BOROUGH OF SCHWENKSVILLE, PA
COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 10, 1998
The Schwenksville Borough Council Meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Council President, Bernard McCollum.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: By the assembly.
Secretary, Nancy Eppley called the roll. Present were: Bernard McCollum, Joan Giunta, E. M. (Sue) Kuhn, Jim Dull and Mayor, William Clossin. Absent was Chris Kraft.
Dispense with the reading of the minutes of August l3, 1998: MOTIONED BY SUE KUHN AND SECONDED BY JOAN GIUNTA IT WAS VOTED TO DISPENSE WITH THE READING OF THE MINUTES OF AUGUST 13, 1998. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
Approval of the minutes of August 13th.
Correction by Joan Giunta: Should read August 6th (special meeting).
MOTIONED BY SUE KUHN AND SECONDED BY JOAN GIUNTA IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF AUGUST 13, 1998 WITH THE CORRECTION AS NOTED. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Per Joan: Bell Telephone listed at $255.93 being reduced by $53.7l. Total for General Fund for September: $5,323.00, Trash Fund for September $3,584.50
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.
MOTIONED BY JOAN GIUNTA AND SECONDED BY JIM DULL IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE NOW FOR THE FUTURE THOSE ACCOUNTS, THE UTILITY ACCOUNTS AS THE BILL COMES IN TO BE PAID TO AVOID ANY INTEREST CHARGES. THOSE ACCOUNTS WOULD INCLUDE TELEPHONE, ELECTRIC, TRASH, BOROUGH SEWER AND WATER. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
TREASURER'S REPORT: Gael Hahn
New reports coming from new computer system. Profit and Loss title will be changed in the future. Year to date figures are correct, some adjustments were needed.
Joan mentioned that personally she likes the system, it is easier to work with and audit time will be easier.
Gael mentioned that she has to hand-total the disbursements. There are some bugs to be worked out and she spent many hours on the system, but feels that it is working out.
Jim Newell doesn't know what things that Gael has run into with the new system. She is pretty much pleased, not yet complete at this time.
Bernie: Solicitor/Engineer's fees: Are they separated? Yes, always has been per Gael. They are charged accordingly.
Joan: On unordained streets, the street must be ordained before money can be obtained or the borough can charge.
Bernie: Bonding, Who does the borough pay for? Gael mentioned for her only. Jo Gill mentioned that she pays her bond then the borough reimburses her. Correct.
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.
POLICE REPORT: Chief Frank Holden
Month of August: Combined incidents (state/local): 7l
Complete report on file at the Borough Hall Office.
Folk Festival: Everything went very well this year. The best yet, traffic went smooth, no crime, no major impact on the borough.
Letter was received from a resident complaining about the festival but the festival is not held in the borough. Original letter was sent to Raymond Bunt, Jr. with a copy to the borough. No need to respond.
Bernie mentioned that a "Bucket Barricade" was held by the Ambulance Corp the same day as the Folk Festival. Thinks this should be held some other time. Causes more traffic.
AMBULANCE REPORT: No one present, No report.
SOLICITOR'S REPORT: Joseph Ciccitto filling in for Robert Brant.
l) Resolution: Authorizing the Schwenksville Volunteer Fire Company to Seek Reimbursement for Hazardous Abatement Material, Environmental Incidents and Safety and Rescue Responses.
Following the last meeting, Mr. Brant has made a revision to the resolution that being: To add the following:
Fees shall be charged to all recipients of said services except for those individuals who reside in the Borough at the time such services are rendered.
Questions: Mayor Clossin: Borough the collection agent? No, Primary the Fire Company is in charge of that, if the Fire Company needs help they can come to council for their assistance. Jim Dull: Reasonable cost? Not provided as yet, a fee schedule should be coming from the Fire Co. Chief Nick of the Fire Co. said that it depends on the situation involved. Generally will bill the insurance company.
Mayor Clossin: Are other fire companies going for this? Yes.
MOTIONED BY JIM DULL AND SECONDED BY SUE KUHN IT WAS VOTED TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SCHWENKSVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY TO SEEK REIMBURSEMENT FOR HAZARDOUS ABATEMENT MATERIAL, ENVIRONMENTAL INCIDENTS AND SAFETY AND RESCUE RESPONSES. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT: Nick Matregrano
Month of August l998:
Number of calls: 2, Firefighters in service: l6
Time in service: 2 hrs. and 35 minutes.
Distance traveled: 5 miles
2) This coming Sunday at 4:00 p.m. ground breaking in front of fire station for the Heritage Museum, followed by a Free Concert in the Community Park.
3) September 20th: John McMahon benefit day in the Park.
4) In view of the tragic fire in Center County, awareness of smoke detectors in every home built prior to l977 a bill introduced by Senator Edwin Holl will be coming up soon in Harrisburg for a vote.
5) Bill #543: Dealing with False Alarms (excess number of 3 in a l2 month period), fines not to exceed $300.00.
The borough has an ordinance already.
