(R)09-74

RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE SUBMISSION OF THE APPLICATION FOR RECREATION FACILITY ENHANCEMENT FUNDING FOR THE CHESTNUT AVENUE PEDESTRIAN/BIKEWAY AMENITIES

            WHEREAS, the Application for Recreation Facility Enhancement Funding is funded through the Camden County Open Space, Farmland, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund, which provides funds for towns within the County for Open Space Acquisition, Farmland Preservation, Enhancement of Existing Recreation Fields and Historic Preservation; and

            WHEREAS, the Borough of Merchantville desires to seek funds from the Camden County Open Space, Farmland, recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund for Improvements to the Chestnut Avenue Pedestrian/Bikeway; and

            WHEREAS, the Borough of Merchantville will be responsible for the maintenance of the Chestnut Avenue Pedestrian/Bikeway; and

            NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Governing Body of the Borough of Merchantville, County of Camden, State of New Jersey, that the application is hereby supported for the Recreation Facility Enhancement Funding under the Camden County Division of Open Space and Farmland Preservation for the Improvements to the Chestnut Avenue Pedestrian/Bikeway.

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT:

1.         any funding received as a result of this application will only be used for eligible costs for a project comprised of the improvements as stated in the application; and

2.         that if the application is approved and accepted by the Camden County Open Space, Farmland, recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund, the sponsor agrees to the agreement as stated in the application and provide the required long-term maintenance of the proposed improvements; and

3.         the Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized to execute and attest this resolution, application and agreement.

                                                By:__________________________________   ______________

                                                            Honorable Mayor Frank M. North                               Date

ATTEST:

_____________________________________    ______________

Ms. Denise Brouse, Borough Clerk                              Date

It is hereby certified that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of a resolution duly adopted by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Merchantville at a meeting held on the 11^th day of May, 2009.

_____________________________________    ______________

Ms. Denise Brouse, Borough Clerk                              Date

A public hearing was held on Monday, February 24, 2009 at 6:30 pm at the Borough of Merchantville Municipal Building and was duly advertised in the local newspaper. The project was discussed, in depth, and included maps, photographs and conceptual sketches. In attendance were twenty residents, all of which supported the project. Many comments included expression of thanks to the Governing Body for their efforts in the rehabilitation of the recreation complex. Several in attendance also pledged their support for the volunteer effort for the construction of the proposed field house.

In addition, we have submitted letters to the following individuals, and have requested their support of this project. Our office will forward letters of support as they are obtained.

Freeholder Director Jeffrey L. Nash

Freeholder Deputy Director Edward McDonnell

Freeholder Joseph Ripa

Freeholder Rodney A. Greco

Freeholder Riletta L. Cream

Freeholder Carmen Rodriquez

Freeholder Louis Cappelli, Jr.

Assemblyman Herb Conaway, Jr.

Assemblyman Jack Conners

Congressman Robert E. Andrews

Congressman John Adler

Senator Diane B. Allen

Senator Frank Lautenberg

Senator Robert Menendez