BOROUGH OF SCHWENKSVILLE, PA
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 13, 1997
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by President, E. M. (Sue) Kuhn.
The secretary called the roll and present were: E. M. (Sue) Kuhn, Joseph Giunta, Joan Giunta, Bernard McCollum, Chris Kraft and Mayor, William Clossin.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: By the assembly.
MOTIONED BY BERNARD McCOLLUM AND SECONDED BY CHRIS KRAFT IT WAS VOTED TO DISPENSE WITH THE READING OF THE MINUTES OF JANUARY 23, 1997. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
MOTIONED BY BERNARD McCOLLUM AND SECONDED BY CHRIS KRAFT IT WAS VOTED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF JANUARY 23, 1997 WITH NO ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Joe questioned the Carroll Engineering invoice of $3,379. Tom Snyder, Borough Manager explained why this is a little high, because of the grading that had to be done (shifting of the inlets). If the original plans were followed, there would have been a problem at the post office property. At the present time, Centennial Street is approximately $l0,000.00 over budget, but this project goes back a few years.
Joe mentioned that insurance costs (all policies for the borough) have been lowered by approximately $750.00. Insurance is presently with Sigel Insurance.
Bernie questioned the insurance for the lights. There is no insurance coverage for preventive maintenance.
MOTIONED BY JOSEPH GIUNTA AND SECONDED BY CHRIS KRAFT IT WAS VOTED TO ACCEPT THE ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AS PRESENTED. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
TREASURER'S REPORT: MOTIONED BY JOSEPH GIUNTA AND SECONDED BY BERNARD McCOLLUM IT WAS VOTED TO ACCEPT THE TREASURER'S REPORT AS PRESENTED. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
POLICE REPORT: Chief Frank Holden
Month of January combined report of Chief Holden and the State Police: 73 calls. Complete report is on file at the borough hall..
2) BB Gun incident: Police have checked this out, nothing resolved.
3) Turkey Vultures: Information received from the USDA. Agent will be coming here. Suggestions on how to deal with this problem have been given.
4) Skateboards: With the approach of nice weather, skateboarding will again be a problem of the borough. A sample ordinance has been given to Solicitor, Joseph Ciccitto to be given to Bob Brant for his review.
Mayor Clossin received literature on ways to deal with the turkey vultures. After discussing various ways it was decided that a 22 caliber blank pistol with "whiz bangs with blanks" be used. The chief, plus one more responsible person would be in charge.
Joe Ciccitto was concerned that the person assisting chief Holden have workmen comp. Borough Authority personnel would be used.
MOTIONED BY BERNARD McCOLLUM AND SECONDED BY JOAN GIUNTA IT WAS VOTED TO EXPEND THE REQUIRED MONIES (APPROXIMATELY $100.00) FOR 2 GUNS, SHELLS, AND BLANKS. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
Bruce McBain, reporter covering tonight's meeting was asked to put a notice in the paper so that residents know what is going on in the borough.
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT: Nicholas Matregrano reported in the month of January there were 4 calls, firefighters in service 25, time in service 2 hr. and 32 min., distance traveled ll miles. His complete report is on file at the borough hall.
Winter Bar B-Q for Sunday, February 23rd.
SOLICITOR'S REPORT: Joseph Ciccitto filling in for Robert Brant
Jeff Clemens Subdivision:
Mr. Clemens was present tonight. No formal presentation. Conceptual sketch plan was before the Zoning Hearing Board on January 30, l997 and was approved.
Also, before the Borough's Planning Commission. A few questions were addressed.
Mr. Clemens concerns are:
Rent: Probably $600. + a month.
2 Bedroom Apartments - Looking more at renting to couples with l child.
Entrance: Going in from Centennial Street.
No fire/emergency access listed on this plan.
Sidewalks: Just on Centennial Street
Favorable review from the Montgomery County Planning Commission for 2 buildings rather than l building previously proposed.
Permission was granted by council tonight to move forward and to present the plan in full.
Chris was concerned with the front appearance (lake or pond). This has not yet been addressed.
Size of complex: 28 units
Traffic survey: No traffic survey has been done as yet.
This plan is still in its early stage, and as mentioned previously Mr. Clemens has been told to proceed.
2) Violation at 524 Main Street: Deck has been taken down which was in violation. Tom Snyder noticed that tenants have moved into the apartment without securing a U & O. Notice of violation will be going out.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
STREETS/ROADS: Bernie McCollum
Bike Event: April 20th. 7 am - 4 pm Riders will be traveling thru Schwenksville. Stopping off at the Fire Company. Council has asked Secretary to write a letter stating that they support this event.
