Minutes of April 12, 2001 (Special Meeting of April 26
below)
Began: 7:30 p.m. Ended: 9:00 p.m.
The Schwenksville Borough Council Meeting was called to order by Council President, Bernard McCollum.
Secretary, Nancy Eppley called the roll.
Present were: Bernard McCollum, Patricia Katona, Gilbert Williams, Gene Frantz, and Mayor Carroll Rosenberger. Absent was: Barbara Slater
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: By the assembly.
Dispense with the reading of the minutes of March 8, 2001: MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY PATRICIA KATONA IT WAS VOTED TO DISPENSE WITH THE READING OF THE MINUTES OF MARCH 8, 2001. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
Approval of the minutes of March 8, 2001: MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF MARCH 8, 2001. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/TREASURER'S REPORT: Nancy Eppley
Passed out previously for Councils' review: Deposit Detail for the Month of March, Disbursement Report for the General and Motor License Fund for April, A summary of Expenditures/Revenues effective as of tonight's meeting. Treasurer's Report: Schedule of Cash available.
In addition, now shown are checks for the following which were written after the reports.
LTL Consulting: $ 1,749.29, Robert Brant: $321.37, Interguard (worksmans'comp)Insurance: $935.15
MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GENE FRANTZ IT WAS VOTED TO ACCEPT THE ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND TREASURER'S REPORT AS PRESENTED. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
ENGINEER'S REPORT: Bob Flinchbaugh
-Mine Hill Road: At Borough's request, LTD has completed a Deed Plot Plan for Mine Hill Road. Deadline for application for the HUD Grant is April 16th. Funding would be approximately $365,000.00 to improve the entire length, which would include road widening, installation of storm sewer, curb, sidewalk, and a pavement overlay. To bring cost down, it was suggested that this road be done in phases. Funding from the grant would cover 100%, engineering would not be covered and would be approximately $30,000.00. Tom Snyder suggesting that the road be shorten to include Game Farm Road to Highland. Engineering would then be estimated at $20,000.00. If the road is shortened, next year the Borough could apply again for the balance.
MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO AUTHORIZE THE BOROUGH ENGINEER TO PREPARE AN APPLICATION FOR THE COMMUNITY BLOCK GRANT FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO MINE HILL ROAD FROM GAME FARM ROAD TO HIGHLAND AVENUE. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
-Schwenksville Meadow Park: A legal description for the 30 foot access strip, required for the access to the park across the Fire Company's property was completed. Same was forwarded to the Solicitor for incorporation into the appropriate agreement.
-Third Street Improvements: Bid package required by Montgomery County has been completed. LTL currently preparing construction plans. It is anticipated that the plans and bid package will be submitted to Montg. County within the next couple of weeks for their approval. Upon that approval, the project may be advertised for bid.
-Clossin Subdivision: Construction has been limited to tree clearing. Inspection continues periodically to insure compliance with the Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan.
-Robert Hay Subdivision: Currently reviewing this plan which proposes a 2 lot subdivision. Borough Planning Commission will be provided with a review letter. Will make sure that proper fees are submitted. Mr. Brant explained how plans are submitted, fees collected, etc.
-Montgomery Avenue Improvement/Ordination: Has spoken with Ken Yerger, the only work completed to date is an Improvement Schematic Plan, which Bob has. This plan is only conceptual and does not contain any detailed information required for street ordination or improvement construction.
Tom Snyder mentioned that Deed Plot is available.
MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS TO AUTHORIZE THE ENGINEER TO PROCEED WITH ORDINATION, RESEARCHING METS AND BOUNDS, ETC.DEED PLOT PLAN ESTIMATED AT $2,500.00 (SEE ABOVE NOTATION).ENGINEERING COST TO COMPLETE THIS WORK APPROXIMATELY $10,000.00. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
Further discussed, talked about the old section, cost estimated at $15,000. MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND DIED DUE TO LACK OF A SECOND.
Tom Snyder suggested doing only the ordination.
Mt. View Avenue: PennDot will have to review application and see what costs are involved.
POLICE REPORT: Chief Hoppes
Presentation of Breath Analyzer presented by Edwin Nelson, President of Mothers Against Drunk Drivers. Chief Hoppes thanked all those involved in "keeping the laws alive". Drunkenness is a very serious crime and Mr. Nelson presented facts on the number of fatalities last year alone. A picture was taken including Mayor Rosenberger, Mr. Nelson and Chief Tim Hoppes.
SOLICITOR'S REPORT: Robert Brant
-Meadow Park Subdivision: Original plus 2 copies for the parcel to be conveyed from the Schwenksville Borough Authority to the Borough were forwarded to Blake Dunbar, attorney for the Authority on March 20th for signature by the Authority. Also prepared for execution by Borough Council is the original Blanket Easement which would permit the Authority to install a water line from the Pennypacker Mills property over and through the Meadow Park property. As of this writing, and as of last evening's meeting at the Authority no signing has taken place. It was mentioned however, that according to Mr. Sam Schweigert everything seems to be alright.
MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY GENE FRANTZ IT WAS VOTED TO AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF THE BLANKET EASEMENT ALONG WITH THE EXECUTION OF THE DEED TO THE PROPERTY. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
-Village Commercial Proposed Ordinance: Unfortunately, the Times Herald failed to advertise this proposed ordinance. A special meeting will take place on Thursday, April 26, 2001 at 7:30 to consider this.
The Commercial Zoning Ordinance Amendment however, is scheduled for hearing tonight. This ordinance deals with heights of existing buildings.
MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY PATRICIA KATONA IT WAS VOTED TO ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF SCHWENKSVILLE, ORDINANCE 268, SUBDIVISION AND LAND DEVELOPED, TO REQUIRE THE HEIGHTS OF EXISTING BUIILDINGS TO BE INCLUDED ON ANY PLAN SUBDIVISION. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
-William Clossin Subdivision: Correspondence received from Mr. Jeff Clemens. A tape of the meeting has been given to Mr. Brant and clearly states that Mr. Clemens agreed to the new engineers reviewing the plan. Therefore, Mr. Brant stated that the matter in his opinion is settled.
POLICE REPORT: Chief Tim Hoppes
Month of March: 31 calls per Chief Hoppes, 18 calls per State Police Complete report on file at Borough Hall. Gave an update on the Mobile Data Terminals, now changed to Mobile Data Computers. Process has changed, but end result the same.
Chief Hoppes has filled out a lengthy application on the above, needs signature and will be sent out Friday, April 13th.
AMBULANCE REPORT: Given by Nancy Eppley
Month of March : 97 calls total. 13 for Schwenksville, 10 for the Colonnade. Still giving free Blood pressure checks and membership drive is ongoing.
FIRE REPORT: Jim Keyser
Month of February: 5 calls, 46 men in service for a total of 3 hrs. 20 minutes.
Month of March: 5 calls, 29 men in service for a total of 5 hrs. 30 minutes.
2 calls at the Spring Mt. Summit Condo complex, Jim stated that since the new address system is in place things went a lot smoother.
Easter Breakfast: April 15th. Ladies Auxiliary will be selling Easter flowers starting Friday thru Sunday.
Circus: May 12th-two shows 1:00 and 4:30 p.m.
The Fire Company purchased a new truck and will take delivery in September.
BOROUGH MANAGER: Tom Snyder
Referred to his Monthly Report: No changes on pages 1 or 2.
Third Street: Everything finished. Boyer/Cherry: Needs council action.
McKim Property: Was a letter sent stating the problem on this property? Yes, per Nancy. Ernie Schmitt sent a letter and has spoken to daughter.
Pleasantview Avenue: Clearfield drainage drawings received. Escrow a problem. No response yet from Mike Organski. Mr. Brant's office has written him a letter.
Patching of Streets: More to be done. There were a lot of pot holes to be repaired, some needed more work than others.
Inlet Damage: Perkiomen Avenue: Quote to fix is $1,450.00. MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY PAT KATONA IT WAS VOTED TO FIX THE INLET WITH A PRICE NOT TO EXCEED $1,450.00. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
Tom will contact the contractor.
STREETS/ROADS: Barbara Slater Absent tonight. Refer to Tom Snyder's report.
Mast Construction: Tom mentioned that he and Barbara reviewed the bill. Barbara has written a letter and defined what work had been done. Tom does not have the letter tonight, but suggested that a partial payment of $3,000.00 be sent to Mast with the understanding that this matter will be brought up again at the May meeting.
Bernie and Gene visited the site and suggested that Gib also visit before the next meeting to get his thoughts.
PROPERTY: Pat Katona Nothing to report
FINANCE: Gilbert Williams: Reviewing the 1st Quarter Expenditures/Revenues Report. Perhaps some adjustments will be made in transferring monies to accounts which might be under budget from accounts that have not shown much activity.
TRAIL: Gilbert Williams
Surprised that the Borough has seen any monies reimbursed back from the County. Gib is in contact with John Wood. There are still some problems along the stream in regards to surveying.
VILLAGE/COMMERCIAL: Gilbert Williams
Revitalization Committee met on the 18th and conducted interviews. Received 4 bids. Another meeting scheduled for the 25th of April. Hopefully, then a decision can be made.
Perkiomen Valley Regional Planning: MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY PATRICIA KATONA IT WAS VOTED TO REQUEST THAT SECRETARY, NANCY EPPLEY SEND A LETTER TO MR. BILL McGOVERN, LOWER FREDERICK TOWNSHIP INFORMING HIM OF BOROUGH BOUNCILS' DESIRE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PERKIOMEN VALLEY REGIONAL PLANNING. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
Gib explained how the revitalization plans work for the benefit of the whole community when other municipalities work together. Long term planning will probably take approximately 3 years.
MAYOR'S REPORT; Carroll Rosenberger
Presented a Certificate of Recognition from the US Dept. of Commerce (US Census Bureau)in appreciation of the Borough's valuable contributions to the success of the Census of 2000.
