Dear Haddonfield Resident,

■ FIRST NIGHT
Despite the cold and the rain, thousands of residents and out-of-town visitors headed to downtown Haddonfield on New Year’s Eve to enjoy a wide variety of performances at more than a dozen locations.

The Commissioners thank the Cultural Events Commission and the sponsors, community organizations, schools, churches and other venues, Police Department, Fire Department, Information Center, button sales outlets, and especially the many volunteers who helped make this event possible.

Planning next year’s event has already begun. Residents who wish to get involved should contact Linda Tuno at 856-428-8040 or lindat1@hotmail.com.

■ PET LICENSES
State law requires the owners of dogs and cats to obtain licenses for them annually. The application form for 2010 may be downloaded from the Borough’s Web site. Copies are available at the Borough Hall (Room 101), the Public Library, Information Center, and Mabel Kay Senior Center.

Fees for neutered/spayed pets have increased by $5 to $17 for dogs and by $4 to $13 for cats. Fees for non-neutered/spayed pets have increased by $5 to $20 for dogs and by $4 to $16 for cats. Fees cover the cost of administering the program.

■ APPOINTMENTS
After serving for five years as chair of the Partnership for Haddonfield, the management corporation for the business district, Rob Kugler decided to retire from the board. To replace him, effective January 1, the Commissioners appointed Susan Hodges, an attorney with Archer & Greiner.

The Commissioners thank Rob Kugler for his service to the Partnership, the business district, and the community.

■ HONORING M L KING JR ... AND OTHERS
The Human Relations Commission will hold its annual Martin Luther King Jr Community Conversation on Monday, January 18. Weather permitting, the event will begin with opening remarks on the steps of the Borough Hall. A march to the new Greater Mt. Pisgah Church on Ellis Street will follow, with the program there beginning at 7:30pm. The Middle School and High School winners of poetry and essay contests will read their works, and various local groups and individuals will be recognized for their efforts to build a stronger community, foster social justice, fight intolerance, and/or help people marginalized by economic, social, or racial status.

■ MAYOR’S BREAKFAST
The annual Mayor’s Breakfast, hosted by the Lions Club at the Presbyterian Church, will be held on Saturday, January 23, starting at 9am. All members of the community are welcome to attend. Reservations are not required. The event includes the naming of the Citizen of the Year for 2010.

■ HOLIDAY HOURS
Borough offices will be closed on Monday, January 18 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr Day. Monday’s trash and recycling collection will be postponed to Tuesday.

The Public Library and the Information Center will be open. Emergency police, fire, ambulance services will be provided around the clock, as will emergency water and sewer service.

■ NEW CHIPPING SCHEDULE
Effective January 18, the Public Works Department will institute a new schedule for the chipping of small tree limbs, branches, and brush.

During the first FULL week of each month, crews will chip vegetative materials on trash/recycling day. (Monday is regarded as the first day, not Sunday.)

For the rest of the month, crews will chip each Friday based on requests received by phone – 856-429-0183 x 0 – Monday through Thursday.

Here is an example of the schedule, for February 2010:
• Since the month begins on a Monday, chipping will take place each trash/recycling day during the first week: Monday 1 through Friday 5.
• To schedule chipping on Friday, February 12, call on Monday 8 through Thursday 11.
• To schedule chipping on Friday, February 19, call on Tuesday 16 through Thursday 18. (Monday 15 is a public holiday, so do not call.)
• To schedule chipping on Friday, February 26, call on Monday 22 through Thursday 25.

■ CHRISTMAS TREES
Christmas trees that are put out after Friday, January 15 will be chipped according to the new schedule (see above). In other words, Christmas trees will be chipped on Fridays after January 15 based on calls received Monday through Thursday.

To ensure the efficiency of the operation and the safety of the crews, please remove all ornaments, tinsel, nails, and tree stands, and do not place your tree in a plastic bag.

■ REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
The Commissioners have authorized the advertising of a request for proposals for a Labor Attorney. Proposals are due at 3pm on Friday, January 29.

■ SALARY INCREASE FREEZE
Last year, the Commissioners amended the Borough’s personnel policy to freeze all managerial longevity increases for 2009 at the 2008 rate. In recognition of the continued depressed state of the economy, the Commissioner have authorized an extension of that freeze, through March 31, 2010.

We hope this information is helpful to you.

Sincerely,
Deanna Bennett, Borough Clerk