6) Senator Holl introducing Senate Bill l24l: Giving volunteer firefighters a reduction in their personal income tax.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
STREETS/ROADS: Sue Kuhn
l) Montgomery Avenue: Still waiting for proposals, contractors very busy at present.
2) 3rd Street Ordination: Letters received from Spring Mount Summit Condo Association and Highpoint Association. Ball is in their court per Tom Snyder.
Weeds on the Clemens property. Jeff Clemens has gotten some down and Tom will pursue further for the remainder. Weeds that are in the creamery dam area can't be cut because there is the discussion as to whether property is in the wetlands or not. Can't get verification.
3) Mt. View: Engineering started on the storm sewers then paving. 2 separate contracts (storm sewers and paving). Problem is still Boulevard. There is a state sewer inlet involved.
Timeframe: Boulevard answer, should be by next meeting.
4) Per Tom: There is a tree down at Boulevard which is leaning on a Bell Telephone Cable. Hanging down over Rt. 29 and trucks are hitting it. Those involved have been notified.
5) Applying for Infrastructure Loan Money: Mentioned at last month's meeting. Runs out the 9th of October. Money available: $22l,000. interest free. Tom suggests we apply for, not use and if we get the money borough can use some of the interest free to finish Mt. View, Third St., Montgomery Avenue, Street Lights (almost sure on Street lights), Authority is interested in borrowing some of the money to help the water situation.
Questions: Jim Dull: Can Authority upgrade their system? Yes
Sue Kuhn: What is the payment schedule? l0 yr. Pro-rated.
Joan explained her position that after speaking with Tom it is worthwhile to pursue this venture. There are no guarantees that the borough will receive this money. Also, the borough can help the Water Authority to pursue their work.
MOTIONED BY JOAN GIUNTA AND SECONDED BY SUE KUHN IT WAS AUTHORIZED TO ALLOW TOM SNYDER TO MAKE THIS APPLICATION FOR THE INFRASTRUCTURE LOAN MONEY. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
On the present loan, the authority pays $l,500.00 and the borough pays $8,500.00.
Jim mentioned that he took a ride on Mt. View and found that the gravel that was put down is no longer there, everyplace else. If any large, oversized vehicle goes up that road there is no way that they can turn around, they will have to back up. Another problem is that the having a fire hydrant close.
Joan said that before a street is ordained, it must be brought up to code. Borough still has the obligation to keep the roads in working order.
PROPERTY: Sue Kuhn
Borough toilet is running constantly and needs to be fixed. Jim will look at it.
FINANCE: Joan Giunta
l) Tom working on the budget. Suggests an Executive meeting tonight.
Budget comparison has been presented by Gael. Tom, Gael and Joan will work on the l999 budget. Adjustments in some accounts, there has been a reduction in the insurance, interest in the medical insurance for the police chief.
Joan's goal is to have a prepared budget by the October meeting.
Bernie questioned if all checks, rebates back from the insurance company, etc. are recorded in the book that is on the office desk? Bernie said that it is incoming money and it is to be recorded. This question was directed to Gael Hahn and she doesn't want to be spoken to in the way that Bernie is speaking to her in a public meeting.
Bernie mentioned that this requirement is part of the Borough Code and it was requested that this procedure be done at a meeting in the beginning of the year. Bernie is requesting this but Gael feels that if he wants to speak to her about administrative matters he is to do this privately.
This problem stemmed from the fact that a check received from Tom Snyder from Jeff Clemens was given to Gael in Nancy's absence from the office and was not recorded by Gael, who refused to do this procedure.
Joan said that a register every month is given each month to council and why do something twice. Joe Ciccitto feels that as long as everything is entered into the system that is all that matters.
Joan said that she receives copies about what insurance credits have been received, others on the board didn't receive notification or didn't recall if they received or not.
Bernie wants everyone to have copies of all reports. Joan mentioned that a report can be printed from the computer at anytime upon request. Up until now reports were not given out, it might be now since the new computer has been installed, but in the past this was not done.
Nancy will continue to log in checks and whatever comes to her attention as she receives them.
PARK BOARD: Tom Snyder
Swings are down.
STREET LIGHTING: Chris Kraft Absent
Tom is checking out with PECO, why the light was not put up on Second Street.
Bernie has new numbers that the borough can used to contact PECO for emergencies. Not for public information.
FIRE COMPANY LIAISON - Jim Dull
Letter received from the Fire Company (9/l3/98) letting council know that the fire company is looking into replacing their l977 Mack Pumper in the next 2 years and to ask council to help them pay for a component of this apparatus, namely a Hale Compressed Air Foam System or a CAFS Foam System.
Cost is approximately $50,000.00. Jim would like council to give as much money as possible for this much needed piece of apparatus. Delivery not for another 2 years.
Chief Nick said that the fire company is also going after a grant also. Joan asked that the fire company submit project, cost, and a support from borough council.
There is definitely a need for this type of equipment. A video is also available for those wishing to view it.
POLICE COMMITTEE - Joan Giunta
Every year a report (MINIMUM OBLIGATION SYSTEM) must be submitted to the PA Municipal Retirement System. This report has been completed and submitted.
