BOROUGH
OF SCHWENKSVILLE, PA
COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 9, 2000
The Schwenksville Borough Council Meeting was called to order by Council President, Bernard McCollum.
Roll call by Nancy Eppley:
Bernard McCollum: Present
Chris Kraft: Absent (arrived at the meeting approximately 8:00 p.m.)
Patricia Katona: Present
Gilbert Williams: Absent
Barbara Slater: Present
Mayor, Carroll Rosenberger: Present
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: By the assembly.
DISPENSE WITH THE READING OF THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 10, 2000:
MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY CHRIS KRAFT IT WAS VOTED TO DISPENSE WITH THE READING OF THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 10, 2000. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 10, 2000:
MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY BARBARA SLATER IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 10, 2000. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Nancy Eppley
Disbursement Report for the General Fund and the Liquid Fuels Account have been passed out for review.
MOTIONED BY CHRIS KRAFT AND SECONED BY BARBARA SLATER IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE THE ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AS PRESENTED. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
TREASURER'S REPORT: Nancy Eppley
Deposit Detail, Receipts/Expenditures to date per budget have been passed out for review.
MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY BARBARA SLATER IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE THE TREASURER'S REPORT AS PRESENTED. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
PK: Noticed that there is a gap in the checks written last month to this month. Those two checks in question were to Gilbert Williams and Bell Telephone which were approved at the last meeting for payment. Nancy will speak to Kimmel Lorah and see if this can be shown in the future, she also noticed this and was wondering about it.
POLICE REPORT: Chief Frank Holden
Month of February 2000: Combined Local/State Police incidents: 5l Frank's complete detailed report is on file at the Borough Hall for review.
FIRE COMPANY REPORT: Jim Keyser
Report for l999 Year End presented and a report from Scott Angstadt, Fire Chief for the Month of February: Total calls: 9
AMBULANCE REPORT: No report, No one present
SOLICITOR'S REPORT: Loren Szczesny is our solicitor for this evening, filling in for Robert Brant.
l)
Resolution: Amending
the rules/regulations governing the use of the Schwenksville Community Meadow
Park and Pavilion, permitting its use by all persons regardless of their place
of residence. Since council members
only received this tonight, they wish to read and discuss later.
Tom Snyder mentioned that council needs to adopt this resolution so that the
grant can be finally processed.
PK: letter received from Mr. Masey states that the Grant and future grants are in jeopardy. Also, Mr. Masey would like to see more documentation than he has received so far. Pat seriously doubts that the Borough will receive any more money. She doesn't have a problem with the resolution.
BMcC: Would like to see the application that was filled out by Tom Snyder.
CK: Question on the users of the Park. Issue: Refunding money to the state.
2) Resolution on Snow Plowing: Concerning unordained streets. Resolution can be changed as streets
added. Bernie mentioned that the streets mentioned are no correct. He also mentioned that private
road residents had the chance to have the streets plowed if all the residents residing on that road
signed off.
CK: list incorrect, should be reviewed later.
3) Suburban Cable: Contract has been signed, but owing to the fact that digital and telephone services
have been added, perhaps more money will be coming to the Borough. Loren will check this out.
STREETS AND ROADS: Chris Kraft
Spring Mount Summit: Third Street
Long discussion on this problem.
BMcC: Engineer tells the Summit what will need to be done, then Borough checks out. There were meetings between Tom Snyder, Sue Kuhn (previous council), and Bernie concerning bringing the road in question up to specifications.
PK: Third Street unordained, why is Borough doing anything until it is up to specs.
CK: Developers responsibility, Tom is constantly checking.
PK: If Tom is inspecting and something goes wrong, Borough is responsible. That is why the engineer should inspect and then if something goes wrong, they are responsible.
TS: If Borough follows procedure, nothing would be done on Mt. View. He named streets that need to be done in the Borough.
BMcC: Procedure changed when Sue Kuhn and Joan Giunta were on the board.
