MINUTES OF DECEMBER 14, 2000
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, Eugene Frantz, and Mayor, Carroll Rosenberger. Absent was: Barbara Slater.
Dispense with the reading of the November 9th and November 15th, 2000 minutes:
MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY EUGENE FRANTZ IT WAS VOTED TO DISPENSE WITH THE READING OF THE NOVEMBER 9TH AND NOVEMBER 15TH, 2000 MINUTES. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
Approval of same:
Clarification of the Minutes of November 9th, 2000: Questioned by Pat Katona. Page 2 (letter to Leo Bagley) re: Perkiomen Avenue. Has the letter been written yet by Barbara? No, Nancy hasn't received a letter yet from Barbara. Page 3 (Mine Hill Road). What makes Mine Hill Road one of the worst roads in the borough? Tom clarified this by mentioning that Mine Hill Road's ordination is the problem. The length is in question and from the original subdivision plan changes have been made, road vs the right of way. Pat mentioned that the road has been dedicated and ordained and the Borough is receiving liquid fuels allocation. Bernie mentioned that the Borough has also received grants. Tom said that there is no ordinance stating that Mine Hill Road has been ordained and suggested that Bob Brant research. Bernie said that Bob doesn't need to research this, we will go on as we have done, going by PennDot's findings.Page 5 (Mt.View Storm Sewer)Minutes refer to a final inspection as agreed upon per Tom Snyder, Ken Yerger and Mast Construction. Tom said that council approved $5,000.00, Pat felt that it was $2,000.to $3,000. Changes occurred due to the storm sewer length was over contract, grading along Mt. View where terrace was cut and there was a change in the inlets and driveways.
November 15th,2000: Questioned by Pat Katona. (Montgomery Avenue)Engineering not completed? Engineering is complete per Tom for ordination but not for the changes in grading and the type of wall to be installed. What are the various donations that the Borough is going to make this coming year? Ambulance and Fire Company. Council has yet to receive a sheet on receipts and expenditures for the year 2000 from the Library. This information has been requested two times and Ms.Bender called the borough secretary and assured her that the information would be here at tonight's meeting. Taxes are being given to the Library and there should be accountability per Pat. Last page(Copy Machine)This was mentioned previously that the copy machine is giving bad copies and papers are sticking. Nancy has received a quote from Konica and to purchase a new machine with the latest technology would be about $4,600. The borough could also lease the machine for approximately $150.00 per month for 30 months. Board will discuss this later.
MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY EUGENE FRANTZ IT WAS VOTED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES WITH THE ABOVE CLARIFICATIONS. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
FIRE COMPANY REPORT: Jim Keyser
Month of November: 3 calls, Firemen in Service: 40 Total minutes: 12 hours, 33 min. Year to date total 42. Asked if the Fire Company would like the borough's present copy machine? No, the one they have now is working fine. Bernie thanked the firemen for their help in putting up the holiday decorations.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/TREASURER'S REPORT: Nancy Eppley
Council has received a Deposit Detail for the Month of November, Disbursement Report for the Month of December, a Revenue/Disbursement Report from the beginning of January until Dec. 14th, 2000 and a Treasurer's Report.
Pat questioned check #5220: This amount is for the sewer and water monies due the Authority. Sometimes the computer doesn't pick up written documentation.
Back Billing: This has been previously discussed and it was decided that the Borough will begin Back Billing residents who concerns are charged on legal or engineering bills. This practice will begin the first of January 2001. Recently, there has been extremely high charges for trash liens which have been monitored by Mr. Brant's office and charged to the Borough. This was discussed tonight and what does council feel about back billing those residents who have liens for trash service? There was one household who had a lien placed on their property but in the meantime they paid the delinquent bill not knowing nor did the previous treasurer uncover that the bill had been paid. Since then the property has been sold. This case occurred in early 1999 and was not discovered until this past month. There are however, 4 to 5 remaining properties which have been liened.
MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY PATRICIA KATONA IT WAS VOTED TO BACK BILL THOSE CHARGES LISTED TO THE VARIOUS PROPERTIES IN QUESTION. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY EUGENE FRANTZ IT WAS VOTED TO ACCEPT THE ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND TREASURER'S REPORT AS PRESENTED. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
AMBULANCE REPORT: Presented by Nancy Eppley
Month of November: 21 calls for Schwenksville Borough. The Lower Frederick Regional Ambulance Corps wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
POLICE REPORT: Chief Tim Hoppes
Explained his report for the Month of November 2000 copy of which is on file at Borough Hall.
