BOROUGH OF SCHWENKSVILLE, PA
MEETING OF OCTOBER 9, 1997
The October 9, l997 meeting was called to order by president, E. M. (Sue) Kuhn at 7:30 p.m.
The secretary called the roll. Present were: E. M. (Sue) Kuhn, Joseph Giunta, Joan Giunta, Bernard McCollum, and Mayor William Clossin. Absent was Chris Kraft.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: By the assembly.
MOTIONED BY JOAN GIUNTA AND SECONDED BY JOSEPH GIUNTA IT WAS VOTED TO DISPENSE WITH THE READING OF THE MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 11, 1997. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
MOTIONED BY BERNARD McCOLLUM AND SECONDED BY JOAN GIUNTA IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 11, 1997. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE REPORT: The borough's first reimbursement check was received from the County. Amount $57,000. To receive the other check the county wants completed paperwork and a completed up to date bill. Balance of bill is $7,536.22. MOTIONED BY BERNARD McCOLLUM AND SECONDED BY JOAN GIUNTA IT WAS VOTED TO PAY THIS BALANCE. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED. Treasurer, Gael Hahn will cut the check tonight and Tom Snyder will deliver it tomorrow.
Mayor Clossin questioned a $l80. calibration bill. Mentioned that it was due last May. This is probably a duplicate bill and has been paid. This will be checked out by Gael.
Joe Giunta questioned the engineering bill. Tom approved some bills today mostly for the Clemens subdivision. Tom also met with Jeff Clemens and Jeff wants some clarification on some of the engineering bills. A check has been received in the amount of $500.00, to go towards the escrow account.
MOTIONED BY JOSEPH GIUNTA AND SECONDED BY JOAN GIUNTA IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE THE ACCOUNTS PAYABLE, NOW TOTALING $21,423.59. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
TREASURER'S REPORT: Presented by Gael Hahn
Bernie questioned a Clerical Work Insurance invoice. This is for insurance on Nancy Eppley, Tom Snyder and Gael Hahn.
MOTIONED BY JOSEPH GIUNTA AND SECONDED BY BERNARD McCOLLUM IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE THE TREASURER's REPORT AS PRESENTED. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
POLICE REPORT: Chief Frank Holden
l) September: 91 incidents (local and state police)
2) Letter received by Chief Holden from SMS Condo Association stating that they do not want any skateboarding, rollerblading or roller skating on the SMS property. This is private property and they stated they have posted signs stating that these activities are not permitted.
As stated by the SMS Condo letter this is private property and Chief Holden cannot enforce the skateboard law on this property. Frank stated that there are some signs at the beginning of the parking lot.
Wendy McKenna, substituting for Bob Brant, Solicitor was asked to research further. A letter from Bob Brant's office will be sent to the SMS Condo Association.
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT: Chief Nicholas Matregrano
August: Number of calls: 4 Firefighters in Service: 25
Time in service: 2 hrs./30 min. Distance traveled: 4 miles
September: Number of calls: 3 Firefighters in Service: l7
Time in service: l hr./37 min. Distance traveled: 5 miles.
2) New hose is in.
3) Fall Breakfast October 26th
4) Jim Kinlie, Fire Chief/Upper Salford was killed in a tragic motorcycle accident near his home. Funeral this weekend.
5) P.O.S.of A Parade this Saturday, October llth. Activities all day and evening.
6) Halloween Parade October 23rd. Resolution is needed and has been done according to the secretary.
Chief Holden explained how traffic will be controlled, and the parking areas that will be available.
AMBULANCE REPORT: Nancy Eppley reporting
Month of September: 5 emergency calls, and a total of 59 year to date.
Linda Kehs spokesperson for the LFAC spoke on the service rendered the community during the years. Linda is here tonight to ask the financial support of the borough. She spoke of how the LFAC receives their money for operating expenses.
Linda would like the borough to make a yearly contribution. Joe mentioned that the borough instituted this policy years ago and has continued each year. In l997, it was budgeted $500.this will be given to the ambulance corps shortly. 1998 will see an increase.
Discussion followed on the "9ll" System. There are many "bugs" to be worked out. Linda mentioned that when an emergency happens the caller should give the nearest crossroads. LFAC goes by the crossroads. Mayor mentioned that a lot of money has been spent on this system. He is willing to do whatever it takes to help the system improve. Mayor mentioned that a phone number should be listed.
SOLICITOR'S REPORT: Wendy McKenna
l) 3rd Street Ordination: Ready to be advertised, her office will follow through.
2) Mayor Clossin mentioned that 2nd Street should be addressed before any sale of the property. Never ordained. Perkiomen to borough line has to be defined. Need legal description from Carroll Engineering. Tom will handle.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
STREETS/ROADS: Bernie McCollum
l) Between the Train Stop Restaurant and the Apartments there is some pavement missing. A resident fell over a boulder while out walking. Determined that it is the property owners responsibility. Tom mentioned that there is a problem - the deeds do not match.