P.S. of A Parade: Scheduled for October llth. Bruce McBain gave some details of the event. More details will follow.
Centennial Street: Signs that are posted "Travel at your own Risk". Is the borough still at risk? According to Solicitor, Joseph Ciccitto the borough is covered under the insurance policy, and signs are posted.
PROPERTY: Bernie passed out a letter listing the renovations that will be needed at Borough Hall. Joe suggested prioritizing them according to their importance. Should be under $l0,000. so borough wouldn't have to advertise.
FINANCE/PERSONNEL: Joe Giunta
Pension Plan has been invested well this year. Good return of l5% interest.
Trash bills: Bernie recommended that the trash bills be paid every month. He feels that the borough has contracted for the bill which should not change and should not need approval monthly. Any changes could then be discussed at the monthly meeting.
Council felt that the way it is being done is proper and should continue. No interest has yet needed to be paid.
PARK BOARD: Tom Snyder
Little League: Would like to use the Park to play "T" ball. Timeframe would be June and July. There was a lengthy discussion on this. Joe feels that the field is too uneven and that could pose a problem. What happens should other residents want to use the park at the same time?
MOTIONED BY CHRIS KRAFT AND SECONDED BY BERNARD McCOLLUM IT WAS VOTED TO GRANT PERMISSION TO THE LITTLE LEAGUE BUT NO MODIFICATIONS TO THE FIELD.
THOSE IN FAVOR, KUHN, JOAN GIUNTA, BERNARD McCOLLUM, CHRIS KRAFT. OPPOSED: JOSEPH GIUNTA. MOTION CARRIED.
Bernie had another question, question comment was asked previously. There were no questions posed and vote was taken.
STREET LIGHTING: Chris Kraft
Everything seems to be working okay
FIRE COMPANY LIAISON: Joan Giunta - Nothing to report
POLICE COMMITTEE: Joseph Giunta - Nothing to report
BOROUGH MANAGER: Thomas Snyder
l) Retirement Center: Settlement was 2/l2/97. Modifications will be extensive.
2) Mine Hill Road: Modifications will be included in the HUD Grant.
3) Centennial Street, Phase II pre-meeting scheduled for 2/2l/97 at l0:00 a.m. Bid opening scheduled for 2/28/97 at l0:00 a.m. then awarded at the March meeting.
CORRESPONDANCE: Nancy Eppley - Nothing to report
OLD BUSINESS: Nothing
NEW BUSINESS: Joseph Maiello and Lorraine Cuddy representing Lower Frederick Township were present tonight to seek representation on the Borough Authority.
Mr. Maiello feels that since 60% of the Borough Authority's customer reside in Lower Frederick Township the township should be represented.
Lorraine mentioned that a letter previously sent asked this request and nothing happened.
Sue thanked Mr. Maiello and Mrs. Cuddy for their interest and said that their request would be taken under consideration. No further questions or comments.
Someone needs to be appointed as this appointment was not filled at last month's meeting.
MOTIONED BY CHRIS KRAFT AND SECONDED BY BERNARD McCOLLUM IT WAS VOTED TO APPOINT SAMUEL SCHWEIGERT TO AN ADDITIONAL 5 YEAR TERM. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Schweigert is a resident and previously served on this board along with being on the boards of the library, park board and school board.
Mr. Maiello was concerned with this appointment, no problems to speak of, but he feels that Lower Frederick should be represented.
Sue Kuhn mentioned that an open dialogue for any appointments coming up.
Chris mentioned that perhaps if Lower Frederick has someone in mind, they could start attending the Borough Authority meetings and become familiar with the workings. The Borough Authority does many things not just water and sewer.
MAYOR's REPORT: William Clossin
l) Mentioned a device that is being used in Lansdale roads/streets. "Pedestrians have the right of way". It probably would not be a good idea for Schwenksville considering the narrow streets.
2) Street sign ready to fall down at Summit/Hillcrest.
3) Office Parking: Tom mentioned that as soon as the next door lot is paved, there will be parking available.
"Captain" Samuel Schweigert - School Board member mentioned that he is very concerned with the way the School Board expenditures are going. Taxes will be increasing and that poses a problem for all the residents, especially the elderly on fixed incomes. Please come to the meetings, if not please contact Mr. Schweigert so he can pass those concerns along to the board.
NEXT MEETING: Thursday, March l3, l997 at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Nancy J. Eppley
February 2l, l997