BOROUGH OF SCHWENKSVILLE, PA
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 20, 1997
The meeting was called to order by President, E. M. (Sue) Kuhn at 7:30 p.m.
The secretary called the roll. Present were: E. M. (Sue) Kuhn, Joseph Giunta and Joan Giunta.
Absent were: Bernard McCollum, Chris Kraft, and Mayor, William Clossin.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: By the assembly.
MOTIONED BY JOSEPH GIUNTA, SECONDED BY JOAN GIUNTA IT WAS VOTED TO DISPENSE WITH THE READING OF THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 13, 1997. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
MOTIONED BY JOSEPH GIUNTA, SECONDED BY JOAN GIUNTA IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 13, 1997 AS PRESENTED. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Sue had some questions on the Carroll Engineering invoice. Bill contains charges for "As built" drawings and final specs for Centennial St. as explained by Tom Snyder.
Budgeted figure was $l8,000., so far approximately $29,000. has been spent. But, the post office department will be giving to the borough $9,000. Tom mentioned that the 2nd year previously wasn't covered.
Traffic Signals (2) Bulbs needed to be replaced.
Joe mentioned that the Snow Removal this year has been great as far as hardly anything spent.
MOTIONED BY JOSEPH GIUNTA AND SECONDED BY JOAN GIUNTA IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE THE ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AS PRESENTED. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
TREASURER'S REPORT: MOTIONED BY JOAN GIUNTA AND SECONDED BY JOSEPH GIUNTA IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE THE TREASURER'S REPORT AS PRESENTED. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
POLICE REPORT: Presented by Chief, Frank J. Holden
l) Month of February: Local and State combined: 58
incidents.
2) Buzzards/Geese Problem seems to be getting better or at least its under control.
3) Mobile Data Terminal System has been installed in the car. Frank will be receiving training on it soon.
4) Little League Parade: April 26th. A resolution will be needed so the fire police may assist.
MOTIONED BY JOSEPH GIUNTA AND SECONDED BY JOAN GIUNTA IT WAS VOTED TO DECLARE APRIL 26TH LITTLE LEAGUE PARADE A COMMUNITY EVENT. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
SOLICITOR'S REPORT: Robert Brant
l) Skateboard Proposed Ordinance: Bob has researched out various ordinances that take place in other municipalities. The board could either go with the Complete Ban or Have regulations on certain streets and locations.
Bob has discussed this also with Tom Snyder and Chief Holden.
The borough could only regulate public places. Private places like the bank and post office would be the responsibility of private owners.
Permission was given to Mr. Brant to advertise for a complete ban on Skateboarding.
2) Bids for the renovations of Borough Hall.
Bob was somewhat concerned after reviewing a letter he saw directed to Representative Ray Bunt. Bob had discussed previously with Bernie McCollum, Property Chairman on the bidding process.
If the project is "lumped together" it would have to be bid as one project.
Joe mentioned that Gael had discussed the project with him. But Joe asked Gael to pass this on to Sue and Bernie for their input. Sue mentioned that she knew nothing of this project, only after the letter went out to Mr. Bunt. Sue was very upset with the approach and she felt that the entire board should have been advised of this endeavor. Council did not request this letter and any letters of this kind should either have the president or vice president signing them.
Bob did not want the letter to be misconstrued, since he did discuss the bidding process.
Joe said that he would take the blame for this letter. He said that Gael Hahn mentioned that she and Ray were talking and there might be funds available.
Tom Snyder recently spoke to Ray's office and they are doubtful that any funds could be gotten.
3) Cable Agreement: Agreement is up for renewal. Bob would like he and Tom Snyder to meet with Suburban Cable and see what they could offer the borough. Permission was granted.
4) Centennial Street bids: Phase II
Bids were opened on 2/28/97.
Bids received and amounts:
Floyd G. Hersh, Inc.: $l62,l50.00, PTR Paving: $227,290.00,
Paramount Enterprises: $l83,760.00, R.I.Sell Exc.$l83,823.95
E.Ventresca & Sons: $l93,23l.50, JMG Excav.: $2ll,963.45
Engineer, Tom Snyder, and Bob Brant have reviewed.
Bob would like to advertise for the award of this bid for the April l0, l997 meeting.
Low Bidder: Floyd G. Hersh, Inc.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
STREETS/ROADS: Bernie McCollum Absent No report
PROPERTY: " " "
FINANCE/PERSONNEL: Joseph Giunta
Gael Hahn and Joe will be meeting prior to the April meeting for budget review. Modifications might be needed.
Harleysville Insurance Company Recommendation:
Emergency Lighting: Lighting unit should be provided to the Borough Meeting Hall area to provide illumination in the event of any interruption of normal lighting.
Playground Safety Surface: Should be provided below the playground equipment at the Community Meadow Park. Referring to a manual issued by US Consumer Product Safety Commission. Safety surface could include a 6" layer of organic loose materials such as mulch or shredded hardwood bark.
Tom has some concerns on the Playground Safety Surface. He will address the issue with those concerned.
PARK BOARD: Tom Snyder
Youngsters will be playing "Tee Ball" with no backstops.
STREET LIGHTING: Chris Kraft No Report Absent
FIRE CO. LIAISON: Joan Giunta - No Report
POLICE COMMITTEE: Joseph Giunta- No Report
BOROUGH MANAGER: Thomas Snyder
l) Vermont Partners Complete Care facility: Work has started. They suggested to Tom that they would like to buy the North Elementary School and Athletic field and expand. This would require a zoning change from RI to RC.
Bob Brant explained how this would take place.
. Tom on his own visited VPCC other facility in Bensalem and found it to be a A-l facility, they seem like they are a very responsible group of people to work with.
Renovations are going on.
2) Jeff Clemens: Plans on getting the trees down at his property.
3) CPOC: Getting their act together. Tom has to make one more inspection.
CORRESPONDANCE: Nancy Eppley
l) Bernie McCollum plans on attending a Municipal Financial Conference on 3/25/97. Nancy has told Bernie that this is fine for him to attend but council must approve the expense at a scheduled meeting.
OLD BUSINESS: Nothing
NEW BUSINESS: Annual Conference & Exhibition in Philadelphia, June 22-24, l997 (PA State Assn. of Boroughs). Please contact Nancy if anyone wishes to attend.
Mayor's Report: Absent No Report
AUDIENCE: Bruce McBain
PSOA Parade - October ll, l997, beginning at 3 p.m. Very short in length. There will be entertainment for the crowd at the Firehouse. Chicken B-Que will be available. No plans for a national parade as yet. Details later. A resolution will be needed for this event.
NEXT BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING: April l0, l997 at 7:30 p.m.
MOTIONED BY JOSEPH GIUNTA AND SECONDED FOR JOAN GIUNTA IT WAS VOTED TO ADJOURN TONIGHT'S MEETING. ALL WERE IN FAVOR, MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy J. Eppley, Secretary
March 25, 1997