BOROUGH OF SCHWENKSVILLE, PA

MINUTES OF JUNE 14, 2001

 

                The Schwenksville Borough Council 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, Gilbert Williams, Patricia Katona, Barbara Slater, Gene Frantz and Mayor Carroll Rosenberger.

 

                Pledge of Allegiance:  By the assembly.

 

                Dispense with the reading of the minutes of May 10, 2001:  MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY GENE FRANTZ IT WAS VOTED TO DISPENSE WITH THE READING OF THE MINUTES OF MAY 10, 2001.  ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

 

                Approval of the minutes of May 10, 2001:  MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY GENE FRANTZ IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF MAY 10, 2001.  ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

 

                ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:  Nancy Eppley

 

                Council has for their review Disbursement Report for June, Deposit Detail for May  Statement of Revenue and Expenditures to Budget to date.  In addition to the disbursements for this evening 3 additional checks which total $1,885.75 need to be paid.  MOTIONED BY GENE FRANTZ AND SECONDED BY BARBARA SLATER IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE THE ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AS PRESENTED.

Nancy also gave to Bernie and Gib a summary of the traffic light repair(receipt from insurance company and expenditure).  Also, noted that the Sigel Insurance bill is up for payment tonight.

 

                TREASURER'S REPORT:  Nancy Eppley

 

                For councils' review is the Schedule of Cash.  MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY BARBARA SLATER IT WAS VOTED TO ACCEPT THE TREASURER'S REPORT AS PRESENTED.  ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

 

                ENGINEER'S REPORT:  Bob Flinchbaugh

 

                Robert Hay Subdivision:  Bob reviewed the revised plans.  A letter was forwarded to the Planning Commission and Council.  Mr. Hay is requesting waives on the following:  Providing street trees along 2nd Street, Providing a detail from trench restoration (water line), From providing financial security for the installation of street trees and trench restoration, and from obtaining a PennDot Highway Occupancy Permit.  The Planning Commission has recommended granting these waivers.  Land Development will be required later on when additional work might need to be done.  Then everything will be listed on the plan as this subdivision progresses.

 

                Third Street Improvement Project:  Plans and bid package have been completed in accordance with the work included in the estimate provided as part of the Community Development Block Grant Application.  Construction funding totals $47,000. And work proposed is currently anticipated to fall within this budget.  Funding must be used by 9/30/01.  Can get an extension. 

 

                A meeting was held on June 8th with Tom Snyder, Barbara Slater, and Police Chief Tim Hoppes. Tom Snyder has indicated to Bob that all completed information is to be provided to the Planning Commission for discussions at their upcoming meeting.    Any plans are available at the Borough Hall office.  Sidewalks and lighting need to be addressed.  Will need an easement from resident( Frutchey).

 

               

MINUTES OF JUNE 14, 2001

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                Telvil (Clossin)Improvements inspections are continuing.  Work limited to site grading and installation of Erosion and Sedimentation Controls.

 

 

                Schwenksville Meadow Park:  The lot line change associated with the proposed park access was reviewed and found to be adequate.  Plans were signed by Bob on June 11, 2001.

 

                SOLICITOR'S REPORT:  Loren Szczesny

 

                Miriam Smith Subdivision:  Brant's office has held discussions with Richard Spare, attorney representing the Estate of Miriam Smith, in regard to the outstanding engineering bills.  Bill will be paid by either the Estate or the developer.  It is Loren's understanding that the dispute will be resolved between the two of them without further involvement from the Borough.

 

                Revitalization Program:  Contract received from Simone Jaffe Collins Landscape Architecture for services to be performed as the Planning Consultant implementing the Revitalization Program.  It was advised that Bernie execute the contract and return same.  This was signed tonight.

 

                Pat questioned:  Law Suit:  Loren suggests discussing this at an Executive Session if need be.  Paperwork sent off to the Thomas agency.

 

                Pleasantview Avenue problems:  According to Tom things are being settled soon by Organski.

 

                POLICE REPORT:  Chief Timothy Hoppes

 

                Monthly report for May:  Total complaints received 32 by Chief Hoppes, State Police handled 22 calls.  Chief Hoppes 's complete report is on file at Borough Hall.

 

                Chief Hoppes appeared before the Perkiomen Valley School Board and requested of them if the former North Elementary School could be opened up for training purposes with emphasis on violence in the school and police response to that violence.  The board was very pleased with the idea.  There would be various entities involved.  Tim will coordinate everything including alerting the neighbors around the school.