BOROUGH MANAGER: Tom Snyder
l) Yard Sale Signs: Between Tom and Chief Frank Holden they have taken down a total of 49 signs. People outside of the borough have been putting signs up.
Fee is $25.00 and will be refunded when sign comes down. The signs cannot be off of the property involved.
All the problems started with the Real Estate Signs, this problem has now been resolved.
Joe Ciccitto: Borough ordinances deal with this problem. Suggests that borough manager or police chief write a citation of those individuals involved.
Signs cannot be put on telephone poles-not allowed by law.
2) Open Space Application: Is in. Upper Salford will be using their solicitor to do the presentation. Cost will be divided between Schwenksville and Upper Salford.
Clean up: Transformer removed. Upper Salford removing debris.
CORRESPONDENCE: Nancy Eppley
l) Halloween Parade: Thursday, October 22, l998. Registration starts at 6 p.m. at school. Parade starts at 7 p.m. Mayor Clossin and Chief Frank Holden participating. A resolution is needed.
MOTIONED BY JOAN GIUNTA AND SECONDED BY JIM DULL TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION FOR THE HALLOWEEN PARADE FOR THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1998. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
2) Visiting Nurses' Association of Pottstown: In need of a donation by Schwenksville Borough. Information turned over to Joan Giunta, Finance Chairperson.
3) Boroughs' Association Meeting: September Meeting held on Sept. 24, l998 in Conshohocken. Anyone wishing to attend contact Nancy.
4) Montgomery County Commissions and the Montgomery County Commission on Woman and Families holding a dinner for domestic violence awareness on Thursday, October 8, l998.
OLD BUSINESS:
l) Sue: Progress of the Trash Contract? Tom and Bob Brant went over the contract, some minor modifications will be needed. Should be going out for bid before the next meeting.
Will be including Commercial properties. Legally, everything is okay. Should be able to incorporate in the l999 budget.
MOTIONED BY SUE KUHN AND SECONDED BY JOAN GIUNTA IT WAS VOTED TO CONTINUE ON PREPARING AN AMENDING TO THE TRASH ORDINANCE. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
2) Jim: When are the lines going to be painted on the streets? In the Fall, per Tom before the weather gets bad.
Masonry Signs in Jim's neighborhood? Contracted previously, but contractor didn't get to it, so someone else will be contracted to do the work.
3) Bernie: Linda Kraft contacted Bernie to see if how much money is in the holiday account, as more repairs are needed. Joe Chendorian is working with Linda on the repairs with the upgrading of lights, parts, and replacing wires. There is $370.00 left, and replacing will cost $400.00.
MOTIONED BY SUE KUHN AND SECONDED BY JIM DULL IT WAS AUTHORIZED THAT LINDA MAY SPEND THE BALANCE OF $370. BUT IF MORE MONEY IS NEEDED LINDA MUST COME TO COUNCIL AND REQUEST REQUIRED AMOUNT. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
NEW BUSINESS:
1) Jim: Questioned whether the inmates at Graterford get taken away from the area before school children if there ever was an emergency evacuation at Limerick Generating Station? This questioned addressed to Chief Holden. Suggested to check with Ralph Rosenberger, Emergency Manager person.
2) Bernie asked Jim to check with neighboring municipalities concerning their fee schedules. Schwenksville is very low cost of theirs. This information was given to Joan.
3) Joan: Certificate of Insurance received from the Womens' Civic Club of Schwenksville for a concert. Park Board meeting was cancelled last month, but no problem per Tom, everyone is covered.
MAYOR'S REPORT: William Clossin
l) PECO using herbicides around the substation. Tom doesn't see any problems.
2) Web Page: Will be spending some time this weekend working on this. Working on the E-Mail. $60.00 one time fee.
Names/Addresses? Minutes? Ordinances? Publication given to Bill from Joan for this review.
AUDIENCE:
l) Chief Nick Matregrano: Trouble at the Colonnade when the electric went out in the borough. They have a generator but it must work on batteries and they don't last too long. Candles were being used and there were a lot of scary moments with the residents. This will be checked out further to avoid future problems.
2) Rick, Treasurer of the Spring Mt. Condo Association: Wondering about if they have a contract with their present hauler, what would happen to that. Tom Snyder replied saying that in the past anyone who had a contract with their hauler that contract would stay in effect to expiration.
Billing: Per container size and number of containers that they have now. Basically, the same.
Sue: School Bus (near Bernie's) sitting, putting on and off of its lights. School Bus seems to be waiting. Sue will continue to monitor, this occurrence could create a problem.
AN EXECUTIVE MEETING WILL BE HELD APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES AFTER TONIGHT'S MEETING.
NEXT MEETING: Thursday, October 8, l998
at 7:30 p.m.
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: 9:00 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Nancy J. Eppley, Secretary
September 18, 1998
Correction to the minutes: Corrected at the October l998 meeting
John McMahon Benefit should be:
Joseph McMahon Benefit