I was not able to attend due to the time change but this is a review from Tom Cassel.
There are 3 ordinances on the next week’s agenda.
One of these ordinances is to increase water shutoff fees specifically. Due to proposed changes to the ordinance, that will be tabled to the following meeting. Klineburger announced that he would not be at the next Commission meeting.
The major ordinance coming up is for the approval of the redevelopment plan for the Dydee Site.
During the public portion I asked about the provision in the ordinance allowing the commissioners to renegotiate the original contract as well as the financial agreement. I asked why this was necessary and the mayor stated that there are some additional provisions that may be needed. He also said that there is a contract and possible no amendments would be made. My main point was that as a town putting up $6 million in taxpayer money for infrastructure, we needed to make sure that there would be adequate revenues from the units. The mayor emphasized the need for a timeline as something he would like. I agree with that. I offered to give them any help they needed as they figured out what steps to take going forward and got a quizzical look from Commissioner Dougherty.
They discussed the bids relating to the Bettlewood sewer reconstruction project. Apparently there were several issues relating to whether or not the bids were properly prepared. In the end, the Solicitor recommended going with the lowest bidder, Underground Utilities of Linden, NJ for approximately $3.6 million which appears to be approximately $1 million under budget. The second bidder has raised certain objections to the low bid.
There are 2 appointments coming up next week. Bonnie Richards was recommending the general manager of the Cuthbert Manor as a landlord rep on the rent control board.
They stated that based upon the state funding and the current budgets, they may actually decrease the tax rate in the town by one-half of one cent. They however are still working on the budget.
Today was the deadline for the revaluation firms to submit bids. In the first RFP, none were received. The town got one bid. They will review it. The mayor suggested that they may want to consider going back out for additional bids.
They are looking at shared services opportunities with Audubon Park but did not elaborate.
The town will be applying for a JAG police grant of $17,592 from the federal stimulus bill.
The shade tree commission will also be applying for a grant.
Froggies Liquors submitted a request to allow them to expand Sunday hours because their competition is open longer.
Other than myself (I already stated what I asked about), George Purkins got up to thank the police and public works people stating that the yard looks better.
The meeting adjourned at 4:27
Also attending the meeting were the Inquirer reporter and Photographer. The commissioners “posed” for the paper. They are doing an article on the issues relating to towns with the 3 commissioner form of government this weekend.
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Twp of Haddon 