0:00Bross emphasized the need for the council to adopt the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism, which he described as a critical tool in identifying and combating acts of anti-Semitism. He highlighted statistics, noting that anti-Semitic incidents accounted for over 65% of religiously motivated hate crimes. Citing the Anti-Defamation League, Bross mentioned that there are ten reported anti-Semitic incidents daily. He shared local incidents, such as a high school student being barred from a club for wanting to represent Israel and a Jewish neighbor receiving a Nazi-referencing text message.

Bross informed the council that neighboring municipalities and counties had already adopted the IHRA definition and that New Jersey was likely to follow suit. The U.S. House of Representatives had passed the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act, further underscoring the necessity for local governance to adopt these metrics. He concluded by urging the council to adopt the resolution, asserting, “Jew hatred has no home in Haddon Heights or anywhere else in the state.” The council acknowledged the importance of the Jewish community within Haddon Heights and expressed appreciation for Bross’s insights.

18:19The meeting also covered the Kings Highway project, a county initiative that recently commenced. The project, which includes road pulverizing, was expedited to reduce the originally projected timeline of four weeks to three days. While residents were expected to experience some disturbance due to vibrations, completing the work swiftly was deemed preferable. The entire project is anticipated to last around a year, with benefits expected for the community.

In other notable decisions, the council held a public hearing for the final adoption of ordinance 2024 1554, which amends stormwater management regulations. The ordinance was adopted unanimously following a motion. Similarly, ordinance 2024 1555, concerning the adoption of a redevelopment plan for certain properties, was unanimously passed after a public hearing with no comments.

The council introduced ordinance 2024 1556, a bond ordinance authorizing capital improvements totaling approximately $1,068,700. The proposal includes issuing general obligation bonds, with a public hearing scheduled for October 15, 2024.

During the meeting, several resolutions were addressed, including reappointing Julie Uaz as the local register for a three-year term. Other resolutions included amending prior resolutions, refunding various fees, and setting Halloween curfew hours. A contract for deer carcass removal services was also authorized. Resolution 2024 191, related to canceling a receivable and appropriations balance in the grant fund, was tabled.

A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to discussing the maintenance of a local fountain, which has fallen into disrepair due to vandalism and operational issues. The fountain, historically a beloved community feature, is not functioning optimally. Challenges include pump blockages from leaf fall and a lack of clear ownership or maintenance responsibility. The land is owned by Conrail, complicating maintenance efforts. Suggestions included transforming the fountain into a planter or closing it during certain periods to ease maintenance burdens.