BOROUGH OF SCHWENKSVILLE, PA
COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 13, 2000
The Schwenksville Borough Council was called to order by Council President, Bernard McCollum at 7:30 p.m.
Secretary, Nancy Eppley called the roll:
Bernard McCollum: Present
Chris Kraft: Present
Patricia Katona: Present
Gilbert Williams: Present
Barbara Slater: Present
Mayor Carroll Rosenberger: Present
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: By the assembly
DISPENSE WITH THE READING OF THE MINUTES OF MARCH 9TH, MARCH 16TH, and MARCH 23RD,2000.
MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO DISPENSE WITH THE READING OF THE MINUTES OF THE ABOVE MEETINGS. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF MARCH 9TH, MARCH 16TH, and MARCH 23RD, 2000.
MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE ABOVE MEETINGS. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE & TREASURER'S REPORT: Nancy Eppley
Council has for the review the Disbursement Report for the Month of April, Deposit Detail for the Month of March, Actual to Budget Reports to the end of March and Actual to Budget Reports to tonight's meeting. Treasurer's Reports for the same.
MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO ACCEPT THE ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND TREASURER'S REPORT AS PRESENTED. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
POLICE REPORT: Chief Frank Holden
Total local/state police for the month of March: 45. Frank's complete report is on file at Borough Hall. Tonight is Frank's last meeting. He is retiring as of June 8, 2000 and will be leaving the area. Frank stated that he has enjoyed his many years of service to the Borough and thanks all those who have made his job enjoyable.
Bernie presented a citation to Frank from Raymond Bunt, Jr. House of Representatives, Commonwealth of PA stating the fine service performed by Frank on his many years of police service to Schwenksville Borough.
Pat stated that the Police Committee met, interviewed a replacement for Frank and is glad to announce that the committee's choice is Timothy Hoppes. She would like to take the appropriate action tonight in appointing Timothy Hoppes as the new Chief of Police for Schwenksville.
MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS.
Question on the motion: Chris had a question, but it was satisfied already.
BS: When would Tim's year start?
BMcC: Hiring date will be the 24th of April. Today a psychological test was done and the swearing in will be on the 24th.
Frank Holden: Since his last day is June 8th, suggested that Tim be given title as Acting Chief of Police, and then when he (Frank) leaves, he officially becomes Chief of Police.
NEW MOTION: MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE AGREEMENT, WHICH PROVIDES FOR HIS ANNUAL SALARY, TERMS AND CONDITIONS (SICK DAYS, VACATION, HOLIDAYS, ETC.) BETWEEN THE BOROUGH COUNCIL OF SCHWENKSVILLE, PA AND TIMOTHY HOOPES AND SUBJECTED TO ACCEPTABLE MEDICAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
Pat introduced Tim and his wife, Sandy to all present. Pat mentioned that Tim had served with the North Coverty Police force for ll years and has received various commendations He is continuing his training in various law enforcement areas. Tim spoke briefly on his training. Pat thanked the committee for all of their help.
FIRE COMPANY: No report No one present
AMBULANCE: No report No one present
SOLICITOR'S REPORT: Robert Brant
Cable Company: Suburban Cable was recently acquired by a larger company and there has been a change in their personnel. One of the issues concerning Schwenksville Borough is that new technology has come into play and Mr. Brant is working on that as far as revenue is concerned.
Proposed Ordinance: Considered for adoption tonight by borough council signifying the Borough's intent and desire to acquire all of the projects and assets of the Schwenksville Borough Authority pursuant to Section l8A of the municipal authorities act of l945.
Ordinance has been property advertised and will be on file at Borough Hall if/when it is adopted.
This will be the beginning of many aspects of the acquiring the Borough Authority, it starts setting everything in motion. Previously, council president, Bernie McCollum named Chris Kraft and Gilbert Williams as the members of the interim committee. Blake Dunbar, solicitor for the Authority has been advised of any and all actions of council. It is not the intent of council to make any changes in the employees of the Authority.
Audience:
Samuel Schweigert, chairman of the Borough Authority spoke in length. Mr. Schweigert has resided in the Borough since l973. He is a retired ship captain, has served on various Schwenksville boards (council, library and authority) and stated his many accomplishments while serving on those boards. Feels that the proposed action of the Schwenksville Borough Council taking over the Schwenksville Authority is an insult to the various dedicated people who have served their community now and in the past such as Dr. Markley, Bob Gottshall, Joe O'Neil and himself). Dr. Markley helped put the sewer system in place, Bob Gottshall got the financing underway. Mr. Schweigert mentioned that Authority has put in the Interconnector, Booster Pump to help the Lower Frederick residents, Rejuvenated pump #7, upgraded the sewer plant and was about to drill a new test well but it was stopped by Chris Kraft. For over 40 years there has been no major complaints from residents, only from council members who have been on council for a short time. Communication??? That according to Mr. Schweigert is because the Authority is an independent operating agency. Financial reports are given to the Borough each year, no other reports are necessary. Council has requested that the Authority fire their engineer and drill wells immediately. It was mentioned that a line be put on near the bank, but Mr. Schweigert disagrees with DEP stating that the well is not fit for drinking. DEP mentioned that the water can flush toilets and can be used for showers and if drinking water is needed, those wanting water can buy it. Mr. Schweigert will not go along with this at all it is a health issue.
