BOROUGH OF SCHWENKSVILLE, PA

COUNCIL MEETING: July 13, 2000 Began: 7:30 p.m. Ended: 9:45 p.m.

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

Secretary, Nancy Eppley called the roll.

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

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: By the assembly.

Dispense with the reading of the minutes of June 8, 2000: MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY BARBARA SLATER, IT WAS VOTED TO DISPENSE WITH THE READING OF THE JUNE 8^TH MINUTES. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

Approval of the minutes of June 8, 2000: MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY CHRIS KRAFT IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JUNE 8^TH. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/TREASURER'S REPORT: Nancy Eppley

Council has before them tonight a report on the General Disbursements, Liquid Fuels/Motor License Disbursements, Deposit Detail for the month and a Revenue/Expenditure Report from January to tonight's meeting.

The only bills not paid are the Carroll Engineering Bill which has some unpaid balance from last month and an uncompleted approval for this month also just received this afternoon a Keenan, Ciccitto, Brant legal bill.

MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO PAY THOSE BILLS PRESENTED, PLUS THE TREASURER WAS INSTRUCTED TO PAY THE CARROLL BILL AND THE KEENAN, CICCITTO, BRANT BILL THAT. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

POLICE REPORT: Chief Tim Hoppes

Chief Hoppes explained his detailed report for the month of June. His complete report is on file at Borough Hall. A discussion on false alarms took place and a letter was drafted and will be going to those who turn in a false alarm. Gib Williams questioned the school door incident. Chief Hoppes did investigate and found the door to the broiler room ajar plus the interior door was also open. Found no evidence of any foul play. He contacted the County to dispatch, but got no response. Alarm System was not turned on. It was suggested that Chief Hoppes contact school officials and leave them know the ramifications that could occur.

New pager: This would be a single unit. A one-time cost of $155.00, plus an additional fee for phone of $2.00 per month. Tim is not quite ready to proceed with this until some questions are answered.

Spring Mount Summit Condo emergency call for help for a victim: Concern arises for getting help for any emergency problem at the Condo because of the numbering system. Address is 351 Centennial , but the buildings and the units are not easily identified. There was an incident recently (heart problem), fortunately help got there in time and no damage. For those not familiar with the address, etc., it could prove to be a problem.

MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO HAVE CHIEF HOPPES ATTEND A MEETING AT THE SUMMIT TO IDENTIFY THIS PROBLEM AND BRING BACK TO COUNCIL FOR THEIR INPUT. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

The Local Boy Scout Troop were in attendance tonight working on their badges. We welcome them.

FIRE COMPANY REPORT: Scott Angstadt

Calls for May: 0, Calls for June 6.

AMBULANCE REPORT: Larry Politz

Working on their 2000 Fund Drive. Presented Chief Hoppes with an Emergency Medical Kit just in case he gets to the scene of a problem before the Ambulance does. Also, free Blood Pressure testing daily at the Ambulance Building.

SOLICITOR'S REPORT: Loren Szczesny

Proposed Ordinance: Duly advertised. Summarized as follows:

Section 1: Definitions of Disturbing the peace.

Section 2: Prohibits certain actions which constitute disturbing the peace.

Section 3: Provides that person who violates a provision of this Ordinance is guilty of a separate offense for each day or part of a day during which the violation is committed, continued, or permitted and is punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.00.

Discussion followed. Questions on measuring noise. This could get costly in equipment that would be needed for measurement. Chief Hoppes was asked if he has had any experience with this type of ordinance. Yes, and he is comfortable with enforcing the ordinance. Barbara stated a recent problem with one of her neighbors and questioned the day of Sunday especially in her case.

After reviewing the ordinance more fully it was suggested that under section 1 there be a revision and delete the words "on Sundays or on any other weekday". New wording would be "on any day". There were also a few typos which will be corrected. These revisions are minor and it will not be necessary to readvertised

MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY CHRIS KRAFT IT WAS VOTED TO ADOPT THIS ORDINANCE WITH THE CORRECTIONS. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

Other: Pat questioned:

Marie Saks-UniMart Problem: A letter from Bob Brant on this subject. Bernie has since spoken to Bob Brant on this. This is not a Borough problem even though it was referred to Bob for his review. The Borough will be responsible for paying this charge, even though the Borough cannot get reimbursed for this amount.

