At its most recent meeting, Haddonfield’s board of commissioners presented Borough Solicitor Mario Iavicoli with a proclamation honoring his nearly four decades of commitment in the role, as five current or former mayors under which he has served looked on.
In addition to current municipal head Neal Rochford, who presided over the proclamation’s reading, Tish Colombi (2001-13), Gene Kain (1997-01), Jack Tarditi (1981-97) and Jeff Kasko (2013-17) lent their support and voiced their praise for Iavicoli, who has worked in the legal profession since the mid-1970s.
Iavicoli began serving as Haddonfield solicitor on Sept. 23, 1980, under then-mayor Theodore van den Beemt.
“Whereas, Mr. Iavicoli has devoted a significant amount of time, talent, and energy during these past 40 years providing the Commissioners and its employees with legal advice concerning a multitude of topics that involve the Borough and
“Whereas the Mayor, Commissioners and staff at Borough Hall would like to thank Mario for his 40 years of dedicated service as Haddonfield Borough Solicitor. He always kept the community’s best interest at heart while guiding Commissioners and staff. Mr. Iavicoli was unmatched in his expertise representing the Borough in court. His hard work and committed attitude has been a part of this community,” read the pronouncement.
In his honor, Sept. 24 was officially declared “Mario Iavicoli Day” in the borough.
Commissioners also unanimously approved the appointment of Melissa Wheatcroft to become the new chairperson for the Haddonfield Municipal Alliance. Wheatcroft has already logged more than a month on the job, having taken over for previous chairperson Judy Greenberg, who retired in late summer.
“Folks talked about Melissa stepping up, but she’s been on for several years, she’s someone who I know, a fellow parent and smart lawyer and involved person who I know is dedicated to the mission of the Municipal Alliance,” Kasko stated.
“She’s already taken the reins, setting up meetings and agendas and working to move forward. I think the Municipal Alliance works well with stakeholders and other people in town, including the police department, the borough government, the schools, the school board and the PTA.”
In other news:
- Commissioners voted unanimously to reject the lone bid submitted for the Kings Court and Haddonfield Public Library’s electrical improvement projects. The bid, from Think Pavers Hardscaping of Mount Royal, came in at just under $84,000 and was deemed to be over the budgeted cost of the undertaking. Therefore, a further submission of sealed bids for the work is expected to take place on Oct. 8, at 10:30 a.m. in Borough Hall.
- Commissioners also voted as a whole to renew the borough’s membership in the Camden County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund. By electing to remain with the fund, Haddonfield cuts its health-insurance premiums by 9 percent.
