BOROUGH OF SCHWENKSVILLE, PA
COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 12, 1998
The Schwenksville Borough Council Meeting was called to order by President, Bernard McCollum.
Secretary, Nancy Eppley called the roll. Present were: Bernard McCollum, Joan Giunta, Jim Dull, Chris Kraft, and Mayor William Clossin. Absent was: E. M. (Sue) Kuhn.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: By the assembly.
Dispense with the reading of the February l2, l998 minutes: MOTIONED BY JOAN GIUNTA AND SECONDED BY JIM DULL IT WAS VOTED TO DISPENSE WITH THE READING OF THE FEBRUARY 12, 1998 MINUTES. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
Approval of the February l2, 1998 minutes: MOTIONED BY CHRIS KRAFT AND SECONDED BY JOAN GIUNTA IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 12, 1998 MINUTES AS PRESENTED. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: MOTIONED BY JOAN GIUNTA AND SECONDED BY CHRIS KRAFT IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE THE ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AS PRESENTED. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
TREASURER'S REPORT: Gael Hahn
Income and Expense Reports for Feb. Schedule of Cash balances. Report has been rearranged for clarity.
MOTIONED BY JOAN GIUNTA AND SECONDED BY CHRIS KRAFT IT WAS VOTED TO ACCEPT THE TREASURER'S REPORT AS PRESENTED. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
Water Cooler: Nancy will call for a refund.
POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT: Frank Holden
For the Month of March l998: Total of Incidents between local and state police: 69. Chief Holden's complete report is on file at the Borough Office.
l) Traffic Problem: 2nd Street between Church and Centennial Street.
Traffic congestion during the time when the Church Day School is starting and ending classes. Tom Snyder and Chief Holden working on problem. On 3/ll this problem was discussed with the Director of the school who has assisted by addressing a letter explaining the problem to members of the church.
Several solutions were discussed. Letter on file at Borough Office and passed out to council members.
2) Bus Shelter: Which would house 25-30 children from the developments of Highpoint and Spring Mount Summit Apartments. At the present, the children are either standing in the elements or on porches of residents.
Joan mentioned that in the past, non-profit organizations have generally funded, erected, and maintained these shelters.
Suggested that the associations involved check into this. The new proposed Jeff Clemens subdivision is located nearby which will in all probability have children living there.
The associations could contact some community groups for their input.
Tom was concerned with signs that display advertising.
Bob Brant suggested letters be sent to homeowners association and check out locating signs on properties and who would fund such as project.
3) TownWatch: Bob hasn't got anything on this. Will check with Joe Ciccittio and get what information he has on this. Joe was here last month for Bob.
4) Day School: Chris wants to make sure that everyone is copied on Frank's letter concerning the problem at the Day school.
Frank will handle.
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT: Nick Matregrano
No alarms in February.
Auction was a successful. Happy to see that various council members attended. Nick feels that it is good for the community to see council involved in the fire companies activities. A good time was had by all. Nick mentioned on-coming events for the balance of the year.
AMBULANCE REPORT: No one present.
SOLICITOR'S REPORT: Robert Brant
l) Slater/Toporowski Dispute: The two attorneys, Tom Snyder and those property owners involved met at the site. Found no zoning or subdivision problems. Tom Snyder will continue to monitor.
2) Resolution: Sewage Enforcement Plan Updating plan to the capacity of 300,000 gallons per day.
This would also reference the Clemens subdivision. Plan then conforms to zoning.
MOTIONED BY CHRIS KRAFT AND SECONDED BY JOAN GIUNTA IT WAS VOTED TO ADOPT THE SCHWENKSVILLE BOROUGH AUTHORITY'S OFFICIAL ACT 537 PLAN REVISION FOR RE-RATING AUTHORITY'S WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT FROM ITS CURRENT RATED CAPACITY OF 206,000 GALLONS PER DAY TO A CAPACITY OF 300,000 GALLONS PER DAY. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
3) Clemens Subdivision: Plan not ready tonight for preliminary approval. Needs some engineering action, Local Planning Commission had questions which need to be addressed. A meeting could be held between Tom Snyder, Ken Yerger, Bob Brant and Jeff Clemens, then a special meeting could be held. Some agreements need to be done (Homeowners' and McGill).
An issue that has been discussed for some time is the Escrow Account. Bob again explained how escrow accounts are established and run. When monies run low, a letter must be sent to the developer for replenishing the fund. If developer has a problem, the Borough Code has a procedure.
Bob mentioned that he could send a separate invoice to the borough concerning the charges for Mr. Clemens.
Bernie mentioned that Mr. Brant should send a report to Jeff Clemens before a meeting. Carroll Engn. the same.
Jim Dull questioned the size of the pipe draining the Clemens subdivision. Would like to see the drainage portion completely re-designed. Could cause a problem if children playing in the drainage area.
Bob Brant suggested talking to Ken Yerger about this. Tom Snyder mentioned that there are things to be straighten out and it will be.
Jim doesn't want to see a "Gully Washer" problem.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
STREETS/ROADS: Sue Kuhn - Absent tonight
Tom Snyder reported for Sue, also covered his report as Borough Manager.
l) Montgomery Avenue: Has secured releases from Benner. Will have quotes by our next meeting. Montgomery Avenue will be widened and wall will be moved away from the Coyle property.
2) 3rd Street: Street deeds width are different, Not as simple as first thought.
3) Drain at Silver property: First blow out, then put mole in. Fire Chief felt that might have to tie into a hydrant. Tom Slater's equipment will be needed. Probably l/2 day's time.
