News
Knollwood Kids Get A Front Row Seat On FH Council Meeting
By Ryan Fennell
FAIR HAVEN - Earlier this year a recommendation was made by then Council Candidate and current Councilman-elect Robert Marchese to hold an open council meeting at the Knollwood Middle School so the students could learn about how local government is conducted and voice concerns they might have within the borough.
This past Monday at 1 p.m., Marchese's initiative was carried out in the library at Knollwood Middle School where approximately 25 students between 6th through 8th grades were in attendance along with several other members of the community.
As the meeting progressed Mayor Michael Halfacre explained the processes and procedures during a council meeting including the difference between a resolution and an ordinance.
In addition, each councilmember, as well as the borough attorney and borough administrator, explained each of their roles within the council in particular the roles each councilmember plays on various committees and as liaisons to the planning and zoning boards.
The agenda for the meeting included a presentation from Verizon for $1,000 for carrying out and completing the newly constructed Rain Garden between Borough Hall and the adjacent business park.
Ed Pitts, chairman of the Environmental Commission, explained to the audience the purpose and function of a rain garden.
"The rain garden is supposed to do three things. The first is to slow the water down so that the water doesn't immediately go into the streams," Pitts said. "The second thing the rain garden is supposed to do is clean the water if it's contaminated. And if it is (contaminated) if it's running off a paved surface."
Pitts said the rain garden is designed to clean the water of things like oil residue, asbestos, and pollution from vehicles.
"The third thing it does is recharge the ground water," said Pitts. "That means to let the water gradually infiltrate into the ground without immediately funning off into the streams."
Pitts said that a sign would be installed detailing the function of the rain garden in the coming spring months.
Borough Engineer Rich Gardella spoke to how the borough decided on its location for a rain garden and emphasized how officials wanted to put it in a location that would be both educational and where it would work to it's best ability.
"Fair Haven should be very proud," said John Szeliga, a representative from Verizon. "This is exactly what we were hoping for when we instituted the program two years ago. Fair Haven was the first grant we issued and it's not easy to do this. It takes a lot of thought to put it in an appropriate place. We're very proud of where you put it. We really wanted these to be demonstration gardens. Where we live much of it is built out. These small gardens can make a big difference."
During the public comment portion of the meeting several students did not hesitate to ask questions of the council as well as offer suggestions.
Much of the concern among the students was bicycle safety and rules of the road when riding a bike on a major roadway.
Council President Jonathan Peters noted that River Road, the subject of bicycle riding concern, is a county road and it was designed with motor vehicles in mind. Peters said that he would like to see a more pedestrian and bicycle friendly roadway installed but that the process has been ongoing to do so.
Other students presented concerns over leaf and brush pickup that is a year round topic for the borough.
After the meeting Marchese called the initiative "a start."
"The students were involved throughout the meeting. You saw a tremendous response from students with numerous questions, important questions, and topical questions. It was great," Marchese said. "I think there is room for more of it in terms of involvement with the council and also with other committees in town."
"I think they got a flavor of the whole process," Halfacre said. "They got an idea of the council and got an idea on how government is run."
Halfacre said he would like to see a meeting held in this fashion in the future and possibly make it a yearly thing.
