BOROUGH OF SCHWENKSVILLE, PA

MINUTES OF AUGUST 9, 2001

The Schwenksville Borough Council Meeting was called to order by President, Bernard McCollum at 7:35 p.m.

Secretary, Nancy Eppley called the roll. Present were Bernard McCollum and Patricia Katona. Absent were: Gilbert Williams, Barbara Slater, Gene Frantz and Mayor Carroll Rosenberger.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: By the assembly

Since there was not a quorum present, no business was conducted.

However, discussion can take place. There is a Special Meeting scheduled for Thursday, August 23rd and at that time regular Borough business will be conducted.

Mr.and Mrs. Jenkin were present to voice their concerns on a neighbor's mailbox in the right of way. This mailbox has been hit various times and is causing a problem. There is a problem with the right of way, property ownership. Tom Snyder and Chief Hoppes are trying to determine where the roadway is in order to determine the status of the problem that exists. Mr. And Mrs. Jenkin want to be able to leave their driveway without the danger of hitting the mailbox, also in winter, Mr. Jenkin plows and the mailbox will probably be hit without any fault by him.

This problem is a sub-chapter of the street addressing system.

School: According to Tom Snyder at the end of the school board meeting this past Monday, it was a "done deal" that the location would be in Lower Frederick.

Pat is concerned about paying the bills. This cannot be done tonight and will be done on the 23rd.

Also, discussed the proposed Zoning Change.

Tom discussed with the Montgomery County Planning Commission representative, Kathy Ember Mine Hill Road (on where it ends), also Woodland and Hillcrest. No conclusion has been reached.

Next meeting: Thursday, August 23, 2001 at 7:30 p.m.

Meeting concluded: 7:55 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Nancy J. Eppley, Secretary

August 13, 2001

 

BOROUGH OF SCHWENKSVILLE, PA

MINUTES OF AUGUST 23, 2001

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

Nancy Eppley, Secretary called the roll: Present were: Bernard McCollum, Gilbert Williams, Patricia Katona, Gene Frantz, and Mayor, Carroll Rosenberger. Absent was: Barbara Slater.

MINUTES: Dispense with the reading of July 12, 2001 and July 26, 2001. MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY GENE FRANTZ IT WAS VOTED TO DISPENSE WITH THE READING OF THE MINUTES OF JULY 12, 2001 AND JULY 26, 2001. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

Approval of the minutes of July 12, 2001 and July 26, 2001. MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY GENE FRANTZ IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JULY 12, 2001 AND JULY 26, 2001. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Nancy Eppley

Council has for their review and approval the General Disbursement Report for August, the Receipt Report for July and Receipts and Expenditure Report for the period January 1-August 9, 2001. Plus the Liquid Fuels Expenditure Report.

Question: Pat Katona: Simone Jaffe Collins bill for $4,426.85. This will is not in the expenditures for this evening. However, questioning the consultant hiring a consultant? Gib explained how that works.

MOTIONED BY GENE FRANTZ AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO PAY THE LISTING OF EXPENDITURES DATED AUGUST 9, 2001. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

TREASURER'S REPORT: Nancy Eppley

Council has for their review and approval the Treasurer's Report as of the 31st of July 2002.

MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY GENE FRANTZ IT WAS VOTED TO ACCEPT THE TREASURER'S REPORT AS SUBMITTED. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

Nancy mentioned the following developers owe money:

Telvil: $1,120.90 Robert Hay: $46.88 Mike Organski: $420.16. She mentioned that she has no problem with Telvil and Hay they pay their outstanding bills within a reasonable time. However, Organski refuses certified/registered mail (Organski will be conferring with R.Brant's office this Tuesday and hopefully some of this will be settled).

ENGINEER'S REPORT: Robert Flinchbaugh

Johnston/Rogers Subdivision: A review of the plan has been complete and a report forwarded. Plans were discussed at the Planning Commission held on August 16th. This plan proposes a two lot conditional subdivision. Sidewalks have been suggested and applicant would need to get an estimate and have this reviewed by our engineer. Monies would then be set aside in an escrow account. This would be on only the side that this subdivision would be on. The Borough Authority has the other side of the street and it would be up to them to put that portion in, if the need calls for it.

Council has the final say as to who puts in sidewalks. It was asked if Johnston/Rogers were aware of the sidewalk request. Mr. Williams replied saying at the time of plan submission, they were not aware, they are now.

It was suggested that a motion be made to incorporate this change.

MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY GENE FRANTZ IT WAS VOTED TO REQUIRE THE JOHNSTON/ROGERS SUBDIVISION TO SUBMIT A PRELIMINARY PLAN IN LIEU OF THE MINOR PLAN THAT WAS SUBMITTED. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

Centennial Commons Land Development: A review of the plan has been completed and letter forwarded to Borough dated July 17, 2001. Plan proposes the development of two apartment buildings, along with associated parking and storm water management facilities. Question on the easement: Planning Commission will have to address.

Telvil Subdivision: A recommendation of escrow release for completed improvements has been completed in accordance with their August 1, 2001 letter. All improvements have been inspected and deemed satisfactorily installed.

MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY GENE FRANTZ IT WAS VOTED TO GRANT RELEASE FROM THE ESCROW ACCOUNT IN THE AMOUNT OF $39,758.00. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

Bob has been in touch with Jeff Clemens concerning the installation of street lighting along 4th Street. Jeff has acknowledges that provision of street lighting was discussed and verbally agreed upon. 7 lights are involved. Telvil will be responsible for this lighting, this was questioned by Pat. Ernie Schmitt, Building Inspector said that the developer was having a little problem getting pricing. Ernie will work with the developer since he has knowledge in that field. The lights will be angled as to not cast lighting into residents homes nearby.

Third Street Improvement: Per councils' request, Bob has completed an updated estimate of construction costs and accounting for additional improvements recommended by the Planning Commission at their June meeting. Original amount work would fall into the grant secured through the Montgomery County Community Block Grant. With the additional items mentioned in the August 7th letter to council the total amount now is $103,800.00.

Bernie mentioned that perhaps the school district could help defray the costs that would be needed since the sidewalks would be needed for the children walking to school. He would be willing to meet with school officials. It was also mentioned that the Borough could get additional monies in filing later for an additional grant. This subject will be discussed next month.

Mountain View Avenue: On a recent field visit with Tom Snyder it was discussed that a swale be constructed along the west side of Mountain View Avenue. This swale should extend approximate 1000 feet north from the northern most inlet installed as part the recently completed storm sewer project, and be conveyed to this inlet. The swale should be constructed using a stabilized, paved channel approximately 5' 6" deep and triangular in cross section. The swale should be constructed to proper grade in order to accommodate future resurfacing. Tom suggested the amount of $3,000.00, but would ask for $4,000.00 for the base, in order to get everything ready. The Borough Authority is ready to go ahead with their work in the Spring. Tom suggested contacting Eddie Postell and Bechtel Paving. He would be just getting estimates, and just yard prices. The improvement would definitely take care of the "washing" out of the road.

MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY GENE FRANTZ IT WAS VOTED TO GET ESTIMATES NOT TO EXCEED $4,000.00 FOR THE INSTALLATION OF THE BASE ON MT. VIEW AVENUE. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

Tony Katona who lives on Mt. View questioned the width. Suggested doing this work as soon as possible due to Hurricane Season which is at this time of the year.

Other: Bernie suggested moving ahead once and for all with Montgomery Avenue. Bob Flinchbaugh will have a proposal for next month's meeting.

SOLCITOR'S REPORT: Robert Brant

Proposed Ordinance: Has been drafted and forwarded both to the County and the Borough Planning Commissions for their review. This ordinance has been proposed for adoption tonight.

MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO ADOPT ORDINANCE #306, AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF SCHWENKSVILLE, ORDINANCE #258, AS AMENDED, REVISING THE USES PERMITTED BY RIGHT IN THE C-COMMERCIAL DISTRICT, AND REVISING THE USES PERMITTED BY RIGHT IN THE MI-MANUFACTURING AND INDUSTRICAL DISTRICT OF THE BOROUGH. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

Formulation of Trash Bids: Brant's office is in the process of coordinating to assist in the production of a reasonable and logical bid package.

POLICE REPORT: Chief Tim Hoppes

Explained his July report, copy of which is on file at Borough Hall. Mentioned that a letter has been sent to Paul Hunsberger, Montg. County Emergency Operating Center regarding duplicate street names shared by the Borough and other municipalities with Schwenksville mailing addresses. Tim is requesting information regarding particular street(s).

Also, a letter to council requesting an emergency phone line. This line will be used only by Emergency Operations personnel during a declared emergency situation or training. Cost will borne by the Borough. The Borough is mandated by Title 35 (Health and Safety)" to establish, equip and staff an emergency operations center, consolidated with warning and communication systems to support government operations in emergencies" Cost is as follows: Initial set fee for one line of service $75.00, approximately $25.00 per month for service.