Feels taxpayers are going to be hurt, Borough will not be able to serve Lower Frederick and Perkiomen Townships unless they secure a PUC license and then rates will be controlled by PUC.
Robert Gottshall: Served on the Authority and Council for over 20 years. Can't understand what is the problem. Why should the Authority be dissolved. Feels it is a bad mistake and council is going in the wrong direction. Explained the financing problem of years ago and how by knowing the president of Harleysville National Bank, the Authority was able to secure financing that was needed. Suggested go slowly rather than change something that has been working well for many, many years. At the present time, a license is not needed to sell water. Also, Lower Frederick will want a member on the board which now there is none.
Dick Croyle: Dick has a factory in Washington Township and they had the same problem. Now the community is split, people are not talking to each other.
Jane Markley: Wife of the founder, Dr. Donald Markley. Feels very insulted for council's action to dissolve the Authority. Original members have spent endless hours and have gotten many state and federal grants. When Jane was on council it was mentioned that the Authority had to purchase the Lower Frederick Water Company which was not the desire of the members of the Authority at that time. Jane corrected the name of the Authority. It is ''PENNYSLVANIA MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY", NOT A WATER OR SEWER AUTHORITY. It was originally lease-back authority when it was spread to various communities it could not be a lease-back authority. They are not required to report to one soul, the only responsibility that council has is to appoint members to serve on the authority. No one can go down to the group and give employees direction as to what to do. A lot of friction has been going on. Proceed slowly. Mentioned that what the Borough is doing is illegal and a lot of problems can happen.
Sam again: What is the Borough's procedure?
Robert Brant: Explained how the dissolving would take place after the Borough took over. Will review wording that Jane felt was not legal.
Jane feels that the residents are left standing in the dark as to the legality.
Dick Croyle: Cost to the Borough?
Robert Brant: Council has a list of the assets and liabilities of the Borough Authority. List of things to do: Bond issue, any debt that would need to be settled, right of financing, execute and file deeds, appropriate assignments, bills of sale, identify sewer lines in regard to liabilities, identify any litigation, whether the Authority is operating under any DEP violations, (letter has already been written to Blake Dunbar), escrow accounts, contract DEP, EPA of this issue, prepare applications of issues, PUC. , staff and employee requirements, coordinate benefits/salaries, billing accounts, equipment, financial accounts. This is all a start. Tapping fees are they too high, too low?
Dean Clark of 279 Main Street: Feels that there is a problem with communication. New engineer??
CK: Referred to letters of 6/23/99 and l/l2/00. This is public information if Mr. Clark would like to read.
Sam Schweigert: Chris is the one who wanted to fire the engineers, also Chris needed the necessary water to fill his newly built swimming pool.
Robert Gottshall: Take no action tonight. Go easy.
BMcC: What if the 6" pipe would break? What would the Borough do for water?
Robert Gottshall: Same as you do for any other pipe.
Robert Brant: Feels the Borough should focus on the real issue tonight. Vote or Defer? Discussion is getting out of hand.
MOTIONED BY CHRIS KRAFT AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS WRITTEN.
Vote on Motion: 3 Yes votes (Kraft, Williams, McCollum) 2 Abstain (Katona, Slater) MOTION CARRIED.
Pat Katona: Abstained because she is new on council, hears councils' viewpoint and the authority's viewpoint. This is the first of many steps she needs to be more educated.
Proposed Resolution on adopting a policy against plowing snow from unordained roads located in the Borough.
List of roads: Cherry Street (3rd to 4th), Boyer Alley (end to 3rd), Boyer Alley (3rd to 4th St.), Boyer Alley (4th to end), Fourth St.(Boyer to Cherry St.), Summit Avenue (Woodland to End), Woodland Avenue (Summit Ave. to End), Boulevard Avenue (Highland to Woodland), Pennypacker Lane (which is in subdivsion plan), Mountain View Avenue (Hahn's property to end-Musselman's), Walnut (end to Borough Line) and road going up to Summit.
MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS TO ADOPT THIS RESOLUTION WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE ROADS WILL BE REVIEWED PERIODALLY.
Questions: GWms: Time is built in resolution.
CK: Has opposed this for sometime. Feels that roads need to be ordained, but not prepared to vote on this tonight. Feels every citizen who is involved should receive letters.
BMcC: Letters have been sent by both the secretary and the solicitor.
CK: Had problems last winter. Feels that residents need to express their concerns. The letters should state the condition of their road and what would be required to bring it up to Borough standards.
Bernie: Some residents want their road left alone. The Borough has repeatedly correspondent with residents and this is not a new issue.
Pat: Suggested that Chris work with Nancy to coordinate the letters.
Chris: Will be happy to work on this.
