kings Court and Hadrosaurus Lane (formerly known as Lantern Lane), for any reason or under any circumstances. They subsequently voted to adopt the Ordinance.

OVERNIGHT PARKING ORDINANCE
    During their meeting on December 23, the Commissioners introduced a proposed Ordinance that would change the fees for overnight parking permits. The annual fee will remain at $100 per vehicle, but the current fee of $60 for permits issued after July 1 will change. Under the proposed ordinance, the fee for permits issued on or after April 1 will be $10 per month.
    A Public Hearing on the proposed ordinance will be held during the Commissioners' next regular meeting (Tuesday, January 13 at 7:30pm in Room 102 of the Borough Hall).
    Permits for overnight parking may be obtained from the Police Department during normal business hours.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: PUBLIC LIBRARY
    During their meeting on December 23, the Commissioners authorized the advertising of a Request for Proposals for architectural services related to the Public Library.
    The Borough intends to engage an architectural firm to apply the Library Service Program that has been prepared by its consultants (Library Development Solutions) to the existing building and to prepare at least three conceptual designs for the building.
    • The first would renovate the existing structure to accommodate all or as much as possible of the Library Service Program;
    • The second would include an addition to the existing structure of 7,500 square feet to accommodate all or as much as possible of the Library Service Program;
    • The third would include an addition of 15,000 square feet to accommodate the entire Library Service Program;.
    In all three cases, the resulting building would need to comply with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act with respect to access for users with disabilities.
    The RFP will be posted on the Borough Web site on January 9. Proposals are due on February 12 at 3:00pm.
    The Library Service Program will be posted on the Borough and Public Library Web sites during the first week of January. Printed copies will be available for perusal at the Borough Hall (Room 101) and at the Library. A public meeting for discussion of the program will be held in late January or early February.

OPENING MEETING FOR 2009
    The Commissioners will hold a meeting to open the books for the new year on Monday, January 5 at 5:00pm. The annual meeting of the Board of Health will be held at that time also.

SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS
    During their meeting on December 23, the Commissioners approved a Schedule of Meetings for 2009.
    • Board of Commissioners: Second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 7:30pm in Room 102 of the Borough Hall. Each meeting will be preceded by a Work Session in Room 101, starting at 7:00pm. Work Sessions will also be held on the first and third Mondays of each month in Room 201, starting at 5:00pm. When the Monday is a public holiday, the Work Session will be held on the following Tuesday.
    The complete schedule of meetings is posted on the Borough's Web site.

APPOINTMENTS
    During their meeting on December 23, the Commissioners made the following appointments:
    • Animal Control Services: Superior Animal Control, of Westmont.
    • Animal Shelter Services: The Animal Orphanage, 419 Cooper Road, Voorhees.
    • Risk Management Consultant for the Camden County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund: Henry D. Bean and Sons, of Haddonfield.
    • Fund Commissioner for the Southern NJ Regional Employee Benefits Fund: Theodore Dorn; Alternate: Neal P. Rochford.
    • Neighborhood Disputes Mediation Committee: Leah McGarry Morris, Deborah V. Vermaat.
    • Shade Tree Commission: Robin Potter, Harriet Monshaw, Ann Walters.
    • Human Relations Commission: Alvin R. Schomer, Leah McGarry Morris, Lance Curley, Carl Maugeri, Ann Hermann-Sauer, Ellen M. Stone, Mary Burke, Lori Warsaw.
    • Zoning Board of Adjustment: Richard Cohn, Susan Baltake, Daniel Reisman, Linda Kuritzkes, Jennifer Johnson, Jeffrey Kasko, Robert Grady.
    • Planning Board: Eugene Haag, Michael Lieberman, John LaProcido, Doug McCollister.
    • Historic Preservation Commission: Joseph Haro.
    • Senior Citizen Advisory Board: Dory Mann (Director, Senior Services).
    • District Management Corporation: Deena Gersh, Guy Elzey III, Lisa Blaber, Gary Reses.
    • Tax Collection: Terry Henry.
    • Deputy Court Administrator: Geraldine L. Miller.
    • Magistrate: John J. Spence.
    • Historians: Doug Rauschenberger, Kathy Tassini.

PETS MUST BE LICENSES IN JANUARY
    The owners of dogs and cats are reminded that the deadline for obtaining the 2009 Pet License is January 31 (extended to Monday, February 1). After that date, late fees will apply.
    The form for 2009 is on page 22 of What's On: Haddonfield Issue 439. Copies are available at the Information Center, Public Library, and Mabel Kay House. The form may also be downloaded from the Borough Web site.