OLD BUSINESS: Nothing
NEW BUSINESS: Gib would like to hold an Executive Session following tonight's meeting for Personnel matters.
Bernie mentioned that Zoning Officer/Building Inspector, Ernie Schmitt has sent out various violation notices to property owners in the Borough. To date, no answers back. Needs direction from council. Gib would like Ernie to confer with Borough Manager, Tom Snyder and discuss some of these issues.
It was further discussed that by Pat that the Zoning Ordinance is quite clear on the powers/duties of the Zoning/Building Officer. Mr. Brant stated that depending on the type of violation would be how the problem(s) are solved if not work out with the property owner. There is the District Judge, Court, and L & I Department.
Bernie mentioned that for the safety of the residents living at the premises, issues should be resolved. Gib wondered what happens to those homes which have been here for years and the owners were not aware of various laws or procedures.
This will further be discussed at the Special Meeting to be held Thursday, April 26th.
Secretary, Nancy Eppley mentioned that Ernie Schmitt from what she has observed is working very closely to try to get things done.
Nancy questioned the Yeanish check, which she was told to hold until the matter is settled. Everyone was given a copy of the letter from Ernie Schmitt. Bernie feels something needs to be done and this should be addressed at the Executive Session tonight.
AUDIENCE: Dave Moyer
Wanted originally to put up a 10 bay garage at 551 Main Street. Plans were submitted to Ernie Schmitt and rejected. Doesn't fit into the current Business Professional District. Suggest going to the Zoning Hearing Board. Bernie read a copy of the letter from Ernie Schmitt to Dave Moyer. Excavation and Grading would be needed. There is an existing barn on the property now. Michell Smith from the Montgomery County Planning Commission had a different opinion on this. Mr. Brant suggested that Mr. Moyer go to the Planning Commission, this may eventually have to go to the Zoning Hearing Board. It might also need a Land Development Plan.
All business having been completed, the meeting was adjourned. Council went into an Executive Session.
Results of the Executive Session:
Held to discuss the check issued to Bernie McCollum in his suit with Tom Snyder. Amount asked to be reimbursed was $2,000.00. Check #5374 had already been written for tonight.
MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY GENE FRANTZ IT WAS VOTED TO VOID CHECK #5374 FOR REIMBURSEMENT TO BERNARD McCOLLUM.
YES VOTE: Gilbert Williams, Patricia Katona, Gene Frantz NAY VOTE: Bernard McCollum
MOTION CARRIED.
Further research by Bob Brant to follow.
NEXT MEETING: APRIL 26, 2001 (SPECIAL) MAY 10, 2001 (REGULAR)
Respectfully Submitted,
Nancy J. Eppley, Secretary
April 26, 2001
SPECIAL MEETING APRIL 26,
2001
BOROUGH OF SCHWENKSVILLE, PA
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING-APRIL 26, 2001
Began: 7:30 p.m. Ended: 7:55 p.m.
The Schwenksville Borough Council Special Meeting was called to order by Vice President, Gilbert Williams.
Present were: Gilbert Williams, Patricia Katona, and Barbara Slater
Absent were: Bernard McCollum and Gene Frantz
Wendy McKenna, Solicitor read the legal notice which was properly advertised in the Norristown Times Herald and received favorable reviews from the Montgomery County Planning Commission.
The legal notice was also posted by Zoning Officer/Building Inspector, Ernest Schmitt.
The purpose of this special meeting is to conduct a public hearing on the proposed ordinance Village Commercial District.
Michell Smith of the Montgomery County Planning Commission spoke on the presentation and explained locations, what is permitted in each district, parking, lighting, fronts of buildings were addressed.
Several members of council addressed questions as Dr. William Shainline and Mr. Saylor, resident as well as Roy Miller of the Schwenksville Planning Commission.
No serious issues were noted.
MOTIONED BY BARBARA SLATER AND SECONDED BY PATRICIA KATONA IT WAS VOTED TO ADOPT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF SCHWENKSVILLE, ORDINANCE 258, ZONING, TO ADD DEFINITIONS, TO REPEAL ARTICLE X, BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL DISTRICT AND ENACT A NEW ARTICLE X, VILLIAGE COMMERCIAL-1 DISTRICT, TO REPEAL ARTICLE XI, RESIDENTIAL AND PROFESSIONAL DISTRICT AND ENACT A NEW ARTICLE XI, VILLAGE COMMERCIAL 2 DISTRICT, TO ADD DESIGN REGULATIONS TO THE C, COMMERCIAL DISTRICT AND INCLUDE AN AMENDMENT OF THE SCHWENKSVILLE BOROUGH ZONING MAP. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
Other business: Revitalization Committee met and interviewed 4 firms. The firm of Simone, Jaffe, and Collins met with the Committees' approval.
MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY BARBARA SLATER, IT WAS VOTED TO APPOINT THE FIRM OF SIMONE, JAFFE, AND COLLINS TO REPRESENT THE BOROUGH WITH THE SCHWENKSVILLE REVITALIZATION PLAN. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
No other busienss, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
Nancy J. Eppley, Borough Secretary
May 7, 2001