TS: Motion was made but never passed.
BMc: Never okayed for the Borough to do anything on Third Street, up to Spring Mt. Summit.
CK: Where are we now? Who is going to check engineer? Chris said that he wouldn't approve anything unless it was properly check.
TS: Since ground rules have changed, Borough must now decide how to handle problem.
PK: Ground rules located in the Subdivision/Land Development Ordinance.
TS: Explained Cherry Street and Boyer Alley. Referred to a 1876 map. Suggested stopping all work until things are settled. Mine Hill Road is not ordained since 1973 when it was annexed from Lower Frederick.
CK: Suggested meeting with Borough Engineer and Tom Snyder to check controls that are needed.
BMcC: Suggested checking Municipal Code Book.
CK: Drilling holes gets expensive. Modify procedure if needed.
PK: Should get review letter on progress and proceed as indicated. Recommends engineer who has a P.E. degree. Things can get costly.
CK: Defer issue and work on getting things straighten out.
BMcC: Sue Kuhn mentioned that Tom should check-but have the engineer look at as to what is needed to bring road up to standards.
CK: Review letters from engineer. He and Tom making a priority list of streets, roads, and property.
PROPERTY: Chris Kraft Nothing tonight.
BMcC: Engineering has been done on some roads. Grant money cannot be used for engineering and legal work.
TS: Can't apply for grants on unordained streets.
PK: Questioned the map on the wall.
TS: It is a preliminary map of the Borough., corrections are required. Drawn by Ken Yerger, signature does not appear until it is official.
PK: Shouldn't the Planning Commission review the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances on Third Street. This also is spelled out in the Land Development Ordinance.
CK: Have engineer there, have engineer look at road and then drill holes to see if it is up to Borough specifications.
PK: Other roads?
CK: Talk to the engineer concerning what procedures need to be done.
PARK BOARD: Tom Snyder
Wasn't present at the meeting but understood that items discussed are as follows:
l. Board recommends change in rules.
2. Entrance to the park (refer to letter at B.Hall)
3. Grant application: Some problems will still need to be worked out. Applied for a grant for swings, various playground equipment. The Borough has been notified that no further grants will be given out until this grant is settled. Tom mentioned that some of the invoices were combined with other Borough business.
PK: Re: Swings, will they be in the floodplain?
CK: Explained the floodplain.
PK: Are the swings approved by the State?
CK: Yes, not a problem.
TS: Purchase on a "Piggyback" Program
CK: Chances are that the swings would not be damaged should a l00 year flood occur.
PK: Is sure that the State will not honor our grants, until everything is finalized.
TS: Wants this straighten out once and for all. Fire Co. gets involved also.
CK: Suggested tabling this subject until later.
TS: Is sure that Schwenksville will get this grant.
STREET LIGHTING: Barbara Slater No report tonight
Trash: Presented for council's review a proposed breakdown on Commercial pickups.
BMcC: Commercial is already receiving a better price by going with the Borough. Commercial businesses are passing this cost onto the people who buy various things at those businesses.
PK: Commercial is Profit Making
CK: The contract will not be finished for 2 more years.
PK: Mentioned that she will go along with this proposal at the present time.
MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY CHRIS KRAFT TO GO ALONG WITH THIS PROPOSAL. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
Also PK mentioned that when the Borough renegotiates that council consider NO COMMERCIALS AND NO APARTMENTS OVER 3-5 UNITS.
FIRE COMPANY: Patricia Katona No report
POLICE COMMITTEE: Patricia Katona No report
Grant: Has Frank received any information on this for his department. No, per Frank Holden.
