Michael DePalma

This Master Plan Reexamination Report for the Borough of Somerdale evaluates the existing Master Plan and development regulations, highlighting the need to update an outdated plan to address current needs and best planning practices. The report focuses on key areas including commercial and industrial development, circulation improvements, environmental preservation and sustainability, recreation and community development, land use and housing diversity, hazard and resiliency planning, green building, smart growth, transit-oriented development, and economic revitalization. The objective is to guide land use decisions towards a more sustainable, resilient, and economically vibrant community.

The meeting included a finance report, updates on sewer and public works projects, and a police report detailing changes regarding barricaded suspects and policy updates for crossing guards. There was a discussion regarding Verizon's local business tax and a settlement offer. Economic development updates were provided, including progress on the National Realty redevelopment agreement. The council discussed several ordinances, including amendments to fees, bond ordinances, budget appropriation limits, fire prevention, and the financial agreement with National Retail Urban Renewal LLC. Resolutions were addressed, including the payment of bills, appointment of a temporary police officer, preparation for cell tower leasing bids, amendments to shared service agreements, a liquor license transfer, extending a law enforcement service agreement, prohibiting left-hand turns from a specific location, a closed session meeting, and advertising for banking services. The council also discussed canceling a future meeting due to a conference and a proposal to rent the community center.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. The council approved business licenses, fire department membership, and introduced an ordinance amending the borough's code regarding fees. A public hearing was held and an ordinance authorizing a bond for capital improvements and equipment acquisitions was adopted. Resolutions were approved, covering pre-payment and payment of bills, special revenue appropriations for the municipal budget, compliance with audit requirements, support for a grant application for municipal consolidation, and grant applications for improvements to Cypress and Gloucester Avenues, as well as W. Preston Avenue. Renewals for Plenary Retail Distribution and Retail Consumption Liquor Licenses were also approved, along with improvements to Oak Drive. The council discussed the vacation of Lakewood Avenue, the tax assessor's request to work remotely, a request to hold an Alex's Lemonade Stand, and a shared service agreement with Hi-Nella for police services, ultimately voting to extend the agreement.

The meeting included the introduction of several ordinances, such as amending the code regarding fees, amending a bond ordinance, exceeding municipal budget appropriation limits, amending the code concerning fire prevention, and amending the financial agreement with National Retail Urban Renewal LLC. The council also discussed resolutions for payment of bills, appointing a temporary police officer, preparing bids for leasing a cell tower, amending a shared service agreement for municipal court services, authorizing a liquor license transfer, extending a shared service agreement for law enforcement services, prohibiting left-hand turns from a specific location, providing for a closed meeting, advertising for banking services proposals, and amending the redevelopment agreement with National Retail Urban Renewal LLC. Additionally, there were mentions of first responders being honored and a local Eagle Scout project.

The meeting included discussions on various reports, business licenses, and an ordinance amending Chapter 117 concerning animals. Resolutions were passed regarding payment of bills, refund of escrow, community development block grant funding, tax cancellations for disabled veterans, renewal of an indemnity and trust agreement, recognition of the fire department for training eligibility, appointment of crossing guards, a safety management program, and cancellation of unexpended balances from the 2024 budget. A citizen raised a complaint about a pawn shop and stolen items, which was referred to the police department. The council also thanked Public Works for their snow removal efforts.