BOROUGH OF SCHWENKSVILLE, PA

COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 11, 1999

MEETING BEGAN: 7:30 P.M. ENDED: 9:00 P.M.

 

Borough Council Meeting of April 11, 1999 was called to order by President, Bernard McCollum.

 

Secretary, Nancy Eppley called the roll. Present were Bernard McCollum, Joan Giunta, E. M. (Sue) Kuhn, Chris Kraft, Jim Dull and Mayor,William Clossin.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: By the assembly.

 

DISPENSE WITH THE READING OF THE MARCH 11, 1999 MINUTES

MOTIONED BY SUE KUHN AND SECONDED BY JOAN GIUNTA IT WAS VOTED TO DISPENSE WITH THE READING OF THE MINUTES OF THE MARCH 11, 1999 MINUTES. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

 

APPROVAL OF THE MARCH 11, 1999 MINUTES

MOTIONED BY SUE KUHN AND SECONDED BY JOAN GIUNTA IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF MARCH 11, 1999 (WITH VARIOUS CORRECTIONS). ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE & TREASURER'S REPORT: GAEL HAHN

    1. Not all of the invoices for the month are in because of the early meeting this month. Gael would like permission to pay the standard bills when they arrive. Permission was granted.

      2. MOTIONED BY JOAN GIUNTA AND SECONDED BY SUE KUHN IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE THE ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AS PRESENTED. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

    2. Received Liquid Fuels check in the amount of $18,633.00.
    3. Received Recyclable monies for the year 1997 in the amount of $3,896.00. Tom Snyder working on the 1998 report plus other years.

      4. MOTIONED BY CHRIS KRAFT AND SECONDED BY JOAN GIUNTA 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 March 1999: 72 Incidents. No State Police report available. Chief Holden's report is on file at Borough Hall.

       

      AMBULANCE REPORT: REPORTED BY NANCY EPPLEY

      Lower Frederick Regional Ambulance Corps presented Ambulance Activity for the months of January to and including March 1999. These include graphs as well as percentages of calls for these months. Corps identified the various calls. The organization is currently undergoing many changes. A general manager has been hired and various positions noted. This report is on file at Borough Hall.

       

      FIRE COMPANY REPORT: CHIEF NICK MATREGRANO

      Month of March: Fire fighters in service: 41, Time used: 5 hrs. & 29 minutes, Distance traveled: l5 miles.

      2. 1999 is the year of the l25th anniversary of the Fire Co. Many events are planned , Borough will receive information as it becomes available.

    4. Thanked everyone who attended the Easter Breakfast. Great Success.
    5. Brick Sale is coming along fine.

 

SOLICITOR'S REPORT: ROBERT BRANT
    1. Mr. Brant was requested to research the American with Disabilities Act for the borough in connection with the planned alteration to the borough hall. A letter was written to council, mayor, and Tom Snyder with his thoughts. Conclusion of the letter is: That if any renovations are made, the ADA requirement is in effect. The ramp is the requirement when renovations are done. The complete letter is on file at Borough Hall.
    2. Delinquent Tax Accounts: Borough has liened the residents whose trash account is in arrears of $200.00 or more (this amount suggested by Tom Snyder.) Those under that dollar amount, received either a letter or a phone call from Mr. Brant's office.
    3. Clossin Subdivision: Mayor has excused himself with this discussion. Not in the posture for action by council tonight. Mayor's engineer was present tonight and would like to appear before council with the waivers as requested. Mr. Brant was asked to look at: Future use of cul-de-sac and the future connection of 4th Street. Mr. Brant's recommendation to council is that the cul-de-sac be constructed and the developer offer future dedication of 4th Street (if it should get developed). Offer for dedication and in the interim require that the owners of lots 4 and 5 maintain it but add a deed restriction to those lots with the reference to the future owners not knowing that those lots might be offered for dedication in the future.

      4. Liquid Fuels Monies are available on cul-de-sacs.

      Bob will review further and report back to council. Engineer present said that some more details and permits need to be worked out. Chris questioned: Structure restriction? Yes, this is why there is a deed restriction.

      Mr. Brant pleased with the engineering firm representing this subdivision.

    4. Clemens Subdivision: Again, this plan is not ready for council's action tonight. There are a few outside permits which need to be obtained. Montgomery County Planning has looked at the plan. Soil and Conservation needs to look at this and Mr. Brant needs for data before this plan comes before council.
    5. Finances and Audit of the Authority: Tom received the information that was needed. Mr. Brant spoke to the solicitor for the Borough Authority concerning the interconnector and water availability for the future. The authority can buy water at a bulk rate up to l00,000 gallons a day from Suburban Water Company.

Status of the drought situation: Mr. Brant has been told that a Drought Watch is in effect. Voluntary action per household.

Tom mentioned that the Authority's financial reports are available for council's review.

Tom reviewed the reports with council, copies will be made for them. Waiting for the 1998 report. Chris would like to see the "Breakdown of the Equity".

