BOROUGH OF SCHWENKSVILLE, PA
COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 13, 2001
Began: 7:30 p.m. Ended: 9:30 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, Barbara Slater, Gene Frantz, and Mayor Rosenberger.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: By the assembly.
Council and Audience present observed a few minutes of silence in remembrance of the tragic events of the recent week in New York City and Washington, D.C.
Dispense with the reading of the minutes of August 23, 2001: MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY BARBARA SLATER IT WAS VOTED TO DISPENSE WITH THE READING OF THE MINUTES OF AUGUST 23, 2001. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
Approval of the minutes of August 23, 2001: MOTIONED BY BARBARA SLATER AND SECONDED BY GENE FRANTZ IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF AUGUST 23, 2001. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/TREASURER'S REPORT: Nancy Eppley
Disbursements for the Month of period from September 1 to 13, 2001: $19,254.93 and in addition those checks written after the report was printed. Reiter's Service Station, Thomas Insurance, Branching Out Florist, Davidheiser Calibration, Tim Hoppes.
In addition, a check was cut for the new copy machine and this will be sent out on September 30th. Borough had 3 months to decide if they wanted to buy it. Both Tom Snyder and Nancy are happy with the machine.
Deposit Detail for the Month of August, Plus the Statement of Revenues and Expenditures to Budget Comparison has been presented to council for their review.
Treasurer's Report: Statement as of the end of August 31, 2001 on the Schedule of Cash.
MOTIONED BY BARBARA SLATER AND SECONDED BY GENE FRANTZ IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE THE ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND TREASURER'S REPORT AS PRESENTED. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
Bernie McCollum has asked that either someone from the Perkiomen Valley School Board be present to discuss the new school and the discussion of sidewalks on Third Street. Captain Samuel Schweigert said that the walkers will walk on 2nd Street only, buses will be on Third Street.
He has also been advised that the location of the school site will reduce the drainage of water.
ENGINEER'S REPORT: Robert Flinchbaugh
-Telvil Subdivision: A recommendation of escrow release for completed improvement per letter of September 6th. All inspections have been inspected and deemed satisfactory.
Telvil has asked for a total release in the amount of $93,981.39. But based on field inspections Bob is recommending a release of $89,331.89.
MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY GENE FRANTZ IT WAS VOTED TO RELEASE THE ESCROW AMOUNT OF $89,331.89 AS RECOMMENDED BY BOB FLINCHBAUGH. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
-Third Street Improvements Project: Bob has recommended that a 24" pipe rather than a 12" pipe be installed. As of LTL's letter of August 7th, additional improvements were recommended.
Provision of sidewalk along entire east side of street, installation of curbing on both sides of the street, replacing entire length of existing 12" storm sewer with 24" pipe, enlarging of the curb radius at Maple Street to 50', and provision of underground conduit for street lighting.
Grant secured originally was for $47,000.00. With the additional improvements the total will be approximately $103,800.00.
Pat questioned what percentages of children would be walking from the Maple Hill development in Perkiomen Township? Obviously foot traffic is going to increase and to be Safe rather than Sorry is Gene's thoughts. Gib Williams feels that it would be cheaper to make these additional improvements now, also, the Borough Hall renovation monies could be used to help this Third Street project.
MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY GENE FRANTZ IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE THE SPENDING OF $103,800.00 AS STATED BY BOB FLINCHBAUGH. (referring to his letter of August 7th-with stated improvement). PLAN IS KNOW AS "ALTERNATE B".
Vote: 4 in favor (Williams, Katona, Slater, and Frantz 1 not in favor: (McCollum) MOTION CARRIED.
According to Bob Flinchbaugh need to make revisions in the contract. It will be a tight schedule getting the bid package ready (estimates 2-3 weeks)
Bernie was wondering what interference will the buses do with the construction. No trouble at all.
Pat questioned whether council could ask for additional money? Tom, said that it already is in the 2001 grant structure. Don't know what monies are available as yet. Federal budget money is guaranteed.
-Mine Hill Road: An intersection detail plan has been completed and provided to Tom Snyder. This plan has been updated to show Lower Frederick Township's right of way in the area of the Cemetary Lane /Woodland Avenue intersection.
-Montgomery Avenue Ordination: Has prepared a Conceptual Plan. There are some properties that Bob does not have deeds for. On the plan are the improvements which were approved as of last year.
Suggests that council look at these improvements and get back to him. Everything should be completed by next month.
Bernie mentioned that the Borough does not need a release from him, as the road doesn't go to his property. Arrowhead Investments (part of the Croyle property)now new owners. The drain at the base of Montgomery Avenue and Perkiomen Avenue belongs to PennDot. Borough has title.
SOLICITOR'S REPORT: Loren Szczesny
-Trash Bids: Before council this evening are the Trash Specifications for their review. Can be considered at the October meeting.
Gib questioned whether the Borough could have one bid for Commercial and the other for Residential. This language is incorporated in the specifications. Previously discussed was how billing will be done, will the secretary do the billing or the hauler direct to those Commercial properties.
-Regional Planning Commission: Adopted Ordinance #305 on July 12th this year. There is a total of 7 municipalities participating in this commission. There have been issues raised, now everyone is trying to make some amendments. Loren explained revisions in regards to membership, voting rights, terms, budgets, officers, expenses, non-budgeted items. Also, this Regional Planning Commission does not have any bearing on our local Planning Board. Loren will make the necessary revisions.
MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO HAVE THE SOLICITOR AMENDMENT CERTAIN SECTIONS TO ORDINANCE #305. ALL
WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
-McKim Property: Update: Bob Brant working on.
Other:
-Johnson/Rogers Subdivision: Representing client is Angela of Keenan, Ciccittio, and Associates. Looking for approval of the plan. Time is running out. Sidewalks need to be installed and council was assured that her client is willing to put in the sidewalks. Will be going to Planning Commission on the 19th of this month. Preliminary Plan then Final Plan.
POLICE REPORT: Chief Tim Hoppes
Explained his monthly report to council (who have a copy). Total monthly complaints for August by Chief Hoppes is 36 and total for the State Police is 27. Complete report is on file at Borough Hall.
Has purchased a used shotgun. Would like permission to have it checked out. Permission granted.
There is a problem at the intersection of Mine Hill/Summit. Traffic turning has a problem. The roadways merge together.
Fire lane has been put down at the Main Street Market.
Emergency Phone Line: Discussed at last month's meeting. Would like permission to have this phone line installed. Wants to be prepared in case of any emergency. No information from Brant's office which was checking the legal aspect out.
MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY PATRICIA KATONA IT WAS VOTED TO INSTALL THE PRIVATE LINE FOR EMERGENCY/SAFETY PURPOSES. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
Will be budgeted in next year's budget. Line will be only available to the Chief, President of Council, and Mayor.
FIRE COMPANY REPORT: Jim Keyser (in the absence of Jim-Gene Frantz will give report.)
Fire tax account: $40,000.00 payment on the new truck.
Truck needed foam put on it. So council can anticipate having a ride on it soon.
AMBULANCE REPORT: Larry Politz, General Manager
Membership Drive on-going.
Open House: 9/30/01
Larry mentioned that the insurance companies are not reimbursing ambulance squads as much as they did in the past. Ambulances should be replaced every 5 years, and the cost is between $60,000.00 and $125,000.00. Please keep them in mind, per Larry that when council does their budget for 2002.
Pat spoke on the need of the ambulance for the community, for the community's welfare, health, and safety. Ask council to consider to "up" donation for a one time purpose only.
BUILDING INSPECTOR/ZONING OFFICER: Ernie Schmitt
A few letters have been written for various violations, only meant to get that person's attention to comply with the requirements.
Scott Angstad, and Ernie met with the architects for the new school. This is in reference to the
Fire separation, and various watering systems that are proposed. Also, discussed emergency routing. Ernie working closely with Jim Keyser.
Cedar Lea: Houses occupied: Lots 3, 7, and 9.
Had some trouble with Lot 1, but everything straighten out now.
McKimm property: Still working on.
Sign: Main Street Market: Given out
Standard U & Os given out
Labor and Industry: Has hearings next week with 2 people (names not mentioned) They are seeking variances.
BOROUGH MANAGER: Tom Snyder
Tom's completed updated report is on file at Borough Hall. Also, given out to Council for their review. Those items which are highlighted are the latest updates.
Other:
Mt. View Avenue resurfacing: Tom Slater leveled out the road on his own.
Guard Rail at Route 73/29 moved over. PennDot involved.
Mt.View Avenue quotes: Tom is getting them.
Mine Hill Road: A sketch is being prepared on the boundary
Park Letter: Received to date 60 replies of the 92 letters that when out. Majority in favor of another park.
Perkiomen/4th Street: Bump has been put in by PennDot
Traffic Light at Park Avenue/Game Farm Road: Working on the timing problem.
Putting up visors on the NE corner.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
STREETS/ROADS: Barbara Slater
-Mine Hill Road near Sharon Morgan's: Gutter that is clogged.
Channel in her driveway which she will need to take care of, water in front the Borough can correct.
-Dead Tree: Mine Hill/Hillcrest Gene Frantz will check with owner. This tree is blocking view.
FINANCE: Gilbert Williams
Budget preparation to begin soon.
REVILIZATION: Gilbert Williams
Committee meeting was postponed. We reschedule soon.
TRAIL: Gilbert Williams
In final phases. Should know in the next 2 to 3 weeks.
PROPERTY: Patricia Katona
Codification: Every council member has copies of the two proposals, from Penn Valley and General Code. Nancy suggested council members review and she would call and set up appointments for each one to meet at various times with council.
FIRE COMPANY: Gene Frantz Nothing to report
STREET LIGHTING: Gene Frantz: Nothing to report
MAYOR'S REPORT: Carroll Rosenberger Nothing to report
OLD BUSINESS: Nothing
NEW BUSINESS: Gilbert Williams
Mr. Hancock: Called Gib related to dumping on the old railroad right of way with the impact on the trail and the property boundaries.
Nancy Eppley
Met with the Police Retirement Auditor and he suggested that a Resolution be made every 2 years in reference to Police Plan Contributions.
MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY GENE FRANTZ IT WAS VOTED TO PASS RESOLUTION 2001-05 IN REFERENCE TO POLIC PLAN CONTRIBUTIONS. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
AUDIENCE: Mr. Batzell-Main Street rear resident concerned about Village/Commercial parking. Parking on Montgomery Avenue?? Council going to ordain road eventually and residents will be listed on Montgomery Avenue not Main Street.
Other:
Bernie thanked the POS of A for their help in putting up the flags.
Bernie passed out a letter from him: Read his letter of resignation, resigning tonight due to health reasons. Passed the gravel on Vice President, Gilbert Williams. He has resigned as council president and on the board effective tonight.
All business having been attended to, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy J. Eppley
Secretary
September 28, 2001