Cost approximately $500.00
MOTIONED BY JIM DULL AND SECONDED BY CHRIS KRAFT IT WAS VOTED TO AUTHORIZE THIS EXPENDITURE. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
4) Future Road Work: Tom suggested applying for 3 HUD grants.
a) 3rd Street Drainage and curbing: $50,000.00
b) Mine Hill Road: Storm sewers
c) Mt. View: Storm sewers and finishing up.
from Katona's property, tie into Penn Dot storm station at Highland and then to Boulevard at street level. Then straighten out Boulevard by way of deeds.
Tom needs authorization to apply for the 3 HUD projects. Engineering work needs to be done. Application fees needed.
Discussion on the cost of Boulevard. What are the borough's chances of getting these projects? This year small to zero. Estimated cost: 3rd Street: $50,000.00 (cost to borough would be approximately $l0,000.), Mine Hill Road: $ll8,000.00 and Mt. View: Tom gave no cost.
Highway Reserve Account: $37,000.00
MOTIONED BY CHRIS KRAFT AND SECONDED BY JIM DULL IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE $4,500.00 FOR THE PRELIMINARY SURVEY WORK. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
5) COG PROPOSAL: Tom would like to see matching monies. The School District has proposed $2,000., Skippack Township: $l,000., Perkiomen Township: -0-, and Tom is asking that the Borough contribute $l,000.
PennDot will not do anything until we are in the l2 year plan.
Chris is not questioning the need for work, but the money that is involved.
Mayor Clossin is concerned with the other municipalities.
MOTIONED BY CHRIS KRAFT AND SECONDED JOAN GIUNTA IT WAS VOTED TO SPEND $500.00 FOR THE PENNDOT STUDY. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
6) Today, some slate blew off the roof.
7) Bill Clossin Subdivision: Going to the Planning Commission next month.
5 acre plot, 9 building lots at lower end of 4th Street with cul-de-sac. Within engineering standards. 4th Street is an ordained street. Lower 2 lots get a little hilly, per Tom Snyder.
8) Little League Parade on May 2, l998
Resolution needed.
MOTIONED BY JIM DULL AND SECONDED BY JOAN GIUNTA IT WAS VOTED TO DECLARE MAY 2ND AS A PUBLIC EVENT FOR A PARADE. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
9) Nursing Home opening lst of April. Shop area will not be finished for another year. State gave approval. There are people inside working now sprucing it up.
l0) Signs ordered by the park. Park Committee working on final details.
ll) Tom working on Trash reports l02 tons recycled newspaper, 83 ton plastic. State and County following thru.
Jim Dull understands that another company has bought out Waste Management. That company's name will be "Waste Management".
l2) PECO and Bell almost finished with their pole work.
l3) Replacement Copier for old copier will be in next week.
PROPERTY: Sue Kuhn Absent tonight
Joan Giunta will report on Property and Finance (her division)
l) Request for an increase in Petty Cash (amount $l00.), this will help buy stamps as more are needed. Everyone in agreement.
2) Auditors almost done with the borough work.
Need to review Tax Collector's monies, also co-ordinate what county assessments and fees are compared to borough figures. Jo will coordinate with Gael. Nancy will call auditors to have them call Jo Gill and set up a time for auditing.
3) New Computer. Present computer about l0 years old. Price secured is $l,400. and with printer $l,800. plus $l00. delivery and would include a year's service. Would include Micro-Soft Windows '95, MS Office, Excel.
No credit for old computer.
Mayor Clossin would like the opportunity to look further into this, feels that perhaps he could get it cheaper. In about a day or two he could have some prices. Joan would like to have this in place by the end of the lst quarter.
MOTIONED BY CHRIS KRAFT AND SECONDED BY JIM DULL IT WAS VOTED TO SPEND UP TO $2,000.00 FOR A NEW COMPUTER WITH PRINTER, DELIVERY AND CONTRACT. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
Treasurer, Gael Hahn mentioned that service contract is important with on site service.
Also, suggested back up tapes per Mayor.
Secretary mentioned the First Choice Program, that is quite lengthy and complex. Mayor will work on.
4) Snow/Ice Account: Work on come this April.
Tom Snyder: PennDot overlaying Schwenksville Road, would like to see that this road be raised at the little bridge.
PARK BOARD: Tom Snyder No report
STREET LIGHTING: Chris Kraft No report
FIRE COMPANY LIAISON: Jim Dull
l) Increase Fire Burning Permits: At present time, borough charges $l.00. Feels this should be raised. Tom and Nancy will work on this and get fees for all services for the borough.
POLICE COMMITTEE: Joan Giunta No report
BOROUGH MANAGER: Incorporated with Streets/Road report
CORRESPONDENCE: Nancy Eppley
American Red Cross Bike Event scheduled for May 9, l998.
Borough's Association Dinner: Thursday, March 26th.
NEW BUSINESS:
Chris: Borough Authority has some concerns over the vandalism at the Borough's Park. Besides fines, perhaps Community service would be in order for the ones who destroy the property, etc. Looking into this.
OLD BUSINESS:
Bernie mentioned that letters will be going out to those residents whose trash bills are in excess of $l00.00. If not paid within the time frame these accounts will be forwarded to the District Judge for further action.
Letters will be certified and registered, return receipt requested.
MAYOR'S REPORT: Bill Clossin
A summary notice was sent to property owners with their tax bills concerning "Curfew and Skateboard ordinances.
Mayor thanked Jo Gill, Tax Collector for her help in this project.
AUDIENCE:
Joe O'Neill - drain has been put back. Thanked council
MOTIONED BY JOAN GIUNTA AND SECONDED BY JIM DULL IT WAS VOTED TO ADJOURN TONIGHT'S MEETING. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
NEXT MEETING: APRIL 9, l998
Respectfully Submitted,
Nancy J. Eppley
March 25, l998