Municipal Matters – June 12, 2014

Special Board of Commissioners Meeting Set for June 25th at 7:30 pm

It is anticipated that the Commissioners will introduce an ordinance which will require a question to be placed on the ballot in November regarding the possible sale of the Water and Sewer Utility. Questions regarding the referendum will be addressed at the meeting on the 25th.

Several additional public informational meetings will be held in the fall prior to the November election providing residents an opportunity to review the facts and ask questions so that they may make an informed decision.

Bond Ordinance – Acquisition of 65 Haddon Avenue Property

The Commissioners have adopted a bond ordinance in the amount of $1,820,000 for the purchase of Block 11, Lot 3, Units 1, 2, & 3. This purchase is part of a settlement agreement between Estaugh Commons, LLC and the Borough of Haddonfield.

Fourth of July Fireworks Display

A public display of fireworks as part of the Borough’s Annual Independence Day Celebration will take place in the Camden County Park system behind the High School Stadium on Thursday, July 3, 2014 (rain date Sunday, July 6, 2014) from 6-11 p.m.

Parking Ordinance

Parking is no longer permitted on Potter Street West from the intersection with Ellis Street to a point 145 feet thereof in a northerly direction.

Annual Sidewalk Sale

The Commissioners have granted permission to the Partnership for Haddonfield to host the Annual Sidewalk Sale August 7-103, 2014. Shops in downtown Haddonfield have therefore been granted permission to utilize the public sidewalks for displays, with the exception of food. No food displays or vendors will be permitted to use the sidewalks during the annual sidewalk sale. Outdoor entertainment is also permitted along the sidewalks of Haddonfield.

Authorization to Display Merchandise

The Commissioners have authorized English Gardener Gift Shop, 123 Kings Highway East, to display merchandise outside of their store.

Authorization to Request Proposals

The Commissioners have authorized the Borough Clerk to distribute a Request for Proposal for a “Borough Auditor” for the Borough of Haddonfield. The proposal is to be received on or before Wednesday, July 3, 2014 at 3 p.m. in Room 101 of the Haddonfield Borough Hall.

Authorization to Advertise for Sealed Bids

The Commissioners have authorized the Borough Clerk to advertise for the receipt of sealed bids for the following:

a Backhoe to be received on or before June 24, 2014 at 10:15 a.m. in Room 103 of the Haddonfield Borough Hall;
Tree Removal Services to be received on or before June 24 at 10:15 a.m. in Room 103 of the Haddonfield Borough Hall.

Bid Rejection – Pot Hole Repair Service

The Commissioners have rejected a bid for Pot Hole Repair Services as all submitted bids were over budget.

Authorization to Sign Shared Services Agreement

The Commissioners have authorized the signing of a shared services agreement with the boroughs of Audubon, Collingswood, Oaklyn and the townships of Haddon and Pennsauken for the purpose of facilitating the resale of abandoned commercial and residential properties.

Performance Bond Release Authorization

The Commissioners have authorized a performance bond to be released for the following:

FY2011 curb cuts at various locations by Diamond Construction.

First Thursday July 3, 2014

Downtown Haddonfield’s second ‘First Thursday will be Thursday, July 3, 2014, featuring an exceptional mix of music, extraordinary dining and specials in many of Haddonfield’s unique, independently owned shops and boutiques. First Thursday replaces First Fridays, The events will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Kings Highway. The theme is ‘Everything Red, White and Blue.’

Cooperation Agreement with County of Camden

The Commissioners have authorized the signing of a three-year agreement with the County of Camden as a means of conducting certain eligible community development and affordable housing activities.

DVRPC TCDI Grand Program

The Commissioners have authorized the Borough’s participation in the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission’s (DVRPC) Transportation & Community Development Initiative (TCDI) Grant Program and will submit an application for the grant.

Ask the Mayor

Mayor Jeff Kasko will be available for questions and comments on Wednesdays, June 25, July 23 and August 20 from 3 – 5 p.m. in Borough Hall. He will also be available in the evenings by appointment. Please call his voicemail at 429-4700, ext. 316 to set up an appointment, or you can email him at jkasko@haddonfield-nj.gov.

Haddonfield’s Rules for Dog Walking

The Commissioners want to remind residents of the rules regarding walking your dogs and disposing property of their waste:

All dogs must be on a leash when being walked on public streets; no pet is permitted to roam un-leashed in Haddonfield
Pet owners or anyone who takes their pet for walks must properly dispose of their pet’s waste by picking it up, wrapping it and either placing it in the trash or flushing it unwrapped down the toilet.

Residents are reminded to sign up to receive important e-mail notices, reminders, and alerts from the Borough. This system can be used to alert those who are registered to impending deadlines (for the payment of taxes, pet license fee, etc.), and to public safety situations. To sign up, visit www.haddonfieldnj.org and look for a box titled” E-news from the Borough.”

Meetings/Events & Activities

Mon June 16—8:00 am Shade Tree Commission
Mon June 16—9:15 am Sr. Citizens Advisory
Mon June 16– 6:00 pm Commissioner Worksession
Tue June 17—7:00 pm Sustainable Haddonfield/Environmental Commission
Tue June 17—7:30 pm Zoning Board
Wed June 18 – 7:30 pm Historic Preservation Commission
Thr June 19—7:30 pm Human Relations
Tue June 24—8:00 am Library Board
Tue June 24—7:30 pm Board of Commissioners

LET’S TALK TRASH

Dear Resident,

I thought it was time to have a discussion about trash collection. This may be a reminder to some, but there may be some new information.

First, we have added a section to the Public Works page in the Borough website where you can report issues with your trash and recycling pick-up. For immediate issues, please report problems with either trash or recycling pick-up directly to Public Works at 429-0183 x0 (recycling and vegetative waste) or Casworth at 856-848-3505 for trash issues.

I would also like to point out a longstanding regulation on trash cans; trash cans can be no larger than 32 gallons. Many residents are in violation of this (myself included) because they were not aware of the requirement when they purchased their trash cans. This regulation is in place for the safety of our trash collectors; larger cans are just too heavy to expect them to lift all day without injury. Now, we’re not planning on refusing to collect trash from larger cans, but you have to help us. Please make sure the trash is bagged, and the bags are not too heavy. This way the collectors can reach into the cans and pull out the bags without risk of injury. Loose trash in large cans will not be collected!

Also, there are some very large wheeled trash cans out there (96 gallon cans) that are really too large to reach into. They are designed to work with automated trucks that flip the cans into the truck to empty them. Please avoid these type of cans; Casworth can refuse to empty these.

While we’re here, I’ll also remind you of the rules about putting out garbage. These rules are in place to keep the amount of time garbage is left on the curb to a minimum, and improve the overall all appearance of our neighborhoods: No refuse shall be placed for collection on any sidewalk prior to 1:00PM of the day before collection. Business District trash cannot be put out before 5:00PM of the day before collection. Refuse must be out by 7:00AM for residential areas and by 6:30AM for Businesses on the scheduled trash day to insure collection. Homeowners must notify landscapers that cans of clippings cannot be left out for days. They must be put out on regular trash pick-up days.

Lastly, a reminder about placing material, like mulch, dirt, or leaves, in the street: putting anything in the street, or in the gutter, is a violation of New Jersey stormwater regulations. This material can clog storm sewers. Please remind landscapers this is not allowed.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach me on my Borough email; there is a link on the website, or you can leave a message on my Borough extension 429-4700 x317.

Best Regards,

Commissioner John Moscatelli