PA Municipal Retirement System: A letter was received at Borough Hall announcing an exceptional excess interest award based upon the 1999 investment performance of the system. The excess interest is $16,340.48. The form must be completed and returned to their office by January 12, 2001. Action must be councils' decision and recorded in the Borough minutes. The governing body (Schwenksville Borough)may allocate the excess interest to one or any combination of(1)the municipal account, (2)the individual's accounts; and (3)the retirees' account, if the plan had retirees of December 31,1999. #3 did not have any retirees as of December 1999.Frank Holden, former police chief retired in June of 2000, money could be put in his account and would raise his monthly pension by approximately $100.00 according to Chief Hoppes who was in dialogue with the PMRS personnel. Council would like some time in reviewing this letter and decision was tabled until the 12/29 meeting.
SOLICITOR'S REPORT: Robert Brant
Proposed Ordinance to be adopted: Sign Illumination. This has been duly advertised and ready for adoption tonight. This is amending Article 17, sign regulations of the Schwenksville Borough Zoning Ordinance of 1993 to add a new Section #1709 providing for regulation of sign illumination. Mr. Brant review the various sections (copy of which is on file).
Question: Gib Williams: Ambler Savings & Loan Sign: They are "grandfathered", but they will abide with regulations concerning the panel.
MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY PATRICIA KATONA IT WAS VOTED TO ADOPT THIS ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE 17, SIGN REGULATIONS OF THE SCHWEKSVILE BOROUGH ZONING ORDINANCE OF 1993 TO ADD A NEW SECTION #1709 PROVIDING FOR REGULATION OF SIGN ILLUMINATION. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
Meadow Subdivision: A resolution has been prepared. Minor subdivision with a lot line change without conditions. Involves the Fire Company, the Borough Authority and Schwenksville Borough.
Pat questioned whether the plan was shown to the Fire Company and the Borough Authority. Yes, and this was also discussed.
MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY EUGENE FRANTZ IT WAS VOTED TO GRANT FINAL APPROVAL OF THE SCHWENKSVILLE COMMUNITY MEADOW PARK MINOR SUBDIVISION AND LOT LINE CHANGE WITHOUT CONDITIONS.
Vote: McCollum, Williams, Frantz voted Yes Katona: voted No (she has some reservations concerning certain items. MOTION CARRIED.
Cable Contract: Loren Szczesny presented a summary the cable contract to council. Loren explained the cable modem service, franchise fees (5% of annual revenues) borough receiving quarterly payments, terms of agreement (5years with options). Free basic cable for Borough Hall, Borough Authority, Fire Company, Public Works Dept., non profit libraries, schools. Only internet for for Libraries and Schools . Loren feels it is a good deal. Council needs to execute contract and return to Loren who will have Suburban Cable TV execute same. Revenues anticipated to be approximately $14,000 to $15,000.00 per year.
MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY EUGENE FRANTZ IT WAS VOTED TO EXECUTE THE BOROUGH'S PORTION OF THE CONTRACT AND RETURN SAME FOR SUBURBAN CABLE'S EXECUTION. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
STREETS AND ROADS: Barbara Slater (absent tonight) report given by Bernie McCollum
Street sweeping completed Salt purchased-received 20 Ton of the 40 that is on hand Street lining ready to start depending on the weather Stop sign fixed at Clearfield Avenue.
FINANCE: Gilbert Williams
2001 Budget: To be discussed further at the Executive Session following tonight's meeting
Gib gave an overview on the Village Commercial District. Explained how business would need to conform to the district. There will be 3 V-C districts. Explained the levels of the trail. According to Roy Miller of the local planning commission, the trail hasn't been adopted as yet. Sue Kuhn, member of the audience present questioned whether the Borough would proceed with the trail development if the County did not help financially? Gib mentioned that funding is a very critical issue. Bernie mentioned that a lot of time and dedication has been spent in the V-C development.
POLICE COMMITTEE: Eugene Frantz Nothing to report
FIRE COMPANY: Eugene Frantz Nothing to report
STREET LIGHTING: Eugene Frantz Until tonight all systems have been go. Some problem with the holiday lights, but that is being taken care of. Bernie mentioned that the whole town is decorated very nice.
BOROUGH MANAGER: Tom Snyder
Clossin Subdivision: Being finalized.
SMS Signs: There will be 24 signs total. At the entrance, near the walk-ways and directional signs to the various units. Tim Hoppes mentioned that the signs are nicely done. The present ordinance doesn't address the sign issue in this case and applicant (SMS Association) must go to the Zoning Hearing Board.
