October 10, 2013 Municipal Matters

Haddonfield Borough Commissioners to Hold Special Public Meeting to Discuss NJ Government Aggregation Program
Monday, October 21 at 7 p.m.Haddonfield residents are encouraged to attend this meeting at Borough Hall to hear details on this program, which is designed to save them money on their electric bill

Haddonfield, NJ – October 10, 2013 – The Commissioners of the Borough of Haddonfield are encouraging all residents to attend a special meeting on Monday, October 21 at 7 p.m. in Borough Hall to hear details about a program the Commissioners are considering for participation that could save residents money on their electric bills.

The program is called the New Jersey Government Aggregation Plan, which allows for a municipality to pool energy usage of all its residents to obtain lower electricity rates than would be available on an individual basis and to protect the ratepayer.

Established under Government Energy Act of 2003 and amended in July 2012 to provide further details of how to run the program, the Plan is supported by the Board of Public Utilities, Department of Community Affairs and the New Jersey Rate Counsel.

Under the Plan, electric utility service would still be provided PSE&G. Participation – which is completely optional – would allow the community’s electric utility usage to be pooled to obtain a lower rate – and help lower each participant’s bill.

The rate will be obtained through an online auction platform that has been approved for this purpose by the NJ Department of Community Affairs. All third parties that have the opportunity to bid on the program will be licensed and bonded with the NJ Board of Public Utilities and in good standing.  The rate for anyone participating in the residential program will be known prior to the program beginning, and residential ratepayers can leave the program without ANY fees or penalties at any time.

Third Party Suppliers must adhere to contract guidelines spelled out in the Government Energy Act of 2003 and Title 14.  The rate in the contract will be fixed for the entire term of the contract, 12-18 months, and guaranteed not to change during that term.  Third Party Suppliers will also still accept the terms of the Equal Payment Program.

Residents will have the ability to participate in the program for their electric usage independently. (The third party that is chosen to will not have the ability to change any penalties based on historical usage or penalties for any other reason.  The program contracts will be renewed on a yearly basis and everyone will have the ability to participate in the program or opt-out each time the program renews. (Note: commercial properties are not included in this plan at this time).

To learn more go to www.njaggregation.us, or please attend the special meeting on Monday, October 21 at 7 p.m. so that you can hear first-hand how the NJ Government Energy Aggregation Program can benefit you.

Tricentennial Fall FestivalIn special reconition of the 300th Anniversary of the completion of Elizabeth Haddon Estaugh’s home, and in celebration with the community, Mayor Jeffrey Kasko and Commissioners John Moscatelli and Neal Rochford, along with NJ Senator James Beach, NJ Assembly Majority Lead Louis Greenwald, and Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt and Master of Ceremonies Tish Colombi invite you to attend a Tricentennial Salute on Saturday, October 19, 2013 at 12:00 p.m. at the Kings Court Gazebo, Haddonfield, NJ.  The event features music by the Haddonfield Community Philharmonic and Marching Band Society (from 11:00 a.m.), awards for student achievement, presentation of elementary school time capsules, and recognition of Tricentennial volunteers.

Civic Assoc. Town Meeting
The Civic Association will be hosting the Annual Town Meeting on Thursday, October 24 at 7 p.m. in the Borough Hall Auditorium,   Department Heads, as well as Chairpersons from various boards, Commissions and Committee will be on hand to answer questions from the residents.

Takeback New Jersey – Prescription Drug Drop Off Program
The Haddonfield Police Department, in cooperation with the national Takeback Initiative, will once again be participating in Takeback New Jersey.  This operation allows for any person to dispose of any medications. The individual may dispose of medication either in its original container or by removing medication from its container and disposing directly into the drug disposal box.  If the original container is submitted, the individual is encouraged to remove the prescription label if it contains any personal identifying information.  Liquid products, such as cough medicine, should remain sealed in their original container.  The depositor should ensure that the cap it tightly sealed to prevent leakage.  Syringes and other sharp instruments will not be accepted.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 26, 2013, between the hours of 10am to 2pm, in the lobby of the Haddonfield Police Department (rear entrance of the Haddonfield Borough Hall).

For more information, visit www.dea.gov

Fall Leaf Collection to start the week of November 4th.  Leaves are not to be raked into the streets prior to the start of leaf collection.  Offenders could receive a summons.

First Night Haddonfield 2014
The First Night Haddonfield 2014 celebration will be held from 6 p.m. December 31 through 1 a.m. January 31. The event will be held on Kings Highway as well as the adjacent streets such as Mechanic and Tanner. Store owners will be able to sell merchandise and concessions out on the sidewalk pending they receive a permit. Scheduled entertainment includes ABBA-Mania, The Unexpected Boys, The Unexpected Surfer Boys/Beach Boys, The Depue Brothers Band, and The Acoustic Mix, plus many more musical, dance, comedy & kids entertainers and activities! Buttons for First Night are available for the early sale price of $10 starting October 19 at http://www.firstnighthaddonfield.org/.

First Night Overnight Parking Enforcement
Overnight parking rules during the First Night Haddonfield 2014 will be suspended to allow overnight parking on the streets of Haddonfield from midnight through 6:00 a.m. on January 1, 2014 only.

Upcoming Events
Haddonfield Crew Club will hold its Crew Ergathon Fundraising Event November 16, 2013. Additionally Christ the King Regional School will hold their King’s Run 5K on November 23, 2013.

Approved Appointment
The Commissioners have approved Wayne Partenheimer’s appointment to the Zoning Board of Adjustment, Alt IV which expires May 31, 2014.

Authorization to Sign Agreements
Mario Iavicoli, Esquire, has been selected to continue his services as Borough Solicitor and will continue his duties in this capacity moving forward.

Bid Awards
A bid was awarded by the Commissioners to Express Employment, Marlton Crossing, for Temporary Labor Services.

Bid Request –Tree Removal Services
The commissioners have authorized the Borough to request proposals for “Tree Removal Services” for the Borough of Haddonfield, to be received on or before Thursday, October 31, 2013 at 10 a.m. in Room 103 of the Haddonfield Borough Hall.

Ask The Mayor 
Mayor Jeff Kasko will be available for questions and comments every other Wednesday afternoon from 3 p.m. – 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 atj kasko@haddonfield-nj.gov. His October schedule will be Wednesday October 16 and Wednesday, October 30 from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Haddonfield’s Rules for Parking
The Commissioners want to remind residents of the rules regarding parking your vehicles.

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: