BOROUGH OF SCHWENKSVILLE, PA

MINUTES OF MARCH 8, 2001

Began: 7:30 p.m.

Ended: 8:45 p.m. 

The Schwenksville Borough Council Meeting was called to order by Council President, Bernard McCollum. 

Secretary, Nancy Eppley called the roll. 

Present were: Bernie McCollum, Patricia Katona, Gilbert Williams, Barbara Slater and Gene Frantz. 

Absent was: Carroll Rosenberger 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: By the assembly. 

DISPENSE WITH THE READING OF THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 8, 2001

MOTIONED BY BARBARA SLATER AND SECONDED BY PATRICIA KATONA IT WAS VOTED TO DISPENSE WITH THE READING OF THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 8, 2001. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED. 

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 8, 2001.

MOTIONED BY GENE FRANTZ AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 8, 2001 AS PRESENT. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED. 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Nancy Eppley 

Presented to council for approval, the Disbursement Report (General and Liquid Fuels), Deposit Detail (General), Statement of Revenues/Expenditures.

In addition, there were two additional checks written tonight for: Timothy Hoppes (medical insurance)Payable to Schwenksville Borough Authority ($867.15) and a check for Timothy Hoppes for chains for his tires($108.90).

Bernie questioned the repair of lights bill (Titan Electric) for $551.98 The replacement bulbs and work was badly needed per Gene. According to Tom Snyder we have no contract for this service, only an hourly rate. PECO originally perform the work and was only done when needed and only a few at a time. 

Also, questioned was the Mast Construction bill which has been presented but not paid as yet. Cost came in at over $5,000.00 than the $2,000. Increase which was previously discussed. A letter came in saying that this was approved by Chris Kraft, Tom Snyder, Engineer, Ken Yerger of Carroll Engineering and Mast Construction. Bernie understands according to the contract that anything that was dug up had to be put back as before, but this additional cost was to repair further driveways. Barbara explained that this was the blacktop to move and repair a manhole. Bernie said that council never approved this additional work. Gib suggested having Nancy make a copy of the bill and give to members for their review. This will be discussed later. 

MOTIONED BY GENE FRANTZ AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO ACCEPT THE ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AS PRESENTED. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED. 

TREASURER'S REPORT: Nancy Eppley 

Schedule of Cash Report as of February 28, 2001. 

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

In addition to a past Executive Meeting decision: Fees for sign permits: $50.00 Was approved by Council. Tonight a Burning Fee now is $10.00

MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY GENE FRANTZ IT WAS VOTED TO INCREASE THE FEE FOR BURNING TO $10.00. THIS WILL BE A 30 DAY PERMIT. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED. 

ENGINEER'S REPORT: Robert Flinchbaugh 

-Clossin Subdivision: A pre-construction meeting was held in February with the builder, Telvil Builders, and the site contractor, Schlouch, Inc. Work to date has included minor tree clearing. 

In accordance with the Planning Commission's request, Bob has been in contact with Spring City Manufacturing concerning proposed street lighting. He will be providing the PC with information regarding this prior to the upcoming March 15th meeting. Gib explained further details. 

-Third Street Improvement Project: In accordance with Bob's March 7th letter, they are awaiting authorization from Council prior to commencing work. All information complete to date by Carroll Engineering has been received. Church: waiting for a plan. Mentioned an inlet. 

Per Bob's conversation with Terry McMullin of the County, the Development Block Grant Funding has been secured for construction only.$47,000.00 grant is in place. 

MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO AUTHORIZE THE ENGINEER TO DO ENGINEERING AND INSPECTION FEES IN THE AMOUNT OF $13,500.00, (IF MORE FUNDS ARE NEEDED, THE ENGINEER WILL COME BACK TO COUNCIL FOR ADDITIONAL APPROVAL.) ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED. 

-Steep Slope Ordinance: Bob has been in contact with Michelle Smith, MCPC regarding the Steep Slope Ordinance . Bob has made recommendations of revisions to the draft ordinance, which have been incorporated for review at the upcoming PC meeting. 

-Miriam Smith/Organski Subdivsion: Completed a review plan proposing a realignment to the storm sewer layout. This review has been provided in Bob's March 1st letter. Mention of a $5,000.00 escrow account. Nancy knows nothing about this. Mike Organski will be contacted. 

-Engineer attending Planning Commission Meetings: It was decided that Bob will call Gib to see if he is needed . Having the engineer attend is quite helpful. 

-Crossing Rt. 29 (portion of Mt. View Avenue) MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO HAVE THE ENGINEER COME UP WITH A CONSTRUCTION COST, WORKING WITH PENN DOT. COST NOT TO EXCEED $2,500.00. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED. 

SOLICITOR'S REPORT: Loren Szczesny 

-Meadow Park Subdivision: Draft copies of the parcel in question forwarded to Blake Dunbar. Also, to Bob Flinchbaugh. No comments from Blake as of this writing. As soon as the drafts are approved by Mr. Dunbar, Loren's office will prepare final drafts for execution and filing with the Recorder of Deeds Office.

Some discussion on the pipes and the pump house.

-Village/Commercial and Commercial Zoning Ordinance Amendments: Proposed ordinances are being prepared for advertising at a public hearing on April 12, 2001. The County Planning Commission will be receiving the proposed ordinances for their review. 

-Personnel matter: Discussed at the Executive Meeting tonight. No other comments mentioned. 

-Library Grants: How the Library go about getting grants. Bernie read up on this and found them to be 50% grants. The municipality has to put up the money. Gib spoke briefly on this, explaining different avenues to go. 

COMMITTEE REPORTS: 

BOROUGH MANAGER: Tom Snyder 

Tom has presented his report. Some of the items discussed are: 

Number Installation at Spring Mount Summit: 90% complete, some signs are missing.  

Playground Equipment: We have a quote. Park Board has to meet. 

Montgomery Avenue: Need authorization to go ahead with final design for ordination.  

McKim Property: Bernie doesn't feel the Borough should tear this down. Contact the Board of Health, Real Estate Company. Tom said that it was up to the Borough to condemn it, but he was stopped on this. The Borough needs to do is order it to be torn down or repaired (repairing is out of the question, in too bad a shape). Ernie Schmitt offered his suggestions.  

MOTIONED BY GENE FRANTZ AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS TO ORDER THE McKIM FAMILY TO TEAR THE STRUCTURE DOWN. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED. 

Jo Gill, Tax Collector has the address where the letter should go. 

Patching of the streets: Still too cool, Snow expected tonight. 

STREETS/ROADS: Barbara Slater 

Montgomery Avenue: Final Design needed to get this avenue ordained. Bernie said that a lot has been done. Only needs to be finalized according to Tom. 

MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO HAVE THE ENGINEER CHECK THE FIGURES, ETC. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED. 

Bernie explained the layout of the land.  

Mine Hill Reconstruction: Have according to Tom until the 16th of April to file for a HUD Grant. Needs to be surveyed to know where the road is. Nothing on the books according to Tom. Never adopted. Receiving PennDot money per Bernie. 

MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS TO HAVE THE ENGINEER DO A DEED LAYOUT ACCORDING TO TOM SNYDER AND THEN PROCEED.WORK NOT TO EXCEED $2,000. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED. 

 

 

TRAIL: Gilbert Williams 

John Wood probably will be going to the County Commissioners supposedly this month for engineering and other costs of the development. So hopefully, the Borough can recoup the engineering costs. A letter went to Carroll Engineering on March 6th. 

VILLAGE/COMMERCIAL: Gilbert Williams  

Proposed ordinance coming up for possible adoption April 12th.

RFP (request for proposal) went out to consultant.

The committee will be dissolving soon, most of the work is done.

Pat questioned the "Steep Slope Ordinance". Is it part of the V/C? No, separately. 

PROPERTY: Pat Katona 

Railing on the steps has been fixed. Tom mentioned that any additional movement, the aluminum would need to be replaced with steel. 

FIRE COMPANY: Gene Frantz Nothing 

POLICE COMMITTEE: Gene Frantz Nothing 

STREET LIGHTING: Gene Frantz 

Improvements have made a difference. Clearfield Avenue, no lights. 

PRESIDENT'S REPORT: Bernie McCollum 

Fees for burning: Raised to $10.00, has advised Jim Keyser 

Also, there is a National Fire Protection Association, that the Jim Keyser and Scott Angstad would like to belong to. It is a 2 year membership, $210.00 per year. Bernie explained what is included in the membership. It is $309.50 for both members. 

MOTIONED BY GENE FRANTZ AND SECONDED BY PATRICIA KATONA IT WAS VOTED TO SUBSCRIBE TO THIS MEMBERSHIP FOR A PRICE OF $309.50 TWO MEMBERS . ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED. 

POLICE REPORT: Chief Tim Hoppes 

Explained his report for the month of February 2001.  

Bernie and Tim have been discussing that the county is going to another radio system and municipalities would have to change over eventually to be part of the system. Tim just received information on this new system. He explained the system to council. There is a grant available 80/20%. Cost is approximately $8,400.00 range. Still in the beginning stages, Tim will continue to keep council advised. Quicker action will be available when this system goes into effect. Old units: What will happen? Nothing is known. 

Tim is now the official Coordinator of Emergency Management in Schwenksville. As part of his responsibilities, he is responsible for the development and administration of the community's emergency preparedness program. He has started working on this plan, it is a long process. One of the things that Tim presently is doing is corresponding with the Colonnade of Schwenksville in an effort to set up a location to use in case of any emergency which could occur. The Colonnade is ideally located with the many advantages available. A letter has been received from Christine Clark, Director of the Colonnade that they are extremely pleased with the suggestion of using the facility.  

CORRESPONDENCE: Nancy Eppley 

Little League Parade: May 5th 

Carnival at Lutheran Church: Church has asked permission to close down Second Avenue from Church Street to Centennial for a carnival on May 5th for a few hours. Chief Hoppes spoke on Library Lane, perhaps that could be shut down. Carnival is from 12 noon to 4 p.m. 

MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO CLOSE SECOND STREET BETWEEN CHURCH AND CENTENNIAL. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED. 

MAYOR'S REPORT: Carroll Rosenberger Absent, No report 

OLD/NEW BUSINESS: Nothing 

AUDIENCE: Joe O'Neil: What is happening to Boyer Alley? Working the problem. 

NEXT MEETING: April 12, 2001 at 7:30 p.m. 

Meeting adjourned, 

Respectfully Submitted, 

 

Nancy J. Eppley

March 21, 2001