In Mayor's Message, Keffer Highlights Efforts in Business and the Environment

In his monthly address to Springfield residents, Mayor Hugh Keffer highlighted the governing body's efforts with creating a Special Improvement District and the work of the Environmental Commission. Keffer also detailed the work of new Committee members David Amlen and Richard Huber. 

The full message is below. 

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The Township Committee has been working at a hectic pace so far this year and I’m happy to be able to update you on our progress and thoughts. Along with you, I wondered if we would ever see our grass again. Now in March after a few days of temperatures in the 50s the blizzard seems a vague memory.

With hopefully all the snow behind us for the season, Department of Public Works Manager, Ken Homlish reports that Springfield received over 60 inches of snow and ice between December 26 and February 8. The township committee would like to thank all the DPW employees who worked around the clock to keep our streets clear.

At the Township Committee, our newest members, Richard Huber and David Amlen received their subcommittee assignments. Mr. Amlen serves as the deputy mayor and chairs the finance committee. David has a strong finance background and has been working hard to deliver a budget that is in the best interests of all our residents. Mr. Huber is bringing his long history of sports and recreation involvement to the position of Chairman of the recreation committee as well as his professional construction experience to the Planning Board. 

Improving commerce in Springfield is a major concern of the Township Committee. To that end, we recently met with the Steering Committee of the Springfield Improvement District and received a recommendation to expand their area of responsibility to include all business districts in town.  The group intends to develop marketing strategies for each district. Project costs will be covered through assessments on business owners and their landlords much in the same way that shopping malls operate. The goal is to foster better business and shopping environments.  

With spring around the corner, Denise DeVone, chairperson of the Environmental Commission presented plans to expand community gardens. She proposed adding six garden plots across the street from town hall near the new clock donated by the Chamber of Commerce as well as plans for garden plots behind Sarah Bailey. These gardens have attracted much attention, and being without a green thumb, I’ve envied those who can coax more than dandelions out of a small plot.

The township is always looking for volunteers to help keep our community clean and green. If you are interested, email me at Hugh.Keffer@Springfield-nj.us.

Finally, there are many projects moving forward in the coming months. One of the larger projects is the turf field. The Township and the Board of Education are working together on this initiative planned for in front of the High School. We have submitted a proposal to the State for approval and expect a response in the next few weeks. Township Committee meetings are held each Tuesday evening at 7:30 in Town Hall. We are also planning additional special meetings to present the new budget to you in the next few weeks. More details on that will follow.

I sincerely encourage you to come out, hear what’s going on and give us your opinions. Township Digest 

The following are a few highlights from the last several Township Committee meetings: 

Meeting of Feb 8:

• Certificates of appreciation were awarded to members of the DPW and Recreation Dept
• Presentation by Beth Lipman of the Springfield Improvement District (SID). The steering committee consisting of property owners, business owners and members of the community have met several times and compiled a strategic plan. Areas to be covered are Morris Ave, Mountain Ave and Rte 22. Considerations include cohesive facades, streetscaping, maintenance, a branding and marketing plan and a parking study. Positive comments were made by several residents and business owners.
• Presentation by Denise DeVone, Chair of the Environmental Commission on the Community Gardens success and possible expansion.

Engineering

• Mr. Mardini from the Engineering Department reported on the Green Team and consideration about folding it into the  Environmental Commission.  Town resident, Betzy Blondet assumed the position of Chairperson of this group.
• Mr. Mardini is also working on installing equipment needed to broadcast Township Committee meetings live through Comcast and Verizon.

Public Works

• Public Works: Mr. Homlish reported a total of over 60" of snow over the last 1-1/2 months. He is hoping for a FEMA reimbursement of $51,000 for costs.

Recreation

• Mr. Tennaro reported a $50,000 grant for park improvements and to make the Pool ADA compliant.
• An ordinance was read revising the Pool Camp hours to 8AM to 4PM.

Meeting of Feb 15: 

There was discussion involving several resolutions covering the assignments of Springfield police members to the offices of the County Prosecutor, the appointment of an alternate jitney driver (approved) and temporary appropriations. Mayor Keffer appointed an ad hoc committee consisting of himself and Mr. Fernandez to meet with the Board of Education regarding the turf field. 

Meeting of March 1: 

Mayor Keffer issued a Proclamation thanking the Red Cross for their aid to the victims of last month's fire on So. Springfield Ave. Barbara Flynn of the Red Cross expressed appreciation for the recognition and spoke on the work of the organization. Public Safety

• Parking issues on Morris and Battle Hill avenues were discussed and several options were mentioned. Discussion to be continued pending further study.

Engineering

• A resolution was passed awarding a contract for the bank stabilization of the Joanne Way Drainage Ditch Project.