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

 

STREETS AND ROADS: Sue Kuhn

 
    1. Residents of Woodland Avenue met with Tom Snyder, Bernie McCollum and Sue on Tuesday evening, April 6th and discussed the letter that was received concerning signing off for any liability on street snow plowing. Also, discussed was the dedication of Woodland Avenue. There were approximately ten residents attending this meeting. Residents are also concerned about their spending any of their monies for the dedication. Road must be brought up to Borough code before it can be dedicated. An engineer would need to inspect and report back to council what would need to be done. The main concern of the residents is that: It should never, ever be made into a thoroughfare and Sue did not know if that can be guaranteed. Mr. Brant said that is something that council cannot do. The feeling that Sue and Bernie had was that if this cannot be guaranteed, then the residents could not go along with the dedication. Even if the Borough could guarantee this, a portion of the street is located in Lower Frederick Township. The main purpose of the meeting was to listen to the residents, take their concerns, take down their questions and bring this back to council. Sue felt that it was a very good meeting, the residents were most interested. Bernie mentioned that the letter was asking the residents to sign off for any liability for snow plowing. Sue felt that the residents would sign the release.

Jim asked the question: Does the Borough assess the homeowner for any improvements to that road? Sue stated that the residents would need to bring it up to Borough code before dedication. No assessment would be made, Jim felt that other taxpayers monies are being spent.

Joan mentioned that all the taxpayers pay taxes on the roads that have already been improved. Sue mentioned that she feels that a follow up letter is needed. Mr. Brant will draft a letter concerning the release needed that concerns snow plowing.

2. Also, received a complaint concerning Boulevard stating that during the la

last plowing of snow, the road crews destroyed stones on a portion of the road. Sue presented pictures of the damage for council's review. Joan mentioned that the residents along that portion of road would like the Borough to come back and straighten out what was destroyed. Joan is in agreement with the residents. The pictures are on file at the Borough hall office.

Tom explained that the stone was high when it was plowed, the Authority can not be responsible. Bernie suggested what is done is done and now we can correct the situation as it was before.

MOTIONED BY JOAN GIUNTA AND SECONDED BY SUE KUHN IT WAS VOTED TO PUT THE ROAD BACK IN THE CONDITION IT WAS BEFORE THE SNOW PLOW WHEN THROUGH. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

Bernie stated that it would not be plowed again, unless the Borough has the signed releases. Tom again stated that the stones were too high and the snow plow was not at fault.

Chris: to discuss the motion: Not sure that the question has been answered and this may come back again and again. Joan explained that is the purpose of the letter. Chris: Lawsuit - Blade too low? Motion is to put the stones back on Boulevard. Mr. Brant said that the possibility exists that the Borough can be sued, but in Mr. Bran't opinion the release covers everything. Mr. Brant will draft the letter. Again, this should cure the problem.

Mayor: Follow up letter only to the Woodland residents? Mr. Brant will send a letter stating the council discussed the Woodland Avenue road with those residents on Woodland and that there would be no guarantee that it would not be a thoroughofare, council cannot make that guarantee. It is council's pleasure to plow the streets in exchange for release for everyone on that road by a certain date. Again, Mayor Clossin asked if a follow up letter going to other residents on private roads? Bob Brant feels that it should be handled on a street by street basis. Conclusion: A final letter to everyone.

Joan: Can Borough Authority fix the condition. Tom will take care of this.

New letter deadline: May 30, 1999.

Boyer Alley and Courts of Berger letters weren't sent. Mine Hill Road??? Mr. Brant suggested sending the letter to those residents that we sent to before. Boyer should be included.

Third Street going up to Summit? No, per Bernie they have their own plowing contractor.

Spring Mount Summit units: Tom wanted to send a letter to each unit. Sue felt that sending the letter to the Association would suffice. Mr. Brant said this was the responsibility of the association.

Mayor: What if Pennypacker residents do not sign off, what will happen to the Summit residents (they will not be able to get out of the road…Conclusion: Pennypacker and the Association of Spring Mount Summit all must sign off (one affects the other).

Chief Holden stated for the general safety of the residents, Borough cannot leave Third Street unplowed.

Mr.Brant wants council to understand when the Borough makes certain decisions, they must adhere to them, some may cause problems later. Tom mentioned that about l0 years ago that council made a time list in which the ordained streets would be under control. Now down to 5 streets.

All the others have been improved, using Borough monies.

Bernie mentioned that if anyone has a serious problem during a storm or otherwise, they can always call "911".

Chris: What timeframe are we looking towards? The question is according to Joan-where is the money coming from to do all the work required?

Sue felt that progress has been made and will continue to be made.

Joan feels that the borough is doing an adequate job during a storm, no complaints from the residents, whether the streets are ordained or unordained, public or private. When it works, be careful with what you change.

PROPERTY: Sue Kuhn

    1. Furniture will be ordered within the week for the Borough Hall meeting room. Will be working with Tom on this.

Tom presented a renovation report: Tom has estimated some of the costs himself, and some have come by way of professional people in their field.

