BOROUGH OF SCHWENKSVILLE, PA

MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 14, 2000

The Schwenksville Borough Meeting was called to order by Council President, Bernard McCollum at 7:30 p.m.

Secretary, Nancy Eppley called the roll. Present were: 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 August 10, 2000: MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY PATRICIA KATONA IT WAS VOTED TO DISPENSE WITH THE READING OF THE MINUTES OF AUGUST 10, 2000. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

Approval of the minutes of August 10, 2000: MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDEDBY PATRICIA KATONA IT WAS VOTED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF AUGUST 10, 2000. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

Bernie welcomed the Boy Scouts who were present this evening.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/TREASURER’S REPORT: Nancy Eppley

Council has been presented with Disbursement Report for both the General Accounts and the Liquid Fuels Account for the Month of September, Deposit Detail for August, Statement of Revenues and Expenditures to Budget Comparison from January 1 through September 14, 2000, Schedule of Cash and finally a Statement of Revenues and Expenditures to Budget Comparison showing the years 1995 through 2000 to date and space for the finance committee to pencil in the 2001 budget figures.

In addition, a check was cut today for Tim Hoppes for $111.00 for an eye exam for his daughter which is covered under other medical in the police budget.

Also, a check for the new computer for Chief Hoppes will be cut this coming week.

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

POLICE REPORT: Chief Tim Hoppes

Presented and explained his monthly report for August. This complete report is on file at Borough Hall.

Mentioned also was the letter received from the Commonwealth of PA-Dept. of Transportation in reference to the weight restrictions/Township Line Road and Limerick Road. Both roads were restricted to 10 ton weight limits in June of 1984 with the primary reason being the prevention of the deterioration of the roadway pavement. Restriction was removed in March 2000 after the resurfacing of both highways. They plan to erect a “Hill” sign, “Trucks Reduce Gear” sign and a “9% Grade l/4 miles” Plaque.

It was suggested by Chris that a letter be written to the department expressing the Borough’s concerns such as having a base on a state highway. Tom Snyder suggesting writing the letter after the winter to see how the road holds up but will do whatever council wants. Tom and Tim will work on the letter and Bernie will sign. There is a sign at Perkiomen Avenue which will be left alone after Tim expressing his concerns in the traffic restrictions.

Computer System for the chief is up and running. Waiting for the data base program.

Meeting between Spring Mount Summit Condo Association, Tom Snyder and Tim, concerning numbering at the SMS. At the present time, a name for the street(at the top of the hill) is being talked about. It was suggested by council that the name be “Hans Michael” but that was not well accepted.

Fire Report: Scott Angstad

29 calls total for the year. Passed out the tax report. Expressed concerns for the numbering of Spring Mt. Summit Condos.

Ambulance Report: Presented by Nancy Eppley

34 calls for Schwenksville. Fund Drive underway, Blood Pressure checks at the Lower Frederick Building and Membership Drive starts shortly.

PROPOSED TRAIL COMING THROUGH SCHWENKSVILLE:

Representatives from Montgomery County were presented tonight. John Wood, Steve O’Neal and Steve Nelson.

John Wood started the conversation by saying that Montgomery County is in the process of developing the Perkiomen Trail. The trail would begin in Oaks continue thru Collegeville, Perkiomen Township, Schwenksville Borough, Spring Mountain and finally commence at Green Lane Park.

The County has been meeting with the local Schwenksville Planning Commission. The trail will use the old railroad corridor. At one time, it was mentioned that the trail would be on the other side of the river but after passing by the Pennypacker Mansion it was discovered that there is a lot of swampy ground and it would not be feasible. The corridor is 60’ wide and could be used for parking, utilities and trail John mentioned that the Montgomery County Commissioners would like to be partners with Schwenksville Borough and is anxious to get started, easements would have to be gotten and they anticipate that the trail could take about 3-4 years to complete.

Steve O’Neal, County Solicitor said that the trail originally did not come thru the Borough. He also spoke concerning acquiring land-easements and rights of way and those who would opposed taking their land, the land would be under condemnation and residents would be given fair market value.