BOROUGH MANAGER: Tom Snyder
Second Street Repaired
Street Sweeping: Estimated cost $1,800. MOTIONED BY CHRIS KRAFT AND SECONDED BY PAT KATONA IT WAS VOTED TO HAVE TOM SNYDER GO OUT FOR BIDS FOR CLEANING BOROUGH STREETS. IT WAS ALSO MENTIONED THAT HE CONTACT PENN DOT FOR THE SWEEPING OF MAIN STREET (THAT PORTION (Main Street) THEY PAY FOR. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
PK: Drains, are they cleaned regularly?
TS: Yes
Croyle Property: Needs Land Development Plan. He plans to improve 2 properties and bring them together.
PK: Has this been before the Planning Commission?
No answer on this.
Permits: Building permit Pleasant View: (Cedar Valley)
Pool Permit: Mountain View Ave.
Garage Permit: 731 Main Street
Projects: Mt. View pre-construction meeting required.
Easements of Mt. View
HUD review
Curb Cut Milling (Main Street/Jo Gill Property)
Third Street inspection
Worked 70 February 14th to March 8, 2000.
CORRESPONDENCE: Nancy Eppley
Lower Perkiomen Little League Opening Day Parade: Would like a representative from the Borough present.
Monthly meeting of the Borough's Association: Anyone interest see Nancy.
Trash: Letters went out to those residents who owed amounts as of December 3lst. Of the $8,200 which is owed to the Borough, a good portion has been paid. There are several liens existing. Residents have until April l5th to pay the outstanding bill.
State Seminar: June l8-2l Cost: $l75.00
OLD BUSINESS: Nothing
NEW BUSINESS: CK: Attended dinner and program: Perkiomen Valley Watershed. Borough received a plaque for their help in preserving Open Space. Chris will be bringing the picture in for Borough Hall.
PK: Renovations: Borough Hall?
CK: Table ordered, Chairs (2) out for staining.
TS: Grant applied for.
BMcC: Date??
TS: Changes in security at prison.
Nancy Eppley: Heard mentioned that it could take a few months. Probably March sometime.
MAYOR'S REPORT: Carroll Rosenberger No report
PUBLIC: Nothing
Executive Meeting following regular meeting tonigiht.
RESULTS: Executive Meeting
10:25 P.M. Read the Resignation of Frank Holden as Chief of Police in Schwenksville Borough.
10:27 P.M. MOTIONED BY CHRIS KRAFT AND SECONDED BY BARBARA SLATER IT WAS VOTED TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF FRANK HOLDEN AS CHIEF OF POLICE IN SCHWENKSVILLE BOROUGH. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
All business having been completed, the meeting was adjourned at l0:30 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Nancy J. Eppley
March 20, 2000
BOROUGH
OF SCHWENKSVILLE
SPECIAL
COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH
17, 2000
BEGAN: 7:00 P.M.
A special meeting was called to order by Council President, Bernard McCollum at 7:00 p.m.
Secretary, Nancy Eppley called the roll.
Present: Bernard McCollum
Chris Kraft
Patricia Katona
Gilbert Williams
Barbara Slater
Absent: Mayor,Carroll Rosenberger (due to an accident, recovering at home)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: By the assembly.
POLICE COMMITTEE: Consisting of Bernie McCollum, Patricia Katona and Mayor Carroll Rosenberger met with an applicant who came highly recommended by retiring Police Chief Frank Holden. The applicant is 38 years old, has been involved in police work for ll l/2 years, meets the criteria of a small town policeman, has continued his education, and has met all tests which would be required. He also is willing to relocate closer to this position. No contract has been written up as of now. It would be up to council to appoint, then have a contract drawn up by Robert Brant, solicitor and passed on to council for their approval.
Chief Holden suggested that it would be best if he could work with this applicant for a week or so before Chief Holden leaves his job in order to get used to the Borough. May 5th would be Frank Holden's last day as Police Chief.
There also would be a 6 month probation period for the Borough and for the applicant.
GW: Would like applicant to move closed to the Borough, now or in the near future.
PK: That was covered as previously mentioned. Very impressed with what she heard, the fact that the applicant is continuing his education is a plus.