Pat & Gib: Withdrew previous motion.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
STREETS & ROADS: Chris Kraft Nothing to report
PROPERTY: Chris Kraft
Reviewed the zoning and planning actions that Borough has taken with Montgomery County Planning Commission. Borough has entered into a legal contract with MCPC. Need to preserve the historical properties in town. Also, referred to an article in the paper concerning Pennsburg Borough in the demolishing of a building and putting something up on a vacant lot.
Proposal letter to Perkiomen Valley School Board:
This was read aloud which stated the council recommends that the Perkiomen Valley School Board consider razing the existing school (North Elementary School, Schwenksville) and construct a much needed elementary school to service the further reaches of the school district specifically Schwenksville and Lower Frederick Township. This would continue a long and welcomed tradition of public schools in Schwenksville. The borough in the interim already has the capacity to provide the water, sewer, roads, and service as is normal to such an operation.
Should such utilization be contrary to your plans, we request that you consider an amicable transfer of the property to the Schwenksville Borough for our utilization in an open space parkland configuration.
The above letter will go to the PVSchool Board Directors and Dr. Priscilla L. Feir-Superintendent.
MOTIONED BY CHRIS KRAFT AND SECONDED BY PATRICIA KATONA IT WAS VOTED TO SEND THE ABOVE LETTER. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
FINANCE: Gilbert Williams Has the Actual to Budget figures and will be reporting back to council next month.
PARK BOARD: Tom Snyder
Grant is being held up due to the ground situation.
Proposed resolution: Amending the rules and regulations governing the use of the Community Meadow Park and Pavilion, permitting its use by all persons regardless of their place of residence.
MOTIONED BY CHRIS KRAFT AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO ADOPT THIS RESOLUTION. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
PK: Who schedules the park reservations? NEppley: She does after conferring with Tom Snyder.
Tom Snyder: New parking and handicap signs have to be put in.
STREET LIGHTING: Barbara Slater Nothing to report
POLICE LIAISON: Pat Katona Still hasn't heard anything on the Grant.
FIRE COMPANY LIAISON: Pat Katona Nothing on a meeting. There will be a Easter Breakfast on Easter morning.
BOROUGH MANAGER: Tom Snyder
Street Sweeping: Has received 2 quotes ($70. & $75. Per hour) from Delaware Valley Milling and Ziggy. Borough had DE Valley last year, they will be close by next week if we can get them otherwise there would be a moving time cost. Carroll was wondering about sidewalks, could an item be put in the paper re: cleaning of sidewalks by residents before the street cleaning begins? Pat wondered How long the job will take. Tom said that between l l/2 days to 3 depending on including Main Street.
MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY PATRICIA KATONA IT WAS VOTED TO SET A COST NOT TO EXCEED $2,000.00. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
Banners: All banner installations across roads/streets must have insurance coverage. The Borough is covered and permission must be secured from Tom Snyder before any banners go up. Each banner situation is an individual issue. Per Tom Snyder, Bell Atlantic and PECO are aware of banners, they have installed cables for the putting up of banners. Pat doesn't have a problem with the holidays lights.
Borough Hall Chairs: 2 chairs have already been repaired, this was done on a trial basis. Council is happy with the work done.
MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO HAVE THE REMAINER OF THE CHAIRS FINISHED. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
CORRESPONDENCE: Nancy Eppley
May 5th: Spring Mountain Master Plan Public Meeting at the Upper Salford Township Building at 7 p.m.
Borough's Association Meeting: April 27th at Pennsburg. Topic: Nile Virus
Update on Trash Delinquent Accounts have been distributed to council. Stronger letters will be going out to those few remainding delinquent residents. Liens remain as stated.
Trash billings: Bernie explained how the billing of extra toters and Commercial are being billed. Felt that an administrative cost should be added and Nancy was told to put the same charge that the Borough Authority used when they sent out the trash bills quarterly.
Tom wishes to clarify that the Commercial properties are subsidizing themselves except for the toters. Bins under his proposal paid extra, prices were leveled off.
GWms: As the mix changes the Borough may not be making a lot as far as revenue goes. Suggests reviewing the situation in another six months and see what happens.
BMcC: Needs a motion. GWms: There was a motion a month or so ago which he proposed.
TS: Explained his previous proposal that he and Barbara made up.
Nancy: Not following that proposal, now following the GWms proposal.
TS: Feels C. should not be paying the administrative cost of $2.50.
Nancy explained that it would not reflect in future billings.
OLD BUSINESS: Nothing
NEW BUSINESS: Chris Kraft
Street Lighting: Can be get a cheaper rate by going with some other company rather than PECO? Barbara was asked to call around for rates.
Chris spoke briefly on Flood Plain Maps: Public should look at the maps and present there appeals if need be.
MAYOR CARROLL ROSENBERGER: Nothing to report
AUDIENCE:
Joe O'Neill: Whose fault is it that the some roads are not ordained? What is going to happen in the winter to these private, unordained roads, how will emergency vehicles or emergency personnel get to any emergency should there be one?
BMcC: Those residents on private ordained roads have been sent letters and very, very few responded. Suggested calling "9ll".
No other business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy J. Eppley
May 5, 2000