The Haddonfield Board of Commissioners’ Jan. 23 meeting kicked off with recognition of those who contributed to the borough’s We Value Our Veterans Award in November,
The state award was credited to a proposal by Haddonfield Memorial High School senior Kelsie Meeker to have military tribute banners hung on Kings Highway throughout November as part of Veterans Appreciation Month.
“What made the celebration about it extremely special was the fact that we had these banners in town,” said borough Commissioner Frank Troy. “I think if not for the banners, it’d be the tree that falls in the forest. It’d be this great accreditation we earned together working on it, but no one would have known about it.”
Following the award presentation, borough commissioners also held two swearing-in ceremonies for police auxiliary members and promoted the following police officers: Lt. Daniel Leverick, sergeants Jose Ortiz and James Ervin, and corporals Kristin O’Neill and Kathleen Logel.
“I just want to say this is an incredible group of officers that I feel proud to serve and stand side by side with,” said Mayor Colleen Bianco Bezich. “All of them have impressed me in my short time as director of public safety.
“I know they’re going to go on to do great things in this community …” she added. “And really, they serve all of you every single day, keeping you safe, whether it’s medical emergencies, lost pets, vehicle stops and those situations that none of us want to come face to face with to protect and serve.”
Police Chief Jason Cutler acknowledged that the swearing-in ceremonies were in person for the first time in three years after a COVID pause, and highlighted department members who had been hired or promoted during the pandemic.
“We have such an amazing group of men and women,” he remarked. “We are truly blessed to have you.”
Cutler also reminded residents during his report to lock their cars and not leave them unattended and running with the keys inside to prevent car theft.
During the meeting’s public comment, residents inquired about a bid for the Bank of America building on Walnut Street, as announced at the commissioners’ Jan. 10 special meeting. There have yet to be updates. The commissioners also approved an RFP for the rehabilitation of Boxwood Hall.
“That area was declared in need of rehabilitation, so that process was public,” said the mayor. “It took place, there were a lot of meetings about it. No one since has provided the borough a proposal that had come to fruition …
“We, as commissioners, have now said, ‘We would like something to happen, we would like to move forward,’” Bianco Bezich added. “So we’re advertising to accept proposals from anyone who would like to rehabilitate that property. But there’s no plan.”
RFPs for Boxwood Hall should be submitted on or before March 23 at 3 p.m.
“(Those interested) would have to comply with what’s already been done by prior commissioners or ask for them to change for that,” Bianco Bezich noted.
In other news:
- The commissioners approved the release of a previously accepted performance bond for a roof replacement at the Department of Public Works building. The amount is $166,173.
- Girl Scouts received approval to sell cookies in Kings Court on Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. from now through March 25.
- The Haddonfield Outdoor Sculpture Trust got approval to host its annual Vows and Vow Renewals at the Heart in Kings Court on Valentine’s Day, from 5 to 8 p.m.
- Three new Special Law Enforcement Officer Class 1 positions went to Amanda Flaa, Steve Luecke and Maureen Preston.
Those interested in getting involved with any veteran programs this year can contact Bernadette Green at [email protected].
A board of commissioners work session will take place on Monday, Feb. 13, at 6:30 p.m.