2) Pennypacker Association: Does their dues go towards snow plowing? Borough Authority has been snowing their roads and the borough is paying. Joan had requested a copy of the by-laws and this should let council know. This will continued to be pursued.
PROPERTY: Bernie McCollum
l) Copier: When borough received the updated copier earlier this month, Edward Business Machines took the old copier back to their place of business, and was sold for spare parts for $25.00. There was a misunderstanding somewhere along the line and this should not have been. Gael unsuccessfully tried to secure the old copier back but it was too late.
Bernie questioned action taken by Gael Hahn. He feels he should have been advised of this undertaking since Property is under his jurisdiction in the borough. Gael has written a letter to the board concerning the copier and various other matters.
Mayor Clossin expressed concern concerning the letter that was written to council, plus other incidents that have occurred previously without the board's knowledge.
It was decided that an Executive Session would be held following tonight's meeting. Mayor would like to attend.
Gael mentioned that she has been informed by Edwards that a copier similar to the one taken back will be coming to the borough. She will check further to see when this will happen.
FINANCE/PERSONNEL: Joe Giunta
l) Proposed l998 Budget: First draft tonight. Reviewed Revenue (Real Estate Transfer Tax, Earned Income Tax, Borough Tax, Fees).
Tom was asked his advise on the budget figures but Tom said that he was not invited to the budget work session and he couldn't comment, in fact, tonight he said he did not have a copy of the proposed budget for l998. Mayor felt that Tom should have been invited.
There are some expenditures in the l998 budget that should be addressed (legal, zoning matters). The traffic signals should be addressed, perhaps the borough should look into a contract. Bernie and Tom will look into maintenance on streets and roads.
Sue suggested that council go to their homes and look over the l998 proposed budget and come prepared to go over it at the next borough meeting.
PARK BOARD: Tom Snyder
Playground Equipment: School hasn't decided on what to do with this.
STREET LIGHTING: Chris Kraft No report - Absent tonight
FIRE COMPANY LIAISON: Joan Giunta No report
POLICE COMMITTEE: Joe Giunta
Still finalizing. Suggest that Mayor and Frank get back to him. Mayor questioned his role in this. Joe felt that Mayor might want to help.
BOROUGH MANAGER: Tom Snyder
l) Quotes to change the grade on Centennial Street: Tom received a quote but no happy with it, trying to get a better price.
2) Moving tree: 2 bids coming in. Tree located on Clearfield Avenue (Don Filson). l root, 3 trees system. MOTIONED BY JOAN GIUNTA AND SECONDED BY JOE GIUNTA IT WAS VOTED HAVE A BID NOT TO EXCEED $350.00. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
The tree is over a drain.
3) COG Meeting: Council of Governments pushing Montgomery County Planning Commission to do something with the traffic situation in the borough. Tom would like some input. Areas in question (Rts. 73 & 29, All crossroads, Perkiomen Avenue hill (numerous traffic accidents).
4) Nursing Home: Permits for Plumbing, Heating, and Electrical work will be coming in.
5) Jeff Clemens Subdivision: Final plan in for review. Would like approval as Jeff would like to break ground soon There are some things to be worked out and final approval would be needed from our local Planning Commission and Council.
6) Schwenksville Lumber is renting out some buildings. Bernie is acting as zoning officer for this particular project. Permits have been paid for and there are minor corrections needed. This also has been checked out with Bob Brant before Bernie proceeded.
CORRESPONDENCE: Nancy Eppley
l) Borough's Dinner: Thursday, October 23, l997. Please contact Nancy one way or the other if you are going to attend dinner.
2) American Red Cross "Ride for Red Cross" scheduled for May 9, l998. The event will be routed through the borough.
3) Annual Halloween Parade: Thursday evening, October 23, l997.
CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT: Sue Kuhn
Letter from the Perkiomen Valley Watershed Assn.
Spring Mt. Winter Sports property is being offered for sale. Develop of this property could bring 40 homes on a mountain side which now is the home of birds, butterflies, flowers, shrubs, and trees.
The PVWA is requested that the borough voice their support of the preservation efforts being spearheaded. Secretary will write a letter endorsing this preservation effort.
OLD BUSINESS: Nothing
NEW BUSINESS: Nothing
MAYOR'S REPORT: Bill Clossin
Status on the Holiday Lights - Nancy will write a note to Chris.
AUDIENCE:
Joe O'Neill - Centennial Street Still wants his cellar drain put back to where it was. Tom is getting quotes.
Bruce MacBain - Will the borough be using the new assessment or old assessment base? Joe assumes it will be the new assessment.
NEXT MEETING: Thursday, November 13, l997 at 7:30 p.m.
MOTIONED BY BERNARD McCOLLUM AND SECONDED BY JOSEPH GIUNTA IT WAS VOTED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully Submitted,
Nancy J. Eppley
Secretary l0/20/97