CK: Surprised at the quick action. Notice of a replacement did not get in the papers until this week. Chris has received many comments from residents as to the need for a replacement. Now Chris states the council has the opportunity to pursue other avenues. Nothing against the applicant. Would like to defer the issue. If council wants to appoint tonight, Chris would vote NO.
BMcC: Borough needs to hire soon, as applicant may have the opportunity to be hired elsewhere. Bernie feels that the candidate is excellent, can't see any difficulty, everything is in order. Can be discussed in Executive session tonight and appoint after that convenes.
CK: Opposes the action, still nothing against the applicant. Hearing that the applicant might accept another position doesn't change Chris's mind.
PK: Feels very good about applicant, Doesn't feel that there is a need to advertise and she for one doesn't want to sit thru interview upon interview. The candidate was recommended by Frank Holden
MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS TO MAKE A COMMITMENT TO THE APPLICANT AND TO GO AHEAD AND MAKE AN OFFER NOT A HIRE AND TO HAVE THE SOLICITOR REVIEW A CONTRACT.
Question on the motion:
CK: Mentioned staggered hours. Listen to the citizens of our town, they have concerns.
GWMs: Have an Executive Session, listen to Chris's concerns. Might be able to vote tonight.
CK: Would feel forced if he had to vote tonight, might go along.
LorenSzcesny, Solicitor: Suggested tabling to after the Executive Session.
PK: Motion not locked in until all settled.
APPOINTING ALTERNATE TO THE ZONING HEARING BOARD:
MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY CHRIS KRAFT IT WAS VOTED TO APPOINT CLYDE DRIEHAUS AS AN ALTERNATE TO THE ZONING HEARING BOARD. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
Clyde will replace James Dull as alternate to the Zoning Hearing Board. Jim resigned the post due to a conflict that he also serves on the Borough Authority.
BOROUGH AUTHORITY:
Chris has written a letter to the Borough Authority Board concerning the Dissolution of the Borough Municipal Authority. Chris read the letter aloud, copy of this in its entirely is on file at Borough Hall. Also, presented is a proposed ordinance signifying the Borough's intent and desire to acquire all of the projects and assets of the Authority pursuant to Section l8A of the Municipal Authorities Act of l945.
Loren: To have a takeover, any outstanding debt has to be retired. There will probably be a need for a financial advisor as to what is the best plan. At the present time, there is enough money in the accounts at the Authority to meet various needs. Eventually the mortgage can be retired.
CK: We should attempt to negotiate so that cash is left.
PK: Do we have a financial statement?
Loren: l998 is the latest.
Tom Snyder: l999 due in May
CK: This has also been talked about for sometime and nothing accomplished.
MOTIONED BY CHRIS KRAFT AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO AUTHORIZE THE SOLICITOR TO ADVERTISE THIS PROPOSED ORDINANCE FOR ADOPTION AT THE NEXT MEETING. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
PK: How long with this process take?
Loren: No idea, needs to be thought out very carefully, feels that 6 months is on the low side, might be more if it has to go to court.
CK: Letter to the Authority should go out immediately.
Nancy Eppley: Will go out the first thing on Monday since tonight is Friday.
Tom Snyder: The Authority would like to use money to build a much needed loop from Cemetery Lane up to Zieglerville,
CK: No action on the loop now.
BMcC: Wait until settled.
Tom Snyder: Must start soon.
BMcC: Council is not having any cooperation in receiving reports.
TRASH FUND:
Committee consists of Barbara Slater, Gilbert Williams and Tom Snyder
Since last meeting a new proposal has come forth, outlining different districts, switching toters to dumpsters when a property has too many toters also, requiring fencing around the dumpsters.
PK: Last month she made a motion on the trash proposal, but since not having time to review the last proposal and not understanding it fully she would like to rescind that motion tonight. Feels that the Commercial properties receive a discount by going with the Borough than by going on their own.
MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED NOT TO INCLUDE COMMERCIAL FOR A REDUCED RATE OR GIVE A DEDUCTION.
Vote taken: 4 Yes Votes, l No Vote (Chris Kraft) MOTION CARRIED.
BMcC: Had Nancy check with B.F.I. as to their rates for Commercial do it on their own. Definitely, much higher.
VILLAGE COMMERCIAL:
GWms: Local Planning Commission met with Montgomery County Planning Commission to discuss the new proposed Village-Commercial District. Total cost would be $39,420. Of that cost the County would subsidizes the program 50%, actual cost $19,7l0. 00 over a period of 3 years.
MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY CHRIS KRAFT IT WAS VOTED TO HIRE THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION FOR A 3 YEAR CONTRACT. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
CK: A letter will be forthcoming concerning discussions on the railroad right of way. Received a favorable reply from the solicitor.
PK: Overall plan on the Village/Commercial is good. Village/Commercial will restrict businesses that come along, will address Parking, Open Space.
Gib took on the project and will be the project coordinator All council members agreed.
PUBLIC:
Joe Giunta: Hiring of a new policeman:
Joe is against hiring a full time policeman. Must consider costs. Joe looks at numbers, not getting money's worth . Council should look into sharing with a neighboring municipality. A 5 day, 8 hour shift not effective. Joe referred to years back when the budget was "fat" but local ordinances were not being enforced. Then that problem was addressed by the Code Enforcement Officer. Doesn't want to see those problems again and Joe understands that the state is issuing greater powers to the sheriffs and law enforcement officers.
PK: We need an officer to enforce our codes.
Joe O'Neil: Get a constable
BMcC: Constable can't do.
BMcC: It was recommended to by the community at large in the hiring of a policeman.
Joe Giunta: Did not feel safe living in a community that did not have a policeman. He went along with the council's decision. Wanted to be a team player.
Bill Rubery: Doesn't completely agree with Joe Giunta. Perhaps a joint venture with Lower Frederick. Suggests that council contact LF supervisors and police and get their input.. Be careful of the cost. State police can't cover all over, safety and security of residents at stake.
Steve Sabo: Agrees with Joe Giunta . Do what is best for residents. Take a look at motions that people on council make (referred to tonight's rescinding of a motion).
Bill Rubery: There was more coverage when Bud Kuhn was chief. Always on duty.
GWms: If shared? Will local ordinances be enforced.
Joe Giunta: Can be written into agreement.
PK: money is the criteria. This applicant came highly recommended by Chief Holden.
Joe Giunta: Previous there was a formal screening, it was costly , and took a long time.
Joe O'Neil: Chief Holden hasn't measured up to previous police. If applicant gets the position have him work by himself, not with the chief.
BMcC: Growth and Traffic are concerns today.
Joan Giunta: Agrees with husband, etc. Select someone part time or share with neighboring municipalties.
Joe O'Neil: Police car not to be taken home.
Steve Sabo: Are roads going to be discussed tonight.
BMcC: No, only Third Street was.
CK: Borough has an agenda for roads. Wasn't discussed tonight.
All business having been completed the meeting was adjourned for an Executive Session.
Respectfully Submitted,
Nancy J. Eppley
March 22, 2000
SPECIAL
MEETING (CONTINUED AFTER EXECUTIVE SESSION)
MARCH
17, 2000
Next special meeting will be held on March 23, 2000 at 7:30 p.m. Nancy will advertise same.
TRASH:
GWms: Presented a new proposal for trash billings on Commercial properties and those Residential properties which have more than l toter at their residence.
BMcC: Nancy will bill the residents who have more than l toter each quarter and on the Commercial they will be bill monthly according to the proposal presented.
