BOROUGH OF SCHWENKSVILLE, PA 

COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 12, 1998

The Schwenksville Borough Council Meeting was called to order by Council President, Bernard McCollum.

Secretary, Nancy Eppley called the roll. Present were Bernard McCollum, Joan Giunta, E. M. (Sue) Kuhn, Chris Kraft, Jim Dull and Mayor William Clossin.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: By the assembly.

Dispense with the reading of the October 8, l998 minutes: MOTIONED BY SUE KUHN AND SECONDED BY JOAN GIUNTA IT WAS VOTED TO DISPENSE WITH THE READING OF THE MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 8, 1998. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

Approval of the minutes of October 8, l998:

Corrections to the Minutes:

l) Chris Kraft was present at the October 8, l998. This was not listed in the roll call.

2) Under Treasurer's Report: Should state: No statement of balance report. Minutes stated: No bank statement report.

3) Page 3, Paragraph 4: Authorize should be Advertise.

4) Under Committee Reports: Joan Giunta made a motion, but did not second the motion as stated. This was seconded by Sue Kuhn.

MOTIONED BY SUE KUHN AND SECONDED BY JOAN GIUNTA IT WAS VOTED TO ACCEPT THE OCTOBER 8, 1998 MINUTES WITH THE ABOVE CORRECTIONS. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Check #3600 (Terry Shaw) Membership Dues for Frank Holden. Add Tom Snyder's Commission of $415.50. Bringing the total of A/P to $2l,l21.45.

MOTIONED BY JOAN GIUNTA AND SECONDED BY SUE KUHN IT WAS VOTED TO ACCEPT THE ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AS PRESENTED. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

TREASURER'S REPORT: Gael Hahn

Council received the following reports: Cash statement, Monthly Revenues and Expenses.

MOTIONED BY JOAN GIUNTA AND SECONDED BY SUE KUHN IT WAS VOTED TO ACCEPT THE TREASURER'S REPORT AS PRESENTED. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT: No Report, No one present.

AMBULANCE REPORT: No Report, No one present.

SOLICITOR'S REPORT: Joe Ciccitto filling in for Robert Brant.

l) Trash Bids: Duly advertised.

Received bids from B.F.I., J.P.Mascaro, and Waste Management of Pottstown.

Mr. Ciccitto read these bids, copies of those bids are attached herein to these minutes.

There were some problems with the bids in that Waste Management bid for the entire year, and the amounts listed were mathematically calculated by Chris.

J. P. Mascaro did not bid the Residential portion.

MOTIONED BY JIM DULL AND SECONDED BY CHRIS KRAFT IT WAS VOTED TO REJECT THE BIDS AS PRESENTED. CHRIS SECONDED THIS MOTION FOR DISCUSSION.

Question on the Motion: Need clarification per Joan. These are the bids, can't go out of the perimeters. How did we specify the specs? per Sue.

Joe Ciccitto said per UNIT. Jim: Waste Management did not follow specifications as written.

Mayor Clossin recommended re-bidding, Can't accept bid the way it is.

Mr. Ciccitto felt that Waste Management was grossly out of line with the other two. Clarification point: Bids were stated PER UNIT.

Audience: Lenore Guthrie of B. F. I. said to refer to the bid specs, 2 bidders followed instructions and those two should not be penalized.

MOTIONED BY JIM DULL AND SECONDED BY CHRIS KRAFT IT WAS VOTED TO REJECT ALL BIDS AND REBID THE TRASH SPECIFICATIONS.

VOTE: (Yes) Bernie McCollum, Joan Giunta, Sue Kuhn, and Jim Dull.

VOTE: (No) Chris Kraft.

Majority (Yes) MOTION CARRIED.

Joe Ciccitto mentioned that companies must comply with advertising requirements.

New Bid Date for Trash Specifications: Monday, November 30, l998 at 7 P.M. and for any other business which may come before council.

2) Ordinance #262: Amended. Was duly advertised.

This ordinance amended the Borough of Schwenksville Waste Reduction and Recycling Collection and Disposal Ordinance. This was read by Joe Ciccitto.

MOTIONED BY JOAN GIUNTA AND SECONDED BY SUE KUHN IT WAS VOTED TO ACCEPT THIS AMENDED ORDINANCE AS PRESENTED. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

3) Miriam Smith Subdivision:

Engineer was present, but did not give her name for the record. The local Planning Commission discussed at their meeting curbs and sidewalks.

Tom Snyder explained the lot in question. 2 lots will be cut off of the back, front lot no problem. Pleasantville Road is not where deed shows it, is moved over. The front house catch basin doesn't have a survey as yet.

