BOROUGH OF SCHWENKSVILLE, PA

COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF: August 10, 2000 7:30 p.m. Ended: 9:30 p.m.

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

Secretary, Nancy Eppley called the roll.

All of the following were present: Bernard McCollum, Chris Kraft, Patricia Katona, Gilbert Williams, and Barbara Slater. Absent was Mayor, Carroll Rosenberger.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: By the assembly.

Dispense with the reading of the minutes of July 13, 2000: MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO DISPENSE WITH THE READING OF THE MINUTES OF JULY 13, 2000. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

Approval of the minutes of July 13, 2000: MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JULY 13, 2000 WITH THE FOLLOWING CORRECTIONS:

Page 3: Next to the last paragraph: A little more clarification is needed. Referring to Miller, Kraft and Snyder working on the surveying. This refers to the Perkiomen Trail and Open Space.

Page 5: The word "dame" should be "dam".

Page 5: Status of the Authority: Chris didn't hear Bernie saying the "everything seems to be agreed upon". In reviewing the minutes, this stated was mentioned on the tape.

Nancy mentioned that she incorrectly wrote: $75.00 for the pager under Chief Hoppes report. Amount should be $155.00 each.

WITH THE CORRECTIONS, THE MINUTES WERE APPROVED. ALL WERE IN FAVOR.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/TREASURER'S REPORT: Nancy Eppley

For councils' review tonight: Deposit detail for the Month of July, Disbursement Report for August, Statement of Revenues and Expenditures to Budget Comparison from January 1 though August 10, 2000.

Schedule of Cash as of August 10, 2000. All accounts: $612,943.27.

There is an additional expenditure tonight that being the new meeting room table in the amount of $1,698.00.

MOTIONED BY BARBARA SLATER AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE THE ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND TREASURER'S REPORT AS PRESENTED. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

POLICE REPORT: Chief Tim Hoppes

For the Month of July: Complains received: 29 (listed the various types), Ticket Log, Citation Log 7, PA State Police activity-12 incidents, and finally the Chief's monthly hours.

Chief Hoppes spoke on the Weight Restrictions and the enforcement of such. Signs are well posted. Trouble with traffic coming into the Borough from Township Line Road and Limerick Road. Chief has spoken with PennDot and some restrictions were removed since the roadways have not been showing wear and tear as previously noted. The chief will be speaking to neighboring municipalities to see what can be done and also to see if an alternate truck route can be gotten.

Presented a proposal for a new computer system: His old one is practically maxed out, its capabilities are at its limit. Would like to bring system up to date and also buy some new programs, manuals. Has gotten prices from Gateway ($3,400.), Kehtron ($3,600.), and Dell ($4,000.).

MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO AUTHORIZE AN EXPENDITURE OF NOT BE EXCEED $5,000. ON THIS PROPOSAL. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

Question: What if the Computer Grant comes through, can the Borough reimburse that amount to this expenditure after paying this out of the Borough' budget? Mr. Brant mentioned that the grant might specify the terms.

Alarms: Enforce the State Crime Code, will handle for Schwenksville.

North Elementary School: Security in place, alarm still active, matter settled.

Street Numbering for the Spring Mount Summit Condos: There is a summary of the meeting in councils' boxes. There will be a meeting on August 17^th.

FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT: No one present, No report

AMBULANCE REPORT: Presented by Nancy Eppley

Month of July: Number of calls for Schwenksville Borough: 17 Year to date: 120

Events: Year 2000 fund drive in progress, free blood pressures taken at their station and 2001 entertainment coupon books are coming.

SOLICITOR'S REPORT: Robert Brant

Suburban Cable: Will be going back to them within the month and incorporate all avenues for revenue.

Proposed Sign Amendment: Sign Illumination to be added to the end of Article XVII. This was brought to council attention by Gib for their review. Every sign that the Borough has now would be "grandfathered". Mr. Brant would look at this proposed amendment and see if it fits in with what the Borough now has, and council could have him authorize to advertise for possible adoption.

MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY CHRIS KRAFT IT WAS VOTED TO HAVE THE SOLICITOR REVIEW AND IF EVERYTHING IS IN ORDER HAVE HIM PREPARE THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR REVIEW OF COUNCIL AND POSSIBLE ADOPTION. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

STREETS & ROADS: Chris Kraft

Carroll Engineering Letter of August 9^th: They will propose to prepare documentation for use in the Ordination of Boyer Alley between 3^rd and 4^th Streets and between 3^rd Street and its termination for a fee not to exceed $1,000.00. The fee would not include physical survey or any legal costs associated with the process. Bob Brant explained that his costs would be kept at minimal.

MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY CHRIS KRAFT IT WAS VOTED TO EXPEND UP TO $1,500.00 FOR THE PREPARATION IN THE ORDINATION OF BOYER ALLEY BWETWEEN THIRD AND FOURTH STREETS AND BETWEEN THIRD STREET AND ITS TERMINATION. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED

FINANCE: Gilbert Williams

Will be starting the 2001 budget in September. Council members were reminded to think of their "Wish List".

PROPERTY: Chris Kraft

Carroll Engineering Letter of August 10^th: They have field located the desired location of the revised lot line with the Borough Authority property. They are proceeding with the preparation of a subdivision plan to include the Authority's property and subdivision of the firehouse property to provide a fee simple access to the park. They will be doing a survey in conjunction with limited topography survey performed, to tie the physical features to the Borough property boundary, which contains a 115 ft. error of closure.

Trail and Utility Corridor: They have scheduled a survey crew to locate stakes to be placed by the Borough personnel. The staked line is intended to be an approximate location of the proposed corridor.

Borough Hall Expansion Project: The topography survey is complete. They are working with Borough Manager to locate fixed property corners to tie the building and topography to the lot corners. Field measurement of the building interior to be completed next week. Ramp layout and structural design will commence after field measurements are obtained. L & I plans will be completed subsequent to the structural design.

In the meantime, Pat Katona suggested that in order to bring some needed renovation to the present borough hall interior that the ladies with the assistance of Tom Snyder proceed with painting, carpeting, removing the present barrier between the meeting room and office, and taking the next door neighbor up on his giving borough hall dividers.

MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO PUT A PLAN TOGETHER, SECURE PRICES AND REPORT BACK TO COUNCIL. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

PARK BOARD: Tom Snyder

Playground Equipment (used) from the school will be installed soon at the meadow and at #4 lot. Will be getting spiral slide, swings and a four seated rider. A quote has been given in the amount of $1,045 to remove equipment and place where mentioned.

There is a water problem in the meadow, it was suggested that Mr. Slater look at this problem. Perhaps a trench should be installed with gravel. It was previously mentioned that Tom Snyder would need $3,000 to buy equipment, but after reviewing found that this is not needed and the money can be put to use to correct the drainage and some accessories that will be needed.

MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY PATRICIA KATONA IT WAS VOTED TO AMEND THE $3,000 FIGURE TO INCLUDE DRAINAGE OF THE CENTENNIAL STREET DITCH AND THE NECESSARY ACCESSORIES FOR THE PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT. THE AMOUNT NEEDED IS NOT TO EXCEED $3,000.00. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED. BARBARA SLATER EXCUSED HERSELF ON THIS VOTE.

STREET LIGHTING: Barbara Slater Nothing to report

FIRE COMPANY LIAISON: Patricia Katona Nothing to report

POLICE COMMITTEE: Patricia Katona Nothing to report

BOROUGH MANAGER: Tom Snyder

Carroll Engineering letter of August 8^th: Pedestrian Crossing Issue on 2^nd Street at Church Street:

Carroll Engineering has investigated the need to provide pedestrian crossings on 2^nd Street at Church. Motorists are traveling too fast and do not yield to pedestrians crossing 2^nd Streets. Surrounding the Church is a library and the church with a day care facility on the east side of 2^nd Street, and a parking lot on the west side of 2^nd Street.

Use of stop signs on 2^nd street in order to slow traffic down for crossing pedestrians is not recommended. Stop signs are not be used for speed control. Carroll Engn. Recommends the installation of crosswalk on 2^nd Street with longitudinal lines for added visibility, Pedestrian Crossing signs and Yield to Peds in Crosswalks Signs. They enclosed details.

Tom Snyder estimated the street markings will cost approximately $2,200.

Bernie questioned why Carroll Engineering gave their opinion on this, shouldn't this subject come before council for their review? Now this is an expense.

MOTIONED BY CHRIS KRAFT AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO IMPLEMENT CARROLL ENGINEERING'S RECOMMENDATIONS. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

Tom mentioned that the signs are$30.00 a piece.