PK: Rescinding motion previous made: NEW MOTION: MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED NOT TO GIVE A DEDUCTION OF $42.00 TO THE COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS BECAUSE THEY ARE GETTING A SUBSTANIAL AMOUNT IN SAVINGS JUST COMING INTO THE BOROUGH GROUP PLAN. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
GWms: Reviewed the new proposal. Discussion followed concerning the many toters at the Video Store and at Liberty Ministries.
CK: Suggested looking at these properties and see what can be done.
BMcC: At Liberty Ministries there is no room.
GWms: Would like to see Dumpsters at those establishments which have many, many toters and also to put screens around them.
CK: Parking is a problem with dumpsters.
BMcC: How can dumpsters be emptied? Perhaps, Video Store and Liberty Ministries could combine their pickups.
GWms: Problems won't be solved immediately.
PK: Suggested that in the future contract that Commercial is not included.
BMcC: Was strongly against Commercial in the past, done by previous council members.
PK: Billing: Must factor in all administration costs.
GWms: Time alone is costly.
BMcC: There are approximately 22 extra toters out there and about l0 Commercial properties that will need to be built.
ARCHITECT FOR RENOVATING BOROUGH BUILDING:
MOTIONED BY CHRIS KRAFT AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO HAVE CARROLL ENGINEERING ARCHITECT DRAW A PLAN TO RENOVATE THE EXISTING BUILDING. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
PK: Would CE donate their services for this project, afterall, they have been the Borough's engineers for quite awhile . This is not an uncommon practice.
CK: No opinion on this, but he will pursue question with Carroll Engineering.
PK: $5,000. Estimate?? Knows that architects don't come cheap. Doesn't want to give a blank check.
GWms: $7,500.??
BMcC: Have CE give an estimate.
VILLAGE COMMERCIAL:
Local Planning Commission is working with Montgomery County Planning Commission, also according to Chris the Central Historical Society has been reviewing houses in town, and their input will be important.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PHONE:
PECO no longer is going to reimburse the Borough for the EM phone. Nancy will be instructed to write to PECO stating that since they are no longer doing reimbursement, the phone will be disconnected. Ralph Rosenberger, Emergency Management Coordinator is aware of this letter from PECO.
PK: Park Grant?
CK: Will bring up at the next meeting.
PK: Rescinding a motion made on the police officer: MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO RESCIND THE PREVIOUS MOTION. THIS SUBJECT WILL BE BROUGHT UP AGAIN ON MARCH 23, 2000.
All business having been completed, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
Nancy J. Eppley
Secretary
March 24, 2000
SPECIAL
MEETING
MARCH
23, 2000.
A special meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Council President, Bernard McCollum. For the purpose of discussing a matter of replacing a police officer due to the resignation of Chief Frank Holden. This subject and any other business coming before council will be discussed tonight.
Secretary, Nancy Eppley called the roll:
Present: Bernard McCollum, Chris Kraft, Patricia Katona, Gilbert Williams, Barbara Slater and Mayor Carroll Rosenberger.
Pledge of Allegiance: By the assembly
Bernie opened the meeting to the audience and their comments.
Ronald Clossin, Mine Hill Road: Should continue to have police protection. Realizes that this is a costly endeavor but the benefits outway the cost. An officer is needed to enforce the local ordinances besides protection. Would be willing to pay extra for this service.
Roy Miller, Centennial Street: Good idea for police protection, but perhaps council should look into having a regional police force with the neighboring police departments. This position is hard for one person to do.
Joseph Giunta, Mine Hill Road: Spoke at last week's meeting. Cautioned council to not make a hasty decision. Make sure that the residents of the Borough are aware that Chief Holden is being replaced. Lay out a process such as( written studies, comparisons and options). This expenditure is a large part of the yearly budget. After reviewing all things then come to a decision.
Sue Kuhn: Agrees with Mr. Giunta. If and when a move is made to hire someone, make sure that the applicant either moves to the Borough or is in a reasonable radius of the Borough. Certainly has seen the advantage of the Borough having a resident police officer.