Suggests planting trees in the front yards, grading might be needed. Cost of trees and grading: $l,000.

Cost of Curb and Sidewalk: $4,000.

Executors of the estate were present and there is a buyer for the property.

A resolution was read concerning this property, copy of which will be forwarded to the Borough Secretary from Mr. Brant's office.

There were 4 suggestions:

l) Waive curb/sidewalk.

2) Contribution in lieu of Curb/Sidewalk.

3) Deny waivers and make sure all provisions and not grant any relief.

4) In the future, those responsible for Curb/Sidewalk will take on the responsibility of putting money in an escrow account. Problem with this statement is that it must be enforced.

Applicants would like to see #4.

Mayor would like to see the trees on the property remain.

MOTIONED BY CHRIS KRAFT AND SECONDED BY SUE KUHN IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE PLAN AS PRESENTED TONIGHT UPON SATISFACTORY OWNERS AGREEMENT, AND REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF BOROUGH SOLICITOR AND COUNCIL. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

Joe Ciccitto suggested a "Letter of Credit" until settlement of house property and at that time the fee for curb and sidewalks with take place. Tree money is to be paid to the borough. Grading must be done.

3) Trash Bills exceeding $l00.00: Bernie suggesting turning them over to Robert Brant for filing of liens. Some customers go back years and it is not fair to those who are paying. There are approximately 8 householders in question.

MOTIONED BY JIM DULL AND SECONDED BY CHRIS KRAFT IT WAS VOTED TO HAVE ROBERT BRANT'S OFFICE FILED THE APPROPRIATE LIENS. ALL WERE IN QUESTION AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

Tom Snyder will write to those involved stating what is happening.

4) Railroad Litigation: County taking over right of way, filing a brief. County solicitor and attorneys met this past week and gave preliminary objections. Judge will have a decide what will be done.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

STREETS AND ROADS: Sue Kuhn

l) Street Cleaning: Tom estimates that this should cost not to exceed $2,200.00.

Street Markings: Tom estimates that this should cost not to exceed $l,800.00.

Suggests putting vinyl on Main Street instead of paint. Crosswalks, etc. involved. Tom suggests not painting Second Street.

2) Mt. View Avenue: Engineering in process. Negotiating with the State to take care of crossing drain. No physical work as yet, borough needs approval on the Infrastructure Loan.

Next week the Infrastructure Loan goes before the commissions. Applications look good according to Tom.

Jim spoke on the ongoing water problem at Mt. View Avenue.

PROPERTY: Sue Kuhn

l) Tables and Chairs for the meeting room. No price on the table(s), Price on the chairs was too much. Will research further. 2) 2 Windows at the back of office (behind computer and bathroom. It was suggested that these windows be moved out front and replace the windows that are there now with these windows. Smaller windows can be installed in the back. Tom estimated a cost of $l2,000.00.

This is the first that the board has heard of this proposal, more research will need to be done.

Tom Snyder spoke about the ramp and where it should be installed, ramp up the side there would not be enough room.

Meeting room tables: $2,400.00 Xs not included, spoke about a circular table. Will get a formal quote. It was mentioned that if the price goes over $l0,000.00, it will need to go out on bid.

3) Boy Scouts: Will be out of the borough basement on January l5, l999. Tom will write a letter to them.

FINANCE: Joan Giunta

Thank Tom Snyder and Gael Hahn and those involved for making the budget process easy, everything looks good.

Fire & Ambulance contributions were made this month. Fire Company $3,000.00 and Ambulance $l,000.

Bernie spoke to Joan concerning an additional phone line/number for the fax machine at Chief Holden's office. At the present time, everything is going off of one phone line. Cost approximately $75.00

MOTIONED BY JOAN GIUNTA AND SECONDED BY SUE KUHN IT WAS VOTED TO ALLOCATE TO $100.00 TO PUT IN A SECOND PHONE LINE. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

l999 Budget

Decrease in Earned Income Tax Revenues.

Assessment Appeals (a lot have been readjusted and lowered).

Income Category: Intra Fund Transfers. Open Space: This is a In and Out figured. If the project does not get approval, it will cost the borough only the miscellaneous charges. Money would then go back to Savings. This should be part of the budget, even though it might be an in/out item.

Mayor Clossin concerned with the money put aside. Borough does not have money, it was his understanding that borough wasn't going to put any money aside.

Joan: Borough Council signed the agreements.

The Open Space Board rejected the $650,000.00 figure on the sale of this property.

Expenses: New item in budget (#402)

Professional Auditors Fee - Tom received 4 estimates. $4,500.00 figure was stated in the budget.

Tax Collection: Reflects reducing in Earned Income Tax.

