BOROUGH OF SCHWENKSVILLE, PA
COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 14, 1999
Began: 7:30 p.m.
Ended: 9:00 p.m.
Executive Meeting:
followed reg.Mtg.
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, E. M. (Sue) Kuhn, Chris Kraft, Jim Dull and Mayor, William Clossin.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: By the assembly.
DISPENSE WITH THE READING OF THE DECEMBER 1998 MINUTES:
Motioned by Sue Kuhn and seconded by Jim Dull it was voted to dispense with the reading of the December 10, l998 minutes. All were in favor and the motion carried.
APPROVAL OF THE DECEMBER 1998 MINUTES:
Motioned by Sue Kuhn and seconded by Jim Dull it was voted to approve the December 10, 1998 minutes as presented. All were in favor and the motion carried.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Per Joan Giunta:
l) Received invoice from B.F.I. (trash) through the end of the month. Will be held for review.
2) At the December Meeting, Gael Hahn, treasurer was instructed to pay any miscellaneous bills which came in after the meeting to the end of December. These are included in tonight's a/p.
3) Manager, Tom Snyder has requested that his commission fees be paid. Last check received was November l998, lacking December. Wasn't sure there were any commission, but please check. It was mentioned to Tom to submit an itemized sheet each month to the treasurer, that way he can be paid monthly.
4) Waste Management invoice: Might be duplicate. Gael Hahn plans on getting together with Tom and Joan.
APPROVAL OF THE ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Motioned by Chris Kraft and seconded by Sue Kuhn it was voted to approve the accounts payable as presented. All were in favor and the motion carried.
TREASURER'S REPORT: Gael Hahn
Except for the check that may have to be written to Tom Snyder everything seems to be in order. (per Bernie)
APPROVAL OF THE TREASURER'S REPORT:
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.
POLICE REPORT: Frank Holden
l) Report for December: Total Combined Incidents 71.
2) Clearfield Avenue: Currently plowing on the east side of the street. Residents feel it would be better on the west side. Can it be moved? Frank's suggestion is leave it were it is. The latest storm did not warrant declaring a "Snow Emergency". What is a snow emergency? Joan read ordinance #l75, 2". That ordinance was written in l980, what is the latest? Mayor Clossin thought it was 4". At the last occurrence it was mostly ice and some snow.
Mayor when inspecting the road had spoken to various residents.
Sue felt that a lot of discussion was held on the parking in snow emergencies, and it should be handled the way it is now.
Joan stated an incident which happened on a Fall day a few years back, at that time there was no winter weather. There was a fire and emergency vehicles had a hard time in getting there. According to Joan it is a safety issue.
Bernie referred to old minutes concerning Private Roads. He also read the definition which was presented by Wendy McKenna, solicitor on various types of roads (ordained, unordained, public, private).
November Police Report: Frank will get this to members.
AMBULANCE CORPS: No one present, No report
Nancy Eppley wrote a letter to the Ambulance Corps. Nancy requesting a report monthly and a financial report. Bruce McBain, reporter mentioned that in talking with the Ambulance people that a general manager was going to be hired.
FIRE COMPANY REPORT: No one present, No report
Their meeting of last week was probably cancelled due to extreme bad weather. So it is assumed that the Fire Company also has their meeting tonight.
SOLICITOR'S REPORT: Robert Brant
l) Bob wrote to the Borough Authority requesting for council a copy of the annual report of its fiscal affairs for the last three calendar years, along with any records which accompanied the filing of that report.
2) Water problem in the Borough:
Chris, Bernie, Tom Snyder, Ken Yerger and Bob Brant suggests meeting with the authority.
Jim Dull, representative from council to Borough Authority stated that a contract was signed between the Borough Authority and Suburban Water Co. This is to do with the interconnector by the end of May l999.
Both Chris Kraft and Mayor Clossin are receiving complaints from residents on the water problem. Chris upon leaving his post on the Authority presented plans.
It was mentioned that the authority is extending their territory but fail to have more wells.
3) Prepare amendment to Parking Ordinance: 2nd Street West Side,Centennial-Church. States limitation on time. Mr. Brant will advertise for the next meeting.
4) Preparing a letter to Private Road residents. That unless those residents sign a release of liability to the borough, that road will not be plowed. All residents must be in agreement who live on that particular road.