Yard Sale on Main Street: There is a person who has a continual Yard Sale. Recently, a truck was parked at this place and there was selling done from the truck. What can be done to discourage this in the future? According to Loren, there is a violation, health and safety issues also. The same situation occurs at the gas station in town where fireworks, etc. are being sold. Loren will investigate what can be done.

STREETS/ROADS: Chris Kraft

Repair: Highland Terrace Hole. MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY CHRIS KRAFT IT WAS VOTED TO PAY THE $1,965.00 INVOICE. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

Tree down on Second and Perkiomen Avenue: Truck driver left the scene. State Police called the Borough Hall office to report. Road crew removed the tree which was laying across the resident's property, resident is responsible and will receive a bill.

Mt. View Seeding: Tom will check on.

PROPERTY: Chris Kraft

Chris presented a colored, detailed map: PROPOSED CORRIDOR FOR TRAIL UTILITIES AND OPEN SPACE. This has been to the Planning Commission. Chris spoke to the Montgomery County and they talked on bring the trail back on the drawing board. Trail is in the right of way of the railroad. Surveying needs to be done and a new map should be created before talking to landowners and the County. Must consider a utility right of way. Total acreage is about 7 acres. If acres sell for $3,000. To $5,000. Per acre cost would be between $21,000. And $35,000.00. No appraisals as yet. Borough would pay about 10% to 15% for open space plus engineering and legal cost. Chris suggested floating a note for about $50,000. This might need to be figured in the next few years' budgets.

There needs to be a survey line as far as the right of way exists. Borough never knew where the lines were. As far as money goes for the cost of the survey it will not be considered open space cost, but it would fit in with municipal changes and funding could be gotten. There are avenues to do after as far as costs are concerned. The county might share in the costs. A figure of $45,000 is the figure mentioned for surveying of properties and boundaries. Carroll Engineering will be consulted. Some property owners might even own the bottom of the creek. The Borough will go under the Standard Open Space Program.

Tom mentioned that some of the surveying is done-perhaps $1,500.00 would easily cover. Pat was referring to appraisals when she asked the question. Chris said that he didn't know any of that part. Some properties wouldn't need appraisals. Loren felt $300. To $500. For each. The Borough will need approvals tonight for the meets and bounds, deed for the survey and apply for a subdivision.

MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY CHRIS KRAFT IT WAS VOTED TO SECURE THE MEETS AND BOUNDS AND TO GO FOR SUBDIVISION APPLICATION SPENDING APPROXIMATELY $1,500. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

Nancy wanted clarification on what lands is council speaking of. There was a change in properties mentioned and clarification is needed.

This would be subdividing the present Borough Authority lands at the Schwenksville Meadow where the Waste Water Authority Plant and the Borough Authority property is located. It would utilize the park area.

Pat asked when is all this to be completed. Tom Snyder will talk to Carroll Engineering and it should be done soon. The $1,500.00 will be for subdivision, writing 2 deeds (1 for the Authority and 1 for the Borough.). Roy Miller, Tom Snyder, and Chris Kraft will help work on the surveying., putting in stakes. Surveying would run about $5,000.00. Right now there is no base. Bernie referred to the old railroad surveys.

MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY PATRICIA KATONA IT WAS VOTED TO SPEND A MAXIMUM OF $5,000.00 TO SURVEY AND STAKE THE PERKIOMEN TRAIL FROM ROUTE 73 TO PARK AVENUE. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

Pat is concerned about the Carroll Engineering billing procedure. Chris will be getting back to council with a updated map.

Bernie then mentioned that a 12" pipe would be used for the whole project and bid in the neighborhood of $350,000. Infrastructure Loan needs no extension.

School Property: Gib presented a letter (copy of file at Borough Hall Office). He read the proposed letter to the members of the Perkiomen Valley School Board. In conclusion in his letter the council would like to see a new school on the present site or have open space.

