Boards and Committees

The Mayor led 5 major Board/Committee efforts while in office that served to provide efficiencies and focus for the Borough, and to better serve the needs of the residents. These efforts include the following:

Merged together the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustments: It was determined that where the population is 10,000 or less, that 90% (17 out of 19) of the thirty-seven towns in the County of Camden have combined their Planning Board & Zoning Board of Adjustment, and that combined boards will provide efficiencies including one meeting per month versus two, a reduction in errors, and a venue to hear all zoning and site issues. We determined that the assumption of the Zoning Board of Adjustment’s powers by the Planning Board would permit a more effective process, economic savings and increased resident satisfaction. This action can only be reversed by referendum.

Created the Green Initiatives Committee: The Governing Body was interested in reducing the carbon footprint, reducing energy expenses, reducing community waste, becoming more efficient in our use of energy and encouraging the use of public transportation among other energy saving efforts. We were also interested in monitoring and managing environmental projects. Focused on the Sustainable NJ Green framework.

Created the Community Wellbeing Committee: This committee was established because 22% of our Borough property owners know of someone who is in medical, financial or emotional need in Haddon Heights, 56% of our Borough property owners feel the Borough should do more in helping those in need, 48% of our Borough property owners are aware of programs that can help those in need, and it is the Mayor’s statutory duty to ensure the welfare of the Borough. Uses the faith-based community framework.

Created the Citizen’s Advisory Committee: This committee was created to provide additional insight and experience to the Mayor. The goals of the committee are to provide advice to the Mayor on various topics concerning health, welfare and human safety for the residents and businesses of Haddon Heights, and research and provide feedback on specific issues as assigned by the Mayor. Assists in hearing the voice of the customer/resident.

Created the Capital Projects Committee: The committee was created since there was no proactive oversight of project identification, project management and long-term strategic capital planning. The committee has responsibility for Reviewing proposed, prior and current capital project funding requests, prioritizing capital projects in terms of need, funding and benefit, cost justifying capital project requests and the benefits they provide, investigating into other options for a solution, approve projects with and without conditions, rescind Approvals if projects are not meeting desired outcomes or if they have changed in priority, monitor capital project status for delivery and budget, and provide recommendation to Council for Capital Budget approval.