Bernie: This has been discussed for years and years and would like it settled once and for all.
Private roads are Woodland from Summit to the west end, Summit from Woodland to the north end. Also, Spring Mt. Summit section. Those who pay their condo fees to their respective entity should be paying them to the authority if the authority plows.
Motioned by Jim Dull and seconded by Chris Kraft (for discussion) to do away with private roads. Suggest doing what needs to be done and be finish.
Chris feels that legal releases should be tied in with plowing, landowners take on that responsibility.
Mayor also felt that releases are in order.
Joan felt that the borough is not in a financial position at this time to acquire all the roads, not in the l999 budget. Again, health and safety issues are of prime concern during bad weather.
Jim is happy he doesn't live on a private road.
Sue stated what needs to be done would take quite a while, no money.
Jim stated that to make all streets public, not right away but keep at the problem.
Gael Hahn, who lives on Mt. View Road mentioned that where she is was never part of the deed, it was blocked out.
Tom Snyder mentioned that at the end of Woodland Avenue someone put boulders out in the right of way.
Woodland (end) to Summit (end), Boyer Alley, and Cherry Street are reserved out of the deed, not property owners. These can be taken over, everything as far as meets/bounds is okay. Budget later for improvements. Trash trucks use these roads and there are sewers in Woodland, Summit, and Cherry.
5) Mr. Brant is prepared to send out the letter to those residents on private roads asking for the releasing the borough of any liability when plowing, etc. is done on those roads.
Letter: Please be advised that I am the Solicitor for the Borough of Schwenksville. The council board of Schwenksville Borough has determined that the borough will no longer plow private streets within the borough, unless the residents living on those streets execute a release document, releasing the borough for any liability for property damage concerning snow plowing and related services. Enclosed please find release.
Mr. Brant would also suggest the those residents confer with their neighbors to determine whether they collectly desire the borough to continue snow plowing and related services on that particular street. If so execute, document and return to borough hall office.
At this point, Jim Dull withdrew his previous motion, Chris withdrew his second.
Motioned by Jim Dull and seconded by Chris Kraft it was voted for the solicitor to send out a letter similar in format and enclose a release to those property owners on private streets. A release releasing the borough from any liability for snow plowing and related services.
All were in favor and the motion carried.
Frank Holden suggested that some language be included for emergencies.
What will happen it one of those residents on a particular street does not wish to sign a release? Then the street will not be plowed.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Streets/Roads: Sue Kuhn/Tom Snyder
l) Infrastructure Loan: A two week delay. Concerns Montgomery Avenue, 3rd Street, and Mt.View Avenue.
Joan mentioned that council agreed to make application, but council will need to clarify some facts. It was mentioned that the Borough Authority will also need some of these funds.
2) Authorization for Tom Snyder to bid Mt. View (storm sewer portion to stop flooding)
Motioned by Chris Kraft and seconded by Sue Kuhn it was voted to authorize Tom Snyder to go out for bids. All were in favor and the motion carried.
3) Tom Snyder also filled out the papers for the HUD Grant.
4) Abandonment of Highland Avenue - State Game Farm to Pleasantview Avenue.
Bernie: Why can't borough sell to Smith? Is this public property? If borough abandons does it go to property owners?
Tom referred to Section l20l-4
Local Planning Commission has recommended abandonment.
Mr. Brant suggested that Tom feels that it is a good idea that he summarize his thoughts advantages and disadvantages in a letter to council by the next meeting.
5) Vinyl Strips: Mentioned at the last council meeting. Snow plow dug some up.
6) Boy Scouts: Have they moved all of their things from the borough basement? According to Tom they have, but a final inspection is needed.
PROPERTY: Sue Kuhn
l) Furniture: Tom lost furniture quote. Will look for it.
2) File Cabinets will also be needed.
3) Ramp: Still working on this.
FINANCE: Joan Giunta
l) Audit of Borough Financial Records: A professional audit is required every few years. Tom Snyder sent out 4 requests, 2 replied.
Deadline for report to be filed by: April l, 1999.
Should be approved by Borough Council, March l, 1999 meeting.
l) 2 quotes have been received. Cambial, Loran and Associates for $3,750.00 and Wayne Member for $3,500.00. Four requests were made by Tom Snyder.
Gael suggested that council look into employing the firm that worked previously with the borough.
Tom would be happy with either of the above firms.