Dr. Shainline: Rezoned property. Dr. Shainline needs some clarification. At one time his property was zoned Commercial, now it is Business/Professional. This rezoning was done in 1993 as an overall project. Chris will respond via letter to Dr. Shainline.

Borough Hall Renovations: Confusion on the spending for architectural plans. Chris mentioned that there was to be a letter sent to Carroll Engineering telling them to proceed. They discontinued doing any work because they thought that the Borough did not wish them to continue. Bernie mentioned that no one told them to stop and no letter was ever requested to be written. A letter will now go to them requesting that no more than $10,000.00 is to be spent on these plans and they are to keep in mind the money that has already been spent. Pat felt that $10,000.00 will not touch the cost of these plans. Also, to date no plans have been shown to council. Tom Snyder mentioned that the building has been measured, the cellar reviewed and found that the ceiling is too low for an office, etc.

Furniture (table) for council meetings: Discussion on the finish for the table, matching chairs and floor. Bernie reviewed the furniture situation from start to finish.

FINANCE: Gilbert Williams

Would like to start the 2001 Budget review around September 30^th. Chris mentioned that he could work on the cost of the trail via two phases.

Pat asked if the money has been received from the County for the Mt. View Project. Yes, per Nancy and it is back in the Savings Account.

Pat also mentioned that Trappe Borough has been approached by Harleysville National Bank in reference to investing monies in that bank since the return on monies will be more than Plgit which also Schwenksville Borough invests in. Could there be a joint meeting or would Schwenksville Borough be interested in meeting with officials to see what HNB has to say. Gib would be willing to meet with them, perhaps before the Planning Commission Meeting next week.

Mt. View Avenue (any monies due). Yes, per Tom Snyder. There is around $10,000.00 still that will be due Mast Construction. There is still some work to be done before this money can be released.

PARK BOARD: Tom Snyder

Swings: Replacement Seats are needed. Tom requests $3,000.00. Pat suggested buying the swings and have the company send the Borough a bill. Questioned on how many replacement seats are needed, $3,000.00 is a pretty high figure.

STREET LIGHTING: Barbara Slater

Nothing on changing supplier for street lighting. Most companies are giving up this venture and PECO is mainly the largest and cheapest supplier. There was a street light out at Summit/Highland and Miller Electric was called to replace.

FIRE COMPANY LIAISON: Pat Katona Nothing to report

POLICE COMMITTEE: Pat Katona Nothing to report

BOROUGH MANAGER: Tom Snyder

McKim property for sale, but there was a little problem with the road being blocked. Now is open.

Four (4) weed letters were sent out.

Clossin-Schwenk: Sidewalks. Schwenk property would like to have relief from the putting in of sidewalks. Referred this to the solicitor.

Ortino (UniMart) and Service Station will be getting permits for new signs. These properties are not grandfathered. Will have to come before council.

1 House Permit given out and 1 is in process.

Addition to a house on Mine Hill and Hillcrest Avenue is in process.

2 Commercial trash customers coming into the Borough trash system. (service station and Unimart).

Grading and Seeding of Mt. View 70% complete, paving required. Mt. View/Main ready for PennDot approval.

Gnats: has received several suggestions. Not much can be done without expensive/and going to a lot of work.

3^rd Street Grant: Approved. Borough Hall not approved.

Grant Denials: Police Computer, Swings, Borough Hall Entrance.

4^th Street Clossin: Sewage Planning Modules. Will be tied into the sewage plant, must run by gravity.

CORRESPONDENCE: Nancy Eppley Nothing to report

OLD BUSINESS/NEW BUSINESS: Nothing

NOTE: BERNIE MENTIONED THAT A SHORT EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE HELD FOLLOWING TONIGHT'S MEETING. VARIOUS SUBJECTS.

Status on the Authority: Everything seems to be agreed upon, things are working out between the Borough and the Authority. Bids are out, pipes are in, pumps recirculated, #6 hooked up for water (emergency). Chris suggested raising the dam for water level, would be a fast supply, but there are some items that are still not being addressed, per Chris.

MAYOR'S REPORT: Carroll Rosenberger

1 wedding performed. Presented to council a flag from the PS of A.

All business having been completed, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Nancy J. Eppley, Secretary