These figures are only estimates. Tom explained the renovations:

Elevator (chair lift) in the front of the building would be $10,000. Plus $1,000. to revise the stairs. Ramp done in two ways: Pressure treated lumber and in concrete. In concrete, it is about $2,000 more. Tom showed how the ramp would work if it was put towards the back. Electrical, heating, demolition of the partition, counter-to enclose the secretary's portion, restoration of the front (painting, plastering, changing windows in the back), renovating the basement, refinishing the floors in the hall, enlarge the toilet room, putting in rear stairs. Tom suggests that the figures be finalized and that borough use engineering advise and go out for bids and keep the figure within the $30,000 thresthold.

 

Jim mentioned that Tom has done quite a bit of work on this project, but he suggests that an architect be hired and they would be able to perhaps help us. Joan mentioned that these renovations need not be done, a meeting could be held elsewhere if necessary for a handicap person.

Again, any change is considered a renovation and then the borough must be ADI compliance. Board is taking all of this under advisement and will be discussed later.

 

FINANCE: JOAN GIUNTA

    1. Previously discussed: Liquid Fuels Fund and Recyclable Reimbursements received.
    2. Requests that Gael Hahn do for next month's meeting a comparison of Expenditures to date, compared to the 1999 budget.
    3. Gael: stated that the audit has been completed and is being sent to the respective parties involved.

 

BOROUGH MANAGER: TOM SNYDER

1. 3rd Street Resolution:

MOTIONED BY CHRIS KRAFT AND SECONDED BY SUE KUHN IT WAS VOTED TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO APPLY FOR GRANT MONEY FOR THIRD STREET, DEADLINE IS APRIL 16, 1999. MOTION CARRIED.

    1. Street Marking (vinyl strips) will be done soon, weather should be warm.
    2. No Parking Signs on 2nd Street are in and will be put up soon.
    3. Subs & Suds: Was sold. Brick Hearth is replacing this business. Business is a Pizza and Wine Parlor. Sign permit not in yet.
    4. Washer connection: not connected to the laundry facility. Wash water coming from an apartment or some other location. At the present time, Tom is trying to determine where it is coming from.

Bernie suggested having the water checked by the Authority. Sue understands that a plumber has been hired and will be working on the problem next week. Tom said that the plumber coming in next week is for the laundry facility downstairs. Frank Holden stated that he saw gallons upon gallons of wash water coming over the parking lot.

Joan questioned: Why is it difficult to establish where water is coming from? Tom replied that it is coming over the roof and the apartment is where they think the problem is. Tenant will not leave Tom into the apartment.

Mr. Brant received correspondence from an attorney representing the owner, stating that the Borough had been a little hard on the owner.

 

STREET LIGHTS: CHRIS KRAFT

PECO has now acknowledged that they own the poles.

MOTIONED BY CHRIS KRAFT AND SECONDED BY JIM DULL IT WAS VOTED TO PURCHASE THE STREET LIGHTS. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

Management of the lights will be under the direction of Borough Manager, Tom Snyder. Chris is confident that the borough will save money.

If lights are attached to PECO poles, PECO is responsible. Research has been gone into this by Tom and the borough will save money. Mayor stated that this should have come about a long, long time ago, a lot of money has been lost.

 

FIRE COMPANY LIAISON - JIM DULL

Over the years the borough has been paying the authority rental on the hydrants. Fire Co. would like to see some of the hydrants upgraded. Jim spoke about the hydrants and if they are not in working condition, the borough would be in trouble should a major fire occur. Pennypacker Drive has only one hydrant.

Tom explained how the hydrants work. Jim feels that a meeting is in order. Tom asked if he could get a gallon output report from the Authority and report this back to council.

Joan feels that the Fire Company should bring up this condition if there is a problem. Bernie noted that Jim is council's representative. Of course, the final word would be the fire company's recommendations.

 

POLICE COMMITTEE - JOAN GIUNTA No report

 

BOROUGH MANAGER - TOM SNYDER (COVERED PREVIOUSLY)

 

CORRESPONDANCE - NANCY EPPLEY

Borough's Association Dinner at Narberth. Anyone interested, please tell Nancy. Bernie questioned another dinner on which he received information. Nancy did not know of any other.

 

OLD BUSINESS: Nothing

 

NEW BUSINESS: Nothing

 

MAYOR'S REPORT - WILLIAM CLOSSIN

Trash rebates: All straighten out for previous years? Tom working on the l998 report. Tom mentioned that the stolen carts are now showing up.

 

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:

 

Roy Miller: Street sweeping??? Next couple of weeks per Tom.

 

MOTIONED BY SUE KUHN AND SECONDED BY JOAN GIUNTA IT WAS VOTED TO ADJOURN TONIGHT'S MEETING. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTOION CARRIED.

 

NEXT MEETING: May 13, 1999

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

Nancy J. Eppley, Secretary

April 22, 1999