Haddonfield is looking to take a step to be more sustainable in its Borough Code by adding a chapter on no smoking.
At last week’s meeting, borough commissioners passed an ordinance on first reading amending the Borough Code, adding a chapter entitled “Smoking Prohibited.” The chapter outlines definitions, where smoking is prohibited and associated fines.
“It is in conformance with state statutes, and it really is a continuation of an accepted practice, which is not smoking on public property, parks fields and playgrounds,” Mayor Jeff Kasko said.
“It is common sense not to be smoking in our recreational facilities and fields. It sends a bad message to our kids, and we’re trying to promote healthier decisions,” Commissioner Neal Rochford said.
According to the ordinance, smoking means “the burning of, inhaling from, exhaling the smoke from, or the possession of a lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe or any other matter or substance, which contains tobacco or any other matter than can be smoked; or the inhaling or exhaling of smoke or vapor from an electronic smoking device.”
Smoking will be prohibited in all Haddonfield municipal buildings; within a 25-foot radius of the front entrance of all municipal buildings; in all public parks and recreation facilities owned or leased by Haddonfield and all property owned or leased by Haddonfield the public is allowed in; and in any motor vehicle registered to the borough.
No-smoking signs will be posted where smoking is prohibited. The signs will be clearly visible to the public.
Anyone who violates the code will be subject to a fine not to exceed $200.
Adding this chapter to the Borough Code will also count toward the Sustainable Haddonfield designation and certification. Sustainable Haddonfield is part of Sustainable Jersey, which is a nonprofit organization that provides tools, training and financial incentives to support communities as they pursue sustainability programs. In the past, Haddonfield has received both a bronze and a silver level certification.
The second reading and public hearing of the ordinance will be at the next meeting on March 22 in Borough Hall at 7:30 p.m.
In other news:
• Daniel (Scott) Leverick of the Haddonfield Police Department was promoted to acting sergeant and a new fulltime probationary police officer, Jacob Sorg, was sworn in.
• In response to a question about the library, the commissioners hope to have the library reopened by the end of May.