#434: Highway Maintenance: Trading off Purchase of Borough Lights for Renovation of Borough building.

Transferring $l0,000.00 from the Sinking Fund to Highway/Snow Account.

Fire Company new purchase of equipment: A request from Council and the Fire Company. Joan suggested waiting until the end of the year and see what surplus the borough has, before committing to financial help.

Bernie questioned if Frank Holden needed to move his budget around, he is permitted. Yes, some items No.

Bernie commented everyone for their help on the l999 Budget.

Tom complimented that the Colonnade is an Intercompany Transfer, it is not being sold to another facility. Borough will collect a Real Estate Transfer Tax.

MOTIONED BY CHRIS KRAFT AND SECONDED SUE KUHN IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE, ADVERTISE, & POST 1999 BUDGET. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

Joan through Gael Hahn's suggestion spoke on the Liquid Fuels Budget. Gael said that the allocation is higher than previous years.

PARK BOARD: Tom Snyder No Report

STREET LIGHTING: Chris Kraft Some lights have been cleaned and upgraded, more done than requested. Some still remaining.

Should the lights be purchased? Chris is still waiting for some answers, Management, Upkeep, and Maintenance. Tom will get a price from Wampole/Miller, they are set up to do municipal wiring.

Light at 2nd Street between Church and Centennial not there.

Christmas Lights: Coming along, will be finished shortly.

FIRE COMPANY LIAISON: Jim Dull No Report

POLICE COMMITTEE: Joan Giunta No Report

BOROUGH MANAGER: Tom Snyder

l) Electric Choice: Exelon offering l5% reduction, will include Borough Hall, Street Lights: Checking into, Overhead Lights and Traffic Lights: ????

Connected Electric Co. offered l2% reduction.

Spoke about cancellation of agreements: 30 day notice is all that is needed.

MOTIONED BY CHRIS KRAFT AND SECONDED BY JOAN GIUNTA IT WAS VOTED TO HAVE TOM SNYDER FILE THE APPROPRIATE PAPERWORK FOR EXELON ELECTRIC CHOICE. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

2) Rt. 29 and 73 Corridor: Meeting next month. Have to get everything in so that in order to file for the PennDot l2 year plan. Roads in questions: Park Avenue Intersection, Bridge coming into Schwenksville, and Perkiomen Avenue.

CORRESPONDENCE: Nancy Eppley

l) Pagers: Letter received from Montgomery County 11/6/98:

If the borough is interested, pagers could be purchased for $l58.23 each through l2/3l/98. Council felt that borough didn't need them.

2) Montgomery County Boroughs Association Holiday Dinner: December 3, l998. Indian Valley Country Club. Please contact Nancy if you are interested in going.

3) Montgomery County Borough Association Meeting Schedule: February 25, l999 will be Collegeville, Trappe, and Schwenksville's turn for the dinner.

BOROUGH MANAGER: Tom Snyder

Would like to attend a legislative seminar. Cost is $30.00.

MOTIONED BY JOAN GIUNTA AND SECONDED BY JIM DULL IT WAS VOTE TO APPROVE THE EXPENDITURE OF $30.00 FOR THOMAS SNYDER. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

OLD BUSINESS: Nothing

NEW BUSINESS: Resignation of Chris Kraft from the Borough Authority: Council members were regretfully sorry to hear of this.

MOTIONED BY JOAN GIUNTA AND SECONDED BY JIM DULL IT WAS VOTED TO ACCEPT CHRIS KRAFT'S RESIGNATION FROM THE BOROUGH AUTHORITY. ALL WERE IN FAVOR EXCEPT CHRIS WHO ABSTAINED.

Appointment of Jim Dull to fulfill the term of Chris Kraft to the Borough Authority Board.

Bernie mentioned Jim's qualifications.

MOTIONED BY CHRIS KRAFT AND SECONDED BY BERNIE McCOLLUM IT WAS VOTED TO APPOINT JIM DULL TO FILL THE VACANCY. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

POLICE REPORT: Chief Frank Holden

Month of October l998: Combined incidents local/state: 102

Frank stated that it was a nice Halloween Parade and thanked Jim Dull for his helping out with the parade.

Frank's complete report is on file at borough hall.

MAYOR'S REPORT: Bill Clossin

l) Budget is the clearest ever received.

2) Discuss the borough's and Lower Frederick water problems. It was suggested that the borough get information from the Authority "State of Affairs".

There was quite a bit of discussion on this.

MOTIONED BY JIM DULL AND SECONDED BY SUE KUHN IT WAS VOTED TO GET A ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT FROM THE BOROUGH AUTHORITY. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

Sue suggested a meeting with the authority. Tom suggested a committee meeting. No quorum.