 

                FIRE COMPANY REPORT:  No representative present

 

                AMBULANCE REPORT:  Given by Nancy Eppley

 

                Lower Frederick Ambulance reports that for the Month of May there were 26 calls for Schwenksville.  Events are:  Free Blood Pressure Checks at the station, Fund Drive in progress, and their goal is to buy a new ambulance.

 

                BOROUGH MANAGER:  Tom Snyder

 

                Update as of 6/14/01:

 

                Mt. View Drainage:  Design not complete, due 6/21/01.

                Montgomery Avenue:  Drawings ordered from Carroll by Tom

                Spring Mt. House Project:  As of 2/2/01:  Still in settlement condemnation negotiations Upper Salford and Owner , plus Perkiomen Township involvement.

                Park:  Deeds being filed by Brant

                Third Street, Maple to Perkiomen:  Final field review to cover school changes by Barbara Slater, Tim Hoppes, and Tom Snyder.  Awaiting drawings for planning review on 6/21/01.

MINUTES OF JUNE 14, 2001

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                Mine Hill Reconstruction:  Final review by County by 6/21/01.

                Clemens Subdivision:  Final drawings for review by Planning Commission due 6/21/01

                North Elementary School:  Notification by school district for construction.

                Pleasantview/Clearfield Drainage Revision:  Organski filed for PA One Call, construction emanate.

                Hay Subdivision:  2nd Submission to Planning Commission on 6/21/01.

                Perkiomen Avenue:  Work completed by Bechtel, Stoning of swale by PennDot.

                Second and Maple Inlet Damage:  Bechtel to repair after quoting.

                Street Sweeping:  To be done 6/20/01

                Zoning Map Update:  Mylar and file ordered from Carroll for update by LTL.

                Stop Sign by Forrest and Centennial Visability:Cleared by Authority

                Street Signs at Mine Hill Road:  Authority correcting, signs on hand.

 

Tom's complete report on file at Borough Hall. 

 

Gene questioned the Catch Basin at the McKim property.  Tom said that getting someone to come out to clean it  is a problem.

 

Bernie questioned the 2nd St./Maple Avenue inlet damage.  Tom said that the brick wall is caved in, inlet is half on the road and half on the wall.  Said that a quote is coming, estimated at approximately $2,000.00.

 

Pat referred to the Planning Commission letter of 5/24/01 in reference to zoning changes proposed on two properties.  One is the Miller property at Second Street and Perkiomen Avenue from Residential 2 to Institution and the Albridge property located at the proposed new entrance at Perkiomen Avenue from Residential-l to Institution.  It was mentioned that this issue will be addressed at a later date.  This is between 2 private parties.

 

                BUILDING INSPECTOR/ZONING OFFICER:  Ernie Schmitt

 

                3 building permits issued this past month, plus U & O permits.  Garis Builders said that all 9 lots (Clossin Subdivision) have been sold.

 

                STREETS AND ROADS:  Barbara Slater

 

Mostly everything has been covered under Tom's report.  Barbara does however would like to see Boyer Alley 4th to east end, 4th Street Boyer to Cherry and 3rd Street, Boyer to Cherry ordained.

 

                MOTIONED BY BARBARA SLATER AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO RE-ADVERTISE FOR ORDINATION THE ABOVE ROADS.  ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.  Nancy was asked to re-advertise this proposed ordinance for possible adoption at next month's meeting.

 

                FINANCE:  Gilbert Williams    Nothing to report tonight

 

                LIGHTING STANDARDS:  Discussed at Planning Commission. 

 

                Type:  Cast Aluminum

 

                Style:  Madison

 

                Color:  Black

 

                Height:  12'

MINUTES OF JUNE 14, 2001

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                Distance:  160' a part on the same side of the street, opposite has a staggered start 80' from the other side with the same spacing of 160'.

 

                Wiring:  Underground

 

                Mountings:  Direct on sidewalk??  Damage from snow blowers vs mount on 2' cement mount.

 

                Topping:  Acorn top.

 

                MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY GENE FRANTZ IT WAS VOTED TO ADOPT THE LIGHTING STANDARDS ABOVE AS SUGGESTED.  ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

 

                TRAIL:  County to start surveying.  Would like to get councils' ideas.

 

                MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAM AND SECONDED BY PATRICIA KATONA IT WAS VOTED TO DONATE THE EASEMENT FROM THE AUTHORITY TO THE BOROUGH MEADOW PARK APPROXIMATELY 8,000 SQ. FT.  (THIS IS CONDITIONAL ON THE FINAL SURVEY).  ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

 

                Estimated cost:  $1,800.00.  Brant's office will take a look at this.