Bernie explained how things were done in the past. Bernie felt that this should be referred to Bob Brant for his legal opinion. Bob will take a look at that code to see if a radio or some other means of communication is available.

Tim spoke of the advantages of being at the Colonnade should an emergency occur.

Old copier: Useless to Tim, would like to sell it, and has an offer to sell it for $50.00. Legally, this may not be the case. Bob Brant will research and report back.

ZONING OFFICER/BUILDING INSPECTOR: Ernest Schmitt

McKim Property: Has called several times and left a message, no response. Suggests that condemn property and start demolishing and lien the property. Estimate of approximately $4,000. There is no real estate person involved with this property. Bob Brant will monitor situation.

Cedar Lea Development: 3 lot left to be sold, expect that within the next two weeks. 161 Fourth Street residents are moving in. Problem with lot #3-got flooded. Developer has been very good to work with.

Working on the lights and sidewalks.

Ernie has also given out minor permits for U & Os. Continuing with L & I violations and corresponding with Harrisburg. Spoken to Dale Halteman and things are working out.

Pat would like to privately set up discussions with Tom, Tim, Ernie concerning violations within the borough. Which could lead to potential litigation.

Ernie mentioned that Council has received correspondence concerning the Ray Yeanish, 380 Centennial Street U & O. Will issue new U & O, will use old number. Bernie felt things were not finished as of the end of the year. Per Ernie permit was issued in 2000, not in 2001. Ernie saw the plans, Council did not. Ernie is trying to move ahead and get everything straighten out.

BOROUGH MANAGER: Tom Snyder

Report as of 8/1/01. Latest information in Bold print. Latest updates:

Signs are being put up. Referred to Boyer Lane/Alley. Suggested that all roads/streets have numbers on them as a public safety issue.

4th & Centennial: Posts are in. Posts are also in on Mine Hill Road. Problem with connector. There will be sign going up on Main Street telling "Signals Ahead"-450' from the UniMart. Bob F. is getting plans ready for the crossing on Rt. 29. Bob F. working on the ordination for Mine Hill for the next grant that we will be getting this Fall.

Park Board Letter: Mailed out approximately 100 letters with returned envelopes. Tom said that this was discussed over 2 months ago, council gave permission. Tom made the decision to send stamped, addressed

envelopes so that the Borough could get the responses back in a timely matter.

STREETS/ROADS: Barbara Slater Absent tonight

See Tom Snyder's report

FINANCE: Gilbert Williams Nothing

TRAIL AND REVILIZATON: Gilbert Williams

County met with Borough Officials and interested residents.

Pat questioned: What year of the Montgomery County are we now in? 2yr.

Happy with planners? Yes, Michelle Smith, excellent. New girl, Kathy Ember working out well, Tom Snyder well pleased with feedback. Is the Borough anticipating renew contract? Let's wait and see what the Revitalization Committee comes up with in October, and then perhaps go further with another consulting firm.

Central Perkiomen Valley By-laws/Ordinance: Still in adjusting period of time.

PROPERTY: Patricia Katona Nothing to report

FIRE COMPANY LIAISON: Gene Frantz

New fire truck is in and some things are put on it, council members will go for a ride.

New truck will be using a new chemical that when a fire occurs they will be able to use this new chemical to knock it right out.

STREET LIGHTING: Gene Frantz Nothing

MAYOR'S REPORT: Carroll Rosenberger Nothing

NEW BUSINESS: Nothing

OLD BUSINESS: Nothing

AUDIENCE: Theresa and Phil Jenkin having problems with a neighbor who has put their mail box in the right of way.

Chief Hoppes continues to work on the re-dressing issue. The house in question has a Cherry Street address, which doesn't exist. There are also issues with the Jenkins' parking where they park, which is getting better.

After discussing this a little further, Bob Brant will write to the resident who is placing the mailbox, and hopefully this will settle this problem. Resident was present tonight. It seems to Bob the mailbox is in the right of way. Can the mailbox be moved out of the right of way.

Resident, Earl Stohl suggests "Signs on Corners". Would like a "NO OUTLET" sign on certain streets.

Having no other business, the meeting was adjourned.

Next meeting: September 13, 2001 at 7:30 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Nancy J. Eppley

Secretary-Treasurer