Bob Brant mentioned that council could choose firms not bound by price. He is familiar with Cambial, Loran and Associates.
Motioned by Sue Kuhn and seconded Joan Giunta must complete information filed by April 1, l999. All were in favor and the motion carried.
2) Park Board Acct.: Has been dormant. Bank is now charging service fee. Tom reported that no further papers from Harrisburg is needed. Money can be used for lawn mowing and park maintenance in general. Suggest putting the money in the General Account.
Motioned by Sue Kuhn and seconded by Chris Kraft it was voted to take the money out of the Park Account and put it in the General Account. All were in favor and the motion carried.
3) Escrow Accounts:
a) Smith Account is in arrears. Back on November 28th a memo went to Tom. He followed through on that but this is the last time it will be done. Referred to previous minutes.
Bob Brant's invoice was paid without Tom's knowledge.
Bernie mentioned that Gael Hahn was instructed to notify escrow accounts when accounts are low so money can be replenish to take care of various bills against that account come in.
Gael has no problem with that. Wasn't sure whose responsibility it was. Will do in the future.
PARK BOARD: Tom Snyder Nothing to report.
STREET LIGHTING: Chris Kraft
l) Holiday lights are down. Thanks to all who helped.
2) PECO's proposal for buying the lights. Just received today, need time and more questions answered. Harry Miller per Tom will give a price for the maintenance of traffic lights. Tom will present the list before the next meeting.
FIRE COMPANY LIAISON: Jim Dull Nothing to report.
POLICE COMMITTEE: Joan Giunta Nothing to report
BOROUGH MANAGER: Tom Snyder
l) Spring Mountain Loan status: Bob Brant suggests that this be taken up at the Executive Session later this evening.
2) McKimm Property: Starting to tear down house.
3) Clossin Subdivision: Coming before the Planning Commission next week.
4) Trash: Still a few problems with residents stealing toters/bins from their neighbors. Tom will be getting a list from B.F.I. on what toters go where, will get it straighten out.
5) Still have a problem in the borough concerning House Numbers. There is confusion in the Schwenksville address.
Suggestion: Send a notice out with the water/sewer bills. Not enough room on the card replied Tom Snyder.
Jo Gill, tax collector volunteered to insert with her tax bills a short memo stating that as per Ordinance #54, which mandates that each building be clearly marked in numbers at least three inches high and of such color and material as to be clearly visible from the street.
CORRESPONDENCE: Nancy Eppley
l) Welcome Wagon Lady: Stopped by office and inquired if she could visit new homeowners, and welcome them in the community with various offers. Nothing to be sold. Board looked favorable on this.
2) Borough's Association Dinner: Feb. 25, l999 at the Gypsy Rose Inn. Pat Katona and Nancy are working out the details. Cost to each person is $5.00. The boroughs of Collegeville, Schwenksville, and Trappe will be the hosts.
OLD BUSINESS: Nothing
NEW BUSINESS: Open Space Update: To be discussed at the Executive Meeting.
2) Appointments that were up December 31, l999.
William Gauger for the Authority Board, 5 yr. term
H. Gilbert Williams for the Planning Commission,
5 yr. term
Joseph O'Neill for Park/Recreation Board,
5 yr. term
Joseph Cahill for the Zoning Hearing Board,
3 yr. term
Mary Jane Kehs, Vacancy Board, l yr. term
All of above have stated they wish to continue serving on the above boards.
Linda S. Kraft who was an alternate for the Zoning Hearing Board wishes not to continue. Council was asked to think about appointing someone for that post.
Motioned by Chris Kraft and seconded by Joan Giunta it was voted to adopt resolution #99-01 appointing the above to the various boards.
PUBLIC: Nothing
Adjourned meeting until after the executive meeting.
Executive Meeting:
Robert Brant-Keenan, Ciccitto and Brant for solicitor,
Kenneth Yerger, Carroll Engineering for engineer,
Gael Hahn, Kael Company for treasurer.
Motioned by Sue Kuhn and seconded by Jim Dull it was voted to appoint the above (Brant, Yerger, and Hahn) to the above mentioned positions. All were in favor and the motion carried.
Motioned by Sue Kuhn and seconded by Jim Dull it was voted to adjourn the meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 9:36 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Nancy J. Eppley
Secretary
Feb. 1, l999