 

                REGIONAL REVITIZATION PLAN:  Members consisting of Trappe, Collegeville, Schwenksville, Skippack, Lower and Upper Frederick.  2 members from each community working toward one goal.

 

                Representing council will be Gilbert Williams, Planning Commission will be Josephine Gill.

 

                MOTIONED BY GENE FRANTZ AND SECONDED BY PATRICIA KATONA IT WAS VOTED TO APPOINT THE ABOVE PERSONS GILBERT WILLIAMS AND JOSEPHINE GILL TO THE REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION.  ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

 

                MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY GENE FRANTZ IT WAS VOTED TO ADVERTISE THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE AND BY-LAWS ON THE REVILIZATION PLAN.  ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

 

                Gib mentioned that the local Planning Commission is still in place.  Loren's office has the information that the county has sent out.

 

                PROPERTY:  Patricia Katona

 

                Pat met with representatives of BFI, Park Place Community Association and discussed the 44 townhouses located within the Borough to be included in the contract for residential trash service.

The present contract for PPCA will expire August 1, 2001.  BFI is in agreement to absorb the 44 units with bag service until the end of the contract at the regular residential rate.  If this option is taken there would be an $8.00 per bin charge for the 44 recycle bins.    Bernie mentioned that the Borough would be going out to bid later this year.  That bid would be good for three years.  Pat questioned, whether or not the Borough wanted to count in Park Place, Gib would like to look at the total picture.  Spokesperson from Park Place would like to get on board, get timetable in place before the contract expires.  It was suggested that Pat and Gib get together, if need be Bernie will help in solving this problem.  More discussion followed.

 

               

JUNE 14, 2001 MINUTES

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                MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY BARBARA SLATER IT WAS VOTED TO HAVE THE BOROUGH TAKE ON THE 44 UNITS WITH B.F.I. (PENNYPACKER DRIVE AND COURT E).  ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

 

                Details will be discussed at an Executive Meeting tonight, then further discussions will take place with Park Place.

 

                Proposed Park at Highland Avenue:  According to Tom Snyder, the Park Board will be discussing this soon.  Surrounding residents are in agreement.  Pat would like more discussions on this.

 

                Borough Authority:  Everything seems to be smoothly.

 

                FIRE COMPANY LIAISON:  Gene Frantz

 

                Fire Company did purchase a new fire engine and when it arrives council is invited to ride in it.

 

                STREET LIGHTING:  Gene Frantz

 

                Received a letter from Exelon stating that they are going out of the generating business.  PECO will be giving comparable rates, depending on the demand.  Suggests switching over to PECO.

 

                MAYOR'S REPORT:  Carroll Rosenberger

 

                Performed 1 wedding this month.

 

                Received a report from the census department, census is up by 300.

 

                Bernie received an invitation to a breakfast meeting in Radnor, wasn't sure of the date, time is 8 a.m.  Due to Bernie having to go to the various doctors he will be unable to attend and ask that Carroll go in his place.

 

                Chief Hoppes was asked what is the update on the evening concerts, etc. taking place at the Library, any feedback?

 

                He and Mayor Rosenberger met with the board of the Library and voiced the Borough's concerns (noise levels, parking), the board was very interested in Tim's and Mayor's concerns and they took these concerns under advisement.  Hasn't heard anything yet.

 

                Bernie mentioned that the copy machines are old and giving Tom and Nancy some trouble.  Nancy has received quotes from Ricoh, Konica, Canon, and Zerox.  All features are the same on all the machines.  It was suggested by Pat to have Nancy and Tom review these quotes and make the decision on which one to buy.

 

                MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY BARBARA SLATER IT WAS VOTED TO SPEND NO MORE THAN $5,000.00 ON A NEW OFFICE COPIER.  ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

 

                Input was made by Ernie Schmitt, who recently purchased one for his other office in Collegeville.

 

                OLD BUSINESS/NEW BUSINESS:

 

                Roy Miller:  Questioning the Clemens Property.  What is taking place?  Open Space?? Still in the early stages.

 

                MINUTES OF JUNE 14, 2001

                Page 6

 

                Bernie mentioned that a letter was received from Representative Joseph Hoffel who would like to address council concerning the re-districting.  Nancy was asked to contact his office and set up a time when Mr. Hoffel could attend either the July or August meeting.

 

                No further business, the meeting was adjourned.

 

                Executive Meeting followed.

 

                Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

 

                Nancy J. Eppley, Secretary

                June 27, 2001