Sue Kuhn who lives at the summit is upset and others are concerning the change in addresses. Feels a lot of problems have occurred thru the name change. Only those residents who attend the association meeting were aware of the change. Another concern of Sue's is the Borough going to Snow Plow the road leading up to the Summit. Bernie mentioned that council would be going by the regulations handed down in the past and no the Borough would not be plowing that road. The association has its own plows. Sue mentioned that there was a meeting held in the past attended by Bernie, Tom Snyder and herself. She feels that snow plowing should be done for the health, safety and welfare of the residents.
Pat questioned Why the Spring Mount Summit needs a variance for these signs, this is private property? This was discussed earlier that their request doesn't comply to the ordinance.
It was mentioned that Borough Council send a letter to the Zoning Hearing Board stating that the Borough support the request of Spring Mount Summit and their sign relief to the Zoning Hearing Board.
Pat questioned: What is the application fee? There were mentioned several prices and whatever is not spent gets returned to the applicant. Would the borough waive this fee Pat questioned. Bernie said that this could be discussed during the executive meeting.
Bernie also mentioned that the sign was to go up after the first of the year, but it when up early. Tim Hoppes mentioned that the post office would help in any way possible to keep the mail straight. For about 6 months residents will have two addresses (new Forrest and old Centennial). Tim mentioned that residents should notify those people, companies that the address has been changed.
A letter will go to the Zoning Hearing Board stating that: MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY PATRICIA KATONA THAT BOROUGH COUNCIL SUPPORTS THE APPLICATION OF SPRING MOUNT SUMMIT CONDOS FOR RELIEF FROM THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE TO CONSTRUCT THEIR PROPOSED SIGNAGE. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
Questioned: Who named the road? The name was changed by the Association of the Summit, various names were submitted and Forrest Lane was chosen. The name was submitted to Council and council agreed.
Tom Snyder explained the 20 sq. foot sign, there are no provisions in the ordinance to put in a ground sign. Suggesting putting the sign on the Clemens property. He hasn't spoken to Mr. Clemens or the association on this proposal.
Questioned: Why weren't the residents notified of the change in the naming of the road? That was the responsibility of the association. Council has nothing to do with that.
Correspondence: Nancy Eppley
Police Professional Liability Insurance is due to expire December 20th and Sigel has received a quote from Scottsdale Insurance stating that the premium will remain the same as the expiring policy. There will be no policy fees. Thus saving the Borough $150.00 over last year's policy.
MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO ACT ON THIS PROPOSAL. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
Borough Manager's report continues:
The following additional street markings are recommended by Tom and Chief Hoppes.
1. Fire Zone at the O-Mart,
2. Fire Lane extensions on Main Street for speed enforcement.
3. Additional pedestrian cross walks on 2nd Street at Church. Eliminate crosswalk at top of the hill (Centennial Street) (blind spot).
Mt. View: PennDot Crossing okay
3rd Street: HUD Engineering Environment Review in process.
3rd Street Design started.
Street Ordination started November 9th meeting.
Borough Hall: Don't need L & I if just the front windows and exit door is done. When council is ready for other work then go to L & I.
OLD BUSINESS: Nothing
NEW BUSINESS: Joanne Borgnis of Summit Avenue is asking council to plow her street as she has a child with severe disability problems and needs to get to school. Also, the roads need to be plowed for emergency vehicles.
MAYOR'S REPORT: Carroll Rosenberger Left earlier in the meeting, No report.
AUDIENCE:
Jo Gill: Concerned with the changing of that portion of Centennial to Forrest Lane. The Board of Assessors Office will need to know. Tom Snyder said that a letter can be sent to them. Tim volunteered to work with Jo on getting things done.
No further business, the meeting was adjourned. There will be an Executive Meeting following this meeting.
SUMMARY OF THE EXECUTIVE MEETING AT 11:20 P.M.
Salaries: Nancy Eppley: 4% raise on base salary
MOTIONED BY PATRICIA KATONA AND SECONDED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS IT WAS VOTED TO EMPLOY ERNEST SCHMITT TO SERVE AS BUILDING INSPECTOR, ZONING OFFICER AND PLUMBING INSPECTOR EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2000. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY EUGENE FRANTZ IT WAS VOTED TO APPOINT SCOTT ANGSTAD AS FIRE MARSHALL AND JIM KEYSER AS ASSISTANT FIRE MARSHALL. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
MOTIONED BY GILBERT WILLIAMS AND SECONDED BY EUGENE FRANTZ IT WAS VOTED TO APPOINT CHIEF TIM HOPPES AS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICER AND CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.
TAXES WILL REMAIN THE SAME AS 2000 FOR THE YEAR 2001.
Meeting ended: 11:37 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Nancy J. Eppley
December 28, 2000