Joe O'Neil, Centennial Street: Merge with another municipality. Think things could have been better with the present officer.
PK: Read a statement (copy of its entirety is on file at Borough Hall Office). Pat mentioned that she was part of a committee of 3 and personally conducted her own survey with a number of residents of the Borough. Based on her own canvassing of the residents, she believes that the reasons to continue with community police protection are weightier than terminating community police protection. She therefore, made the following motion.
MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED FOR DISCUSSION BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT VOTED TO CONTINUE POLICE PROTECTION, HIRE THE INDIVIDUAL RECOMMENDED BY THE COMMITTEE CONDITIONAL THAT AN AMICALBLE CONTRACT/AGREEMENT BE WORKED OUT AND APPROVED BY THE SOLICITOR.
Before council voting on this by the entire council, the following was discussed.
CK: Has applicant been asked if he would move to the Borough or within a radius of the Borough?
PK: Yes
GWms: Would like to see 2-5 miles of the Borough. What would be the time frame?
Loren Szczesny, solicitor for tonight brought to councils' attention that the applicant would be on probation for 6 months, after that time is over council can give timing of this relocation its attention.
CK: Would like the motion to be amended to incorporate having the applicant move to or near the Borough.
PK: Mentioned that in her phone calls and visits to the residents, she heard many good things about Bud Kuhn police officer years back.
PK: Would rescind her previous motion and make a new one.
MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO HIRE THE APPLICANT PROVIDING THAT A CONTRACT/AGREEMENT AND WITH THE CONDITION THAT THE APPLICANT ESTABLISH RESIDENCE IN THE BOROUGH OR WITHIN A RADIUS OF A SHORT DISTANCE OF THE BOROUGH. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
GWms: How long do contracts usually run?
Loren: About 3 years at the most, they vary.
BMcC: Read a commendation letter from the Chief of Police-Pottstown Borough recommending Timothy Hopps. Mayor Rosenberger mentioned that she in her duties of a previous District Judge had opportunity to meet the Chief of Police of Pottstown and has upmost respect for him.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Borough Authoity: A resolution is being drawn up stating that the Schwenksville Borough will be taking necessary measures to acquire the Borough Authority.
BMcC: Appointed Chris Kraft and Gilbert Williams to serve on a committee for a smooth changeover.
CK: Feels there will not be any problems. Chris mentioned that a letter came from Blake Dunbar, attorney for the Authority asking that any communication be made via Fred Kehs, manager at the Authority.
While the Borough continues to seek acquisition of the Authority, the Borough would expect the Authority to make no major expenditures without consulting them first. Also, no further drilling. It was mentioned that in the Pennypacker area some drilling might be done. The Borough wants to make sure that any water that is gotten remains with the residents and muncipalties involved. There is no knowledge of cost in crossing the creek. It would definitely be expensive if this would happen.
BS: Didn't know of any drilling nearby.
CK: The Borough doesn't have any knowledge of what the Authority is doing. There is a letter from Fred Kehs on the Infrastructure money.
BMcC: Cease and Desist any operations.
Loren: The Borough has the right to seek Court action, a injunction could be filed against the Authority.
CK: If we encounter any problems the Borough will take appropriate steps.
BMcC: The Borough Authority employees are worried about their jobs. There is no intention of them losing their jobs.
CK: Doesn't anticipate any problems considering the nature of the situtation.
BS: Rig coming in? Where did the idea come from?
CK: Probably using the advice of a geologist to locate well sites. Tom Snyder attended the meeting at the Authority and tried to help.
BMcC: Fred Kehs mentioned that there are 7 sites.
GWms: Financial statement?
Tom Snyder & Nancy Eppley: Usually get these in May each year.
BMcC: Reminded Loren to leave Bob Brant know that he is be in contact with Blake Dunbar.
CK: Concerned with the cost of crossing the Creek, there are a lot better places to drill.
Having all business completed, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy J. Eppley
Secretary
April 3, 2000