Harold Bentley

The agenda for the Board of Commissioners meeting included several key items. Proclamations were scheduled for Haddonfield Japan Exchange Month (July 2024), the 100th Anniversary of J. Fithian Tatem Elementary School, and Juneteenth Day. Departmental reports for Public Affairs & Public Safety, Revenue & Finance, and Public Works were scheduled for review. A major focus was the 2024 Borough Budget, involving authorization to read it by title only and holding a public hearing leading to its adoption. New ordinances considered included amending the Redevelopment Plan for Boxwood Hall (2nd reading), creating a new chapter for privately owned salt storage (2nd reading), and introducing a salary ordinance for non-union employees (1st reading). The consent agenda covered authorizations for paying vouchers, granting veteran tax exemptions, establishing dedicated trusts for Shade Tree and Affordable Housing, approving fireworks/parade authorizations, general event permits, and awarding a bid for crosswalk installation. Other resolutions involved a Shared Services Agreement with Camden County for street sweeping and advertising for sealed bids related to the Haddonfield Police Building Project and subsequent NJ Department of Transportation Trust Fund Improvements for various avenues.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. Key discussions included postponing a certificate of appreciation for an absent member until the December meeting and recognizing three individuals for 50 years of dedicated service to the Hadenfield Fire Department. The Board also publicly thanked the fire department and neighboring emergency services for their swift response to a significant fire incident at Hadenfield Commons, noting a response time under two minutes. The session proceeded with the approval of minutes from several prior meetings and work sessions. Three ordinances were introduced on their first reading: Ordinance 2025-13 regarding regulations for direct deposit payments for bureau employees; Ordinance 2025-14 establishing Chapter 58 for third-party payroll services; and Ordinance 2025-15, a $230,000 bond ordinance earmarked for capital improvements including feasibility studies for the historic firehouse, police department equipment (radios), and a stake body dump truck for public works. The Board then approved a consent agenda which included budget transfers, payment authorizations, tax exemptions for specified properties, authorization for purchase order policies, appointment of an environmental commission member to the planning board, adoption of procurement card policies, and ratification of a collective bargaining agreement with the Firefighters Local 3249 EMTs. Public comment addressed the fire incident and community support efforts. The Board also approved various general event permits, including dates for the lighting of a Christmas tree and a Menorah.

The meeting agenda for the Board of Commissioners includes a call to order, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a roll call. Key activities listed are the swearing-in of Police Officer Nicholas Bazis and authorization for the appointment of Auxiliary Police Officers via Resolution 2026-01-26-001. Proclamations include recognizing Black History Month (February 2026) and Board of Education Appreciation Month (January 2026). The agenda features a first reading of Ordinance 2026-01 regarding amendments to Chapter 232 (Vehicles & Traffic). The Consent Agenda covers multiple resolutions, including authorizations for temporary budget setup, use of state contracts, setting interest rates for non-payment of taxes, adoption of Borough policies, designation of official newspapers, payment of vouchers, closing of Haddon Avenue for a parade, and closing of Kings Highway for a Music Festival and a Mayor's Health & Wellness Event.

The Commissioners Worksession addressed several agenda items including a public comment period. Key discussions involved authorizing an appointment to the auxiliary police force to facilitate immediate service availability for upcoming events. Several shared service agreements were reviewed, specifically regarding Tatis Stafford, which required finalizing the cost formula for merging into a single document. Another shared service agreement concerned the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) services, involving an amendment to account for increased responsibilities and time commitment. The agreement with the library regarding payroll services was also discussed, noting the change in revenue structure from the library's tax allocation. Furthermore, the renewal of the shared service agreement with Maple Shade for construction code officials and inspectors was reviewed, including a proposed annual increase. Finally, the session covered the shared service agreement with the county concerning unhoused individuals, discussing resource allocation, the use of technology like iPads for real-time consultation, and constraints on enacting new related ordinances while under the agreement.

The meeting commenced with roll call and the approval of previous minutes from August 25th, December 8th (work session and close session) of 2025. A certificate of appreciation was presented to the longtime chair of the Shady Tree Commission, Scott Melon, for his service, including his involvement in the STAR program and the tree rapid execution event for dead and dying trees. The board proclaimed January 2025 as Muslim Heritage Month, accepting the proclamation on behalf of Muslims of Hatfield. Several ordinances were addressed on second reading and adoption, including regulations for direct deposit for employees, creation of third-party payroll chapter, and a bond ordinance for capital improvements. The consent agenda included authorizations for budget transfers, voucher payments, adjusting the public bidding threshold, approving various appointments, authorizing tax appeal filings, approving the 2026 meeting schedule, and signing shared service agreements, notably one related to supporting unhoused residents and another concerning the fourth round mediation agreement with the Fair Share Housing Center. During public comment, a representative from Hatfield Commons condo association expressed gratitude to the fire and police departments for their response to a fire on November 20th and acknowledged the ongoing sinkhole dispute between Tam County, Hatfield, and Pat, urging resolution for community safety.