BOROUGH OF SCHWENKSVILLE, PA

MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 8, 2001 

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

Present were: Bernard McCollum, Patricia Katona, Gilbert Williams, and Mayor, Carroll Rosenberger. Absent were: Barbara Slater and Eugene Frantz. 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: By the assembly. 

New agenda tonight: 

 

Minutes: Dispense with the reading of the minutes of January 11, 2001: MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO DISPENSE WITH THE READING OF THE MINUTES OF JANUARY 11, 2001. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED. 

Approval of the minutes of January 11, 2001: MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JANUARY 11, 2001. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED. 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/TREASURER'S REPORT: Nancy is absent tonight. 

MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY PATRICIA KATONA IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE THE ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND TREASURER'S REPORT AS PRESENTED. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED. 

Engineer, Robert Flinchbaugh was instructed to get trail information. Gib Williams mentioned that he is waiting for one more piece of information before sending information off to the County. 

Clossin Subdivision: Bill Clossin spoke on his behalf. Was requested to pay the outstanding bills from LTL and Robert Brant and to put an additional monies in to cover any bills yet to come in. The figure requested is $3,000.00. Bill felt that the LTL bill was additional "double dipping". He mentioned that the previously engineer, Ken Yerger of Carroll Engineer had approved the plan. Also, mentioned was the resolution that was passed at the January meeting saying that if all the items were completed that the plan would be approved. LTL summarized all that they did in their review. Pat said that in order for LTL to sign the plan that they must review. It is in the best interest of the Borough. It is also understandable that there will be charges. Bernie felt that perhaps other things would need to be addressed. Jeff Clemens also was present and spoke in Bill Clossin's behalf mentioning that the resolution settled everything. According to Jeff, the plan contained no errors, just different opinions. The Borough Authority presented problems earlier in reviewing the plan. Would like to see signatures tonight so that Bill can go to settlement on Friday. A check was presented to the Borough in the amount of $2,100.00 and a check from Jeff Clemens was given to Robert Brant to be put in escrow in the amount of $900.00 

Third Street: Has been advertised, will be receiving HUD approval approximately 2/25. Engineering costs have been submitted per Engineer, Bob Flinchbaugh. Bob F. will do whatever council desires as far as bidding. 

Village/Commercial: Bob Brant has drafted a letter. A public hearing is needed Also, a review by the Montgomery County Planning Commission. 

MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO AUTHORIZE FOR THE ADVERTISING OF THE VILLAGE/COMMERCIAL PROPOSED ORDINANCE. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED. 

Ordinance previously passed dissolving the Borough Authority: Tonight, a new ordinance has been presented, which has been duly advertised repealing Ordinance #296. 

MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY PATRICIA KATONA IT WAS VOTED TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 302 , REPEALING ORDINANCE #296. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED. 

 

Citizens addressing Council: Presented to Mr. Brant at the January meeting for his review and comments. His conclusions are: quoting: Should the borough wish to establish certain procedures for comments or presentation at council meeting, Mr. Brant's recommendation is that only portions of the outlines provided by adopted or established as the borough's current policy. Municipalities should be careful to provide adequate opportunity for public comment. Reasonable regulations/procedures are permissible, but council cannot establish rules/regulations which can be construed to prohibit public comment. He doesn't see any problem in the meetings as far as Schwenksville Borough Council is concerned. 

BOROUGH MANAGER: Tom Snyder 

Mountain View: Met with PennDot for Route 29 crossing.. Also, met with Bob F., brought LTL up to date. LTL now has disc of Mt.View project. Negotiate with Montg. County Planning for Right of Way. 

Question on the Mt. View Invoice from Mast Construction. Engineering changes were made and okayed by Chris Kraft, Ken Yerger, and Tom Snyder. Tom mentioned that the invoice has to be reviewed, Who is going to do this??? Bernie mentioned that this will be discussed in an Executive Session. Tom said that council had been advised and approved the extra expenditure. 

Smith Subdivision: Tom wondering also, who is going to review this??? Water/Sewer main was changed. Bernie questioned, Why was Tom Snyder subpoena with this subdivision. Tom said that it had to do with the sale of one of the homes. After the home was sold, the buyers decided that they did not want the home. Nothing to do with the construction. It was decided that engineer, Bob F. will review this subdivision. 

Montgomery Avenue: Tom reviewed the unordained streets with Bob (what Bob-not mentioned on tape). Tom's suggestion is that a list be made up of all the things that need to be done, get discs from Carroll Engineering. Get all the discs involved. 

COMMITTEE REPORTS: 

ROADS/STREETS: Barbara Slater - Absent tonight 

Reported by Tom Snyder 

Permission to repair various pot holes (Maple, 2nd Street, Mine Hill Road) Cost will be approximately $2,500.00. Bernie suggested repairing them temporary until summer. Bechtel will be doing the repairs. 

MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO REPAIR THE POT HOLES AT A COST NOT TO EXCEED $2,500.00. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED. 

Mine Hill Road: proceed with Mine Hill, so the Borough can file for a HUD Grant this Spring.

Bernie mentioned that Mine Hill Road is on the Liquid Fuels list, Tom disagreed. Gib suggested checking out the list. 

FINANCE: Gilbert Williams No report 

TRAIL: Gilbert Williams 

There was a walk-thru, but the weather was snowy. There were a lot of questions such as Safety on the Trail, Liability problems. The county will be responsible once the trail is complete for liability. Safety issues need to be looked at, will be patrolled by police and fire. Overall, there was a happy feeling concerning this proposed trail. Mr. Dick Croyle is wondering when he can pave his parking lot where it is needed. Must submit a Land Development Plan. Bob Brant explained the procedure that Mr. Croyle must go through.

On the trail, council needs to convey to the County their intent as to the proposed trail.

MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY PATRICIA KATONA IT WAS VOTED TO CONVEY TO MONTGOMERY COUNTY SCHWENKSVILLE BOROUGH'S INTENT TO PROCEED WITH THE PROPOSED TRAIL THROUGH SCHWENKSVILLE. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED. 

PROPERTY: Pat Katona 

Pat has spoken to Barbara concerning having the office cleaned on a more regular basis, than just once per month. Barbara suggested that they get a few phone quotes. Looking at a $45.00-$50.00 increase per month. MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO PURSUE THIS SERVICE OF OFFICE CLEANING FOR THE BOROUGH HALL AND POLICE STATION (only 1 time per month for the Police Station). ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED. 

Step Railing: Continues to be loose. Suggested that the Borough Authority cement the railing back in-perhaps this will help. If not, look to some company whose specialty is repair railings. Tom will inform the Borough Authority workmen. 

Solicitor to attend Planning Commission Meetings: Pat has spoken to Bob Brant and his office either, himself or Loren will attend. Feels that it is a good suggestion. MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS TO HAVE BOB BRANT'S OFFICE PRESENT AT THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED. 

POLICE COMMITTEE: Gene Frantz Absent tonight. On his behalf Bernie McCollum. 

Recently, Chief Hoppes and Jim Edline (spelling), a Probation State Officer became involved with a parolee out of New York, who wished to set up a business in the Borough which was not in the best interest for Schwenksville. After investigation, it was decided to return the person involved back to New York state. Chief Hoppes was commented for his role in protecting the borough and going beyond the line of duty.   

Jim Keyser/Scott Angstad: At the reorganization meeting in January, Scott Angstad was named Fire Marshall and Jim, assistant. Due to the unavailability of Scott, it is felt that Jim is more in a position to act

as Fire Marshall since he is around the Borough more than Scott. Therefore, Scott will be the Assistant Fire Marshall. 

PA State Police (Fire Marshall Unit) Recognition of the Schwenksville Fire Company has been received. The fire company has been presented with the 1999 Life Safety Award on behalf of the PA State Fire Marshall. Congratulations to Schwenksville Fire Company for their outstanding service to the community. 

STREET LIGHTING: Gene Frantz Absent tonight On his behalf Tom Snyder 

Next week Tom will be going out to make a survey on all the lights, to see if any need repairs, etc. 

POLICE REPORT: Chief Tim Hoppes 

Explained his report for the month of January 2001. 5 tickets issued, complaints: 41 handled by Chief Hoppes and the PA State Police handled 22. Chief Hoppes complete report in on file at Borough Hall. 

FIRE COMPANY: Jim Keyser 

Calls for January: 5 47 men in service 7:47 hr. min. in service

Events: Public Charity Auction on Feb. 24th, Donations welcome

Chicken Bar B Que: March 4th 

Question by Pat: Fire Hydrant protection on the Clossin Subdivision. Jim was told that this was taken care of , Ralph Rosenberger informed him of this. 

MAYOR'S REPORT: Carroll Rosenberger No Report 

OLD BUSINESS: Nothing 

NEW BUSINESS:  

Gib met with the Library Board, who is going to work on a 5-10 year plan. Bernie mentioned that the Library can also apply for grants. Gene Frantz also has an interest in this. 

Other business:

Jeff Clemens would like to see the Clossin plan signed tonight. Bernie will sign, Nancy will sign if she is able to come in tomorrow morning, she is very sick. 

Executive Session will follow. 

All business having been completed, the meeting was adjourned. 

Respectfully submitted, 

 

Nancy J. Eppley

2/23/01