Trail could be used for bikers, walkers, joggers.

Chris explained that the Borough maps shows just preliminary survey of the trail. Schwenksville Borough also anticipates making open space application. John Wood raised the issue of rights of way. Chris said that the board is not prepared to talk tonight on how many property owners are involved. Bernie would also like to have the community’s thoughts . John Wood mentioned a letter that the County sent to other residents and that letter could be made available to the Schwenksville residents.

Cost: Bernie mentioned that the Schwenksville Borough is putting out their money on legal and engineering services, what if any can the Borough get back? That according to Steve O’Neal might have to be worked out between the County and Mr. Brant’s office.

Steve Nelson spoke concerning the services available in the Borough such being the Unimart, eating places, bike shop and different areas to rest while traveling the trail. The borough is very desirable.

Steve O’Neal: County would work with the Borough.

Pat Katona questioned , Who is responsible for the maintenance, security. The county as long as the county has the right of way. Markers along the Trail? Yes.

Dick Croyle (a landowner), 128 Main Street mentioned that he has put a lot of improvement on his property with the understanding that the trail was not coming near his property. Now it is, what is the recourse? Steve O’Neal mentioned that it might be under condemnation and Mr. Croyle would be given fair market value. Steve apologized that the County changed its mind in the location.

Jean Berger, now living in York a former resident is concerned with traffic safety and was wondering how many cars would be crossing from Rt. 29 to Rt. 73. Mr. Wood mentioned that a traffic light is being installed and perhaps a signal will be installed for pedestrians. He has no idea on the count of cars.

SOLICITOR’S REPORT: Robert Brant

Ordinances for possible adoption:

Sidewalk Obstruction: Has been duly advertised. Recently there was a property along Main Street which prompted this action. The sidewalk was covered with articles which made it difficult for people walking. The owner of the bicycle shop presented his thoughts and it was determined that in his case, the bikes do not interfere with the blocking of the sidewalks. The sidewalk is quite wide and the bikes are against the wall.

MOTIONED BY CHRIS KRAFT AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO ADOPT AND ENACT THIS SIDEWALK ORDINANCE. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

Disturbing of the Peace: This ordinance was originally adopted, but it was discovered that the wording “disorderly conduct” should not have been printed in the text.

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

Proposed Ordinance: Sign Illumination. Copies passed out for councils’ review at next month’s meeting.

Park Grant: Whether to send money (grant money received in 1992 plus interest) back to the State or else be not granted grants in the future? Pat would be in agreement for the sending of monies back and then wipe the slate clean and start again. Mr. Brant is waiting for a letter from Larry Massey and suggested that council wait until the October meeting to make a decision.

McKim Property: At last month’s meeting there were property owners present to discuss the problems on this property. Public or Private Matter?? No deeds or any information was presented to Mr. Brant. A letter was written to realtor, Nelson Swartley who has an interest in selling the property. This discussion is between two property owners, not the borough according to Mr. Brant.

Bernie mentioned that a letter was written to council concerning a meeting between Mr. Brant, his associate Loren Szczesny and Tom Snyder. It was previously mentioned by Bernie that any pre-agenda meetings that need to be discussed should be passed by Bernie first. It has been a practice in the past to have Tom and Bob go over pre-agenda items before the council meeting.

Bob mentioned that Tom, Loren and he were discussing not only pre-agenda items but the park grant and he is willing to talk to anyone in council or the office in regards to borough business. Sometimes even residents who have a problem and he tries to accommodate them.

At last meeting, Chris mentioned some of his concerns with the meetings and Bernie’s attitude toward the Borough Manager. Tonight, Bernie responded to Chris’s letter and thoughts. Bernie mentioned that Tom Snyder is a borough employee and is to respect his employer, that in turn including the council president. He has concerns of what the borough manager doesn’t do(no time card, Bernie has no idea what Tom is doing, is not in compliance, told to stay out of the water authority situation, enforce the weed ordinance, clean up the sidewalk situation, straighten out the mess at the McKim property, not go to the solicitor’s office without first consulting the borough council president, told to file timely reports for grants (which are always don’t at the last minute), work orders are ignored, U & O’s not done, calls to the solicitor’s office which have nothing to do with borough business.