Spring Mount Summit Address: Referring to the "road over the hill". Needs a new name, cannot use Spring Mount, Summit. All parties (post office, Lower Frederick, Schwenksville Borough) must approve of new name. Mr. Brant questioned, Why is the Borough getting involved in naming the street? Tom Snyder said that all the Borough would be doing is suggesting to the Spring Mt. Summit Condo Association and the Townhouse Complex. Mr. Brant don't make this a confusing problem, give suggestion if council has any and then give that suggestion to Spring Mount Summit for their thoughts.

The Borough has a name picked out. It is an historical name that being from the old Schwenk Farm (Hans-Michael).

MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY CHRIS KRAFT IT WAS VOTED TO SUGGEST NAMING THE "ROAD OVER THE HILL", HANS-MICHAEL. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

Mountain View Avenue: Work is 95-97% completed. Top soil is needed, sealing was done but not properly. There has been no request for payment. Dirt needs to be removed, not a pleasant situation up on Mt. View Avenue. Plan on paving October or November. Estimate would be roughly $12,000. Can't pave until the water line gets in. Surveying started today.

MOTIONED BY CHRIS KRAFT AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO AUTHORIZE THE PREPARATION OF SPECS TO GO OUT FOR BIDS FOR PAVING. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

Bernie did question paving near driveways. Tom mentioned that the paving would go up to the driveways.

Cleaning of Grates: There is some confusion. There is an open order for the Authority to clean the tops of grates. If they are not cleaned, dirt goes to the bottom, then a work order has to go out for an outside contractor to do the bottom work. The drain on Main is PennDot's problem.

It was suggested that Chief Hoppes in his travels to report any problem that needs to be done to Nancy in the office. She is then to make up a work order for getting the work done. Tom reported that after any rain he goes personally and checks the grates.

Smith Road Problem: Mr and Mrs John Giarroco and the Hayes brothers were presented tonight to speak about the problem on the road. Mr. Giarroco stated that the drain has not been cleaned out and trash and runoff water is coming onto his property and washing away stone. Mentioned that the road has been closed for 50 years. Any work done on the road has been done by him. Now, he is concerned because two homes are anticipated on being constructed.

Mr. Hayes is the adjacent property owner and disagrees that the road has not been closed for 50 years. The only water that appears is from very heavy rains or hurricanes. It has not been abandoned, and stated that Mr. Giarroco has created problems.

Tom Snyder told the board that there is a trash gate, but street is not ordained.

Robert Brant suggested that council not act tonight until all data is presented. Feels that this is a private matter and the Borough should stay out of this situation. Tom was instructed to give council a memo. A letter also was received from realtor, Nelson Swartley requesting what to do in this situation.

MAYOR'S REPORT: Carroll was absent tonight, no report

OLD BUSINESS: Chris Kraft Has concerns with the operation of Borough Council and the relationship with the Borough Authority. There is a serious problem with understanding. Chris stated that as a scientist, he deals in facts. He has composed a letter which he felt should be read, but was advised by Mr. Brant to summarize his feelings as stated in the letter. Some of the discussion occurred in executive sessions. Chris stated that he had a problem with a statement that was mentioned by Pat Katona, he has been interrupted by council president, Bernie McCollum and feels that Bernie's statements lack fact. Chris personally has spoken to all council members individually on these problems. Has assumed that Pat and Bernie have been dealing with the Borough Authority privately, of which, both stated that they have not . This question was also referred to Sam Schweigert of the Authority Board who stated that both Pat and Bernie have not discussed any issues with him. Chris feels that he has tolerated the dictatorial actions and methods of Bernie long enough, feels that Bernie should conduct meetings in a civilized manner, stated that Bernie has forgotten things past and everyone needs reminders. There is also the matter of Bernie's behavior towards Borough Manager, Tom Snyder which he feels serious accusations have been made toward Tom and Bernie refuses to discuss the issue.

Bernie stated how he felt in the past in reference to the Borough Authority based on statements given by Chris. Bernie now feels that there is dialogue between the Borough Authority and Borough Council. They as the council are an independent board.

Bunt Letter: Pat referred to the letter from Ray Bunt concerning the Park Grant. The Borough is in jeopardy of any future grants unless the Park Grant is settled. Should the Borough return the money plus interest to wipe the slate clean or what? Bob met with Bernie earlier this week, then Bob spoke with Tom who has found additional documentation. Bob will speak with Larry Massey and clean up any loose ends if needed. The deed is a big factor and once this is gotten things will probably work out.

Additional Help: For Tom Snyder. Pat suggested hiring a building inspector to help Tom who is overworked and overtaxed. Barbara who is in charge of personnel will speak to Tom about this. There will be no reduction of benefits for Tom.