3) New Computer now offers to the public, ordinances, minutes and the early history of Schwenksville. Some of the ordinances in the past were given by solicitor's office to update the borough's ordinances.

Solicitor examined the Website and everything is fine. Now ready to advertise, Bill Clossin will work on this.

Name: www.zdial.com/~schwenksville

AUDIENCE: Bill Rubery of Woodland Avenue has that his street would not be plowed. This is a private road at this part. Road should be kept open for emergency vehicles. Residents only asking for l sweep up and l sweep down, residents will do the rest.

Roy Miller previously asked for a "NO OUTLET" sign for 3rd and Centennial. Tom will get on this.

MOTIONED BY SUE KUHN AND SECONDED BY JOAN GIUNTA IT WAS VOTED TO ADJOURN TONIGHT'S MEETING. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

Meeting adjourned: 9:l5 p.m.

Next Meeting: Special Meeting: November 30, l998 at 7:00 p.m.

Regular Meeting: December 10, l998 at 7:30 p.m.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL

Respectfully submitted,

Nancy J. Eppley, Borough Secretary

November 25, l998

BOROUGH OF SCHWENKSVILLE, PA 

SPECIAL MEETING: November 30, l998.

PURPOSE: Opening Trash Bids and any other business coming before council.

The Schwenksville Borough Council was called to order by President, Bernard McCollum at 7:00 p.m.

Secretary, Nancy Eppley called the roll. Present were: Bernard McCollum, Joan Giunta, E.M. (Sue) Kuhn, Chris Kraft, Jim Dull. Mayor Clossin was absent at roll call, but appeared a little later.

Solicitor, Robert Brant opened the 2 bids presented by B.F.I. Waste Management Systems and Waste Management of PA-Pottstown, PA division.

Mr. Brant read the bids. Attached to these minutes are those results.

He suggested that these be reviewed for analysis. Confirm that everything requested is contained in bid package (bonding requirements) and that the specs were complied with.

MOTIONED BY SUE KUHN AND SECONDED BY JOAN GIUNTA IT WAS VOTED TO TAKE BIDS UNDER ADVISEMENT AND AWARD CONTRACT AT THE UPCOMING DECEMBER 10, 1998 MEETING. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

Other Business:

Bernie is concerned with the Private Roads in the Borough. Feels that they should be snow plowed once a snow emergency has been declared by the mayor, then plowed only for "Emergencies Only". Go over the road, not to ground on the plowing.

Suggested writing to residents on Private Streets that the borough would not be responsible other than doing whatever is necessary for emergency travel.

Mr. Brant informed council that unordained, private roads are being constantly worked on. Make sure all streets that council wants ordained, ordained, establish a policy.

Tom Snyder will go through the list and present to council for review.

Sue mentioned that in the past l0 years or more plowing of the roads ran smoothly. Tom said that Fred Kehs and he have had some problems but most of the time everything is fine. Mentioned that Summit and Mine Hill Road are not ordained, same for 3rd Street.

Bob Brant suggested listing the streets that the borough has problems with (complaints in regards to safety, etc.). Is the present system working, if not, finds ways to correct.

Joan suggested that those residents who have problems should inform council in writing.

Chris wants to know percentages of ordained and unordained streets. Would also like a map showing same.

Sue: Private road residents also pay taxes. Those residents only want the road open for emergency vehicles.

Tom told council that first the roads are salted, then plowed. 2" Snow Emergency Route vs 4". Suggested that the mayor decide.

Jim: Shouldn't Private Roads have a sign posted stating that it is private and no outlet is available? No, per Bob Brant.

Chris: Do private roads have lights on them. Yes.

Montgomery County-Trails Issue:

Good News. Case was lost by Montgomery County. Judge Berton through out the case, but it can be appealed. Bob will make a copy of this decision for Borough Hall files. Council members would like a copy as soon as it is available.

Small discussion on the history of the trail.

Mayor: Borough getting l5' right-of-way.

If anyone sues can they can go back to the County on a "Quiet Title Action" suit? Robert Brant: No, because of courts' definition of this kind of law suits.

Tom Snyder: Carroll Engineering Corporation letter of ll/30/98:

Trouble with traffic light at Main Street and Park Avenue. Might be light or post. Perhaps "shades" can be put on it.

Trash: Chris: Is it one "Bulk" item per week? Yes.

MOTIONED BY SUE KUHN AND SECONDED BY JOAN GIUNTA IT WAS VOTED TO ADJOURN TONIGHT'S SPECIAL MEETING. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

Meeting adjourned: 7:45 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Nancy J. Eppley, Secretary