At the last commissioners meeting of the year, Haddonfield commissioners recognized Robert “Bob” Bergbauer with a certificate of appreciation for his seven years on the borough’s environmental commission.
Bergbauer decided to step down at the end of the year so he can further commit to his role as chairman of the board for the Olympic USA Bobsled and Skeleton teams as they prepare for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Bergbauer began his stint on the commission in 2016 and became chair two years later. He is a retired energy economist and wanted to get involved in community volunteering. With the commission, he focused on helping the borough more effectively use green space, expanding the trail at Cooper River Park and undertaking the rigorous process to meet Sustainable Jersey’s certification goals for silver-level recertification.
One of the highlights of service to Bergbauer was the pedestrian audit, where the environmental commission looked at how pedestrian friendly the town was and what it could do to encourage the use of cars, walking and bicycle commuting.
During the commissioners’ meeting, member Frank Troy also recapped some of the things the commission accomplished, including “recruiting great members,” raising the bar for members and conducting outreach to engage students. Troy also lauded the work Bergbauer did in conjunction with Earth Day and Earth Week.
“Your dedication as a volunteer has been exemplary,” Troy told him. “I would really like to thank Bob; he has taught me a lot about the environment.”
Commissioners also proclaimed January School Board Recognition Month. And during department head reports, Fire Chief Pat Gorman announced an uptick in people calling the fire department directly in emergencies. He encouraged them to call 911 in case of emergency and not directly call the mayor, police or the fire department.
“Don’t call our station unless you have a non-emergency issue,” Gorman advised.
Department heads also announced the rollout of the Senior Parking Permit, which allows Haddonfield residents over 60 to pay $20 for an annual parking permit in town without having to use the kiosk or app.
Commissioners also approved two ordinances on second reading, one that allows Virtua-West Jersey Health System to use the borough fire station to hold its Mobile Intensive Care Unit Vehicle, and the other clarifying guidelines for lead-based paint hazard inspections of rental properties.
Commissioners also approved the calendars for 2024 meetings and made various appointments, including the reappointment of Scott McElhone to chairperson of the Shade Tree Commission, along with Allison Pescatore Tenny, and Jennifer Sheran to the Human Relations Commission.
The next commissioners’ work session will be on Monday, Jan. 8, at 6:30 p.m.