Pat mentioned that she and Barbara are going to be working with Tom and hopefully something constructive will be accomplished. Time cards are important, and it is not unreasonable to ask Tom to fill one out, both the secretary and the chief of police, and even herself in her capacity at a borough secretary in another municipality fills out time cards.

Spoke about pre-agenda meetings. It was mentioned that perhaps, a week before the meeting, the secretary calls council members to see what they have for the agenda. Tom and Bernie can sit down together and go over items and see what needs to be handled over to Bob Brant for his review. Of course, if any important things come up, Tom can call Bob Brant as could any other members of council.

STREETS AND ROADS: Chris Kraft

Pipe under Mt. View Avenue: This is the Borough Authority’s responsibility. It was mentioned that the minutes of the Authority are incomplete. There will be a 6” main up Mt. View. Borough Authority will pay. Originally this was in the bid specs, but the Authority waited too long to act.

PROPERTY: Chris Kraft

Spoke on the Preliminary Map. Proposed corridor for Trail, Utilities and Open Space Acquisition. Explained the colored map. Yellow: Proposed Open Space, Red: 16’ Trail, Green: 14’ Utility Corridor. This map was originally made in July and revised in September.

Bob explained condemnation. Also, spoke on grants and the varied criteria that is needed in filing grants. Presently, grants can be filed in late October, April and then 6 months hence.

Pat asked that perhaps the Schwenksville Planning Commission could help in he process of grants. Roy Miller, Secretary of the Planning Commission felt that it is councils’ job to straighten things out, since problems started with them. Not interested himself in last minute situations. Pat feels that P/C should be involved, part of teamwork, and would appreciate their input.

Chris feels that surveying is the most expensive. Planning Commission is now working on Village-Commercial, would like the P/C’s blessing concerning the trail and open space.

Bernie would like to have a meeting with the residents involved, to get their viewpoints since the trail would affect them.

Grants: Grant applications will be accepted October 30, 2000 then April lst of next year and then November 1, 2000. This is the schedule as of this writing.

FINANCE: Gilbert Williams

Plans are drawn up for Borough Hall. Tom just received them today. Gib would like Council to tell him of any big ticket items.

PARK BOARD: Tom Snyder

New seats and chains on the swings.

Drainage estimate: Can go two ways: 150’ to Perk. Creek or 250’ unnamed run but will get tangled up in the trees. Catch basin and pipe estimate: $4,000.-$5,000.

Why Catch Basin? To get water in pipe, pipe would cost more. This doesn’t need to be done immediately per Tom.

STREET LIGHTING: Barbara Slater

Would like phone number of company that repairs the street lights. Tom will leave Barbara know.

FIRE LIAISON: Pat Katona Nothing to report

POLICE COMMITTEE: Pat Katona

As mentioned Chief Hoppes received and is using the new computer.

BOROUGH MANAGER: Tom Snyder

Mast Inlet: 99% complete.

Proceeding with Rt. 29/73 Crossing

Weeds: Prepared a letter tonight for councils’ review. Wants councils’ advice. It was suggested that letters go out to every land owner.

Park Grant: checks have been presented to Larry Massey, invoice needed yet from Moyers, some invoices were not accepted, and finally the lot line is the only important thing that is holding up things up. Pat mentioned that Bob Brant should be the one working with Larry.

Bids for street lining in process.

OLD/NEW BUSINESS: Nothing

MAYOR’S REPORT: Carroll Rosenberger Nothing

AUDIENCE:

Roy Miller: Kids are messing with the swings at the park. Wanted to alert Chief Hoppes.

Clinton Frey: Resident of Spring Mount, but owns a business in Perkiomen Township wanted to know how Schwenksville Borough felt about the trail. As mentioned this was discussed earlier this evening with representatives from the County. Mr. Frey invoiced his concerns with Liability insurance.

Various members of council will walk the trail this coming Sunday.

All business having been completed, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted,

Nancy J. Eppley, Borough Secretary