BOROUGH OF SCHWENKSVILLE, PA

MINUTES OF MARCH 11, 2004

 

               The Schwenksville Borough Council Meeting of March 11, 2004 was called to order by Council President, H. Gilbert Williams at 7:30 p.m.

 

               Present were:  H. Gilbert Williams, Gene Frantz, Donald A. Whitko, Raymond Yeanish, and Mayor Carroll Rosenberger.  Absent was:  Barbara Slater

 

               PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE BY THE ASSEMBLY.

 

               MINUTES:  Dispense with the reading of the minutes of February 12, 2004: 

MOTIONED BY RAYMOND YEANISH AND SECONDED BY DONALD A. WHITKO IT WAS VOTED TO DISPENSE WITH THE READING OF THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 12, 2004.  ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

 

               MINUTES:  Approval of the minutes of February 12, 2004:

MOTIONED BY DONALD A. WHITKO AND SECONDED BY RAYMOND YEANISH IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF FEBRUARY 12, 2004.  ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

 

               ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/TREASURER'S REPORT:  Nancy Eppley

 

Council has for their review and approval a copy of the Disbursement Report for a total of $65,298.51 for March until tonight's meeting.   Deposit Detail for March, Expenditures Report, Statement of Revenues and Expenditures to Budget Comparison with Variances and finally a Schedule of Cash Report as of March 11, 2004.

 

MOTIONED BY RAYMOND YEANISH AND SECONDED BY DONALD A. WHITKO IT WAS VOTED TO APPROVE THE ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/TREASURER'S REPORT AS PRESENTED. ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

 

               ENGINEER'S REPORT:  Kenneth Yerger

 

-Mine Hill Road:  Carroll Engineering continues to monitor Mine Hill as requested.  Tom Snyder mentioned that the water main as built wasn't correct.  R.J. Sell Construction didn't do the job properly the Borough Authority is proceeding with trying to get this straighten out.

 

-Steep Slope Ordinance:  Assistance to the development of this ordinance is given as requested.

 

-Parking Grant Application:  An estimate for services to assist in the preparation of this parking grant.

 

               SOLICITOR'S REPORT:  Loren Szczesny

 

-Steep Slope Ordinance:  A revised draft has been prepared from a request from the Planning Commission. Also, a draft Legal Notice.  Other recommendations from Loren's office as far as natural resource are suggested.  A final draft of this ordinance will be presented  to council for authorization of advertisement and scheduling of a public hearing. 

 

-Parking Space Dimension Amendment:  The amendment  would reduce the parking space dimension from the required size of 10' by 20' to a required size of 9' by 18'.  This  proposal has been sent to the MCPC and the proposed ordinance should be in suitable form for enactment and adoption in April.

 

MOTIONED BY DONALD A. WHITKO AND SECONDED BY RAYMOND YEANISH IT WAS VOTED THE AUTHORIZE THE ADVERTISEMENT OF THE PARKING SPACE DIMENSION AMENDMENT.  ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

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COUNCIL MEETING:  MARCH 11, 2004

 

-Mine Hill Road Project:  Discussion among Ken Yerger, Tom Snyder, Adam Supplee in regards to the obstacles encountered with this project and the inaccuracy of the as-built plans for the water line along this road.  It is Loren's understanding that a compromise and agreement has been reached with the Borough Authority under which the Authority is assuming responsibility for the incorrect as-built plans and the Borough will be reimbursed by the Authority and/or the Authority's contractor for any and all additional costs incurred by the Borough under the project contract.

 

               POLICE REPORT:  Chief Timothy Hoppes

 

Tim was on vacation last month and asked if there were any questions on last month's report.  Being none, he has presented his report for the Month of February.

 

State Police Calls:  32      Local calls:  27.    Chief Hoppes 's complete report is on file at Borough Hall.

 

House Bill #511:  Sponsored by various individuals including Representative Raymond Bunt, Jr.    This bill  refers to speeding.  This bill would be a little difficult to enforce with the language mentioned. Especially with the smaller communities.  Chief Hoppes along with Lower Frederick Police Chief have voiced their concerns and Mr. Bunt has withdrawn  his endorsement of the bill.

 

Traffic Study Committee:  Last night a meeting was held and members have come back with good suggestions.  Hopefully, in a month or two this committee can summarize their findings and present them to council.

 

Preston Lite:  This person was on the news . Mr. Lite was  sending out fake bomb packages, letters to Governor Rendell and stalking Steve Levy of the Philadelphia News Channel 10.  Mr. Lite through investigation it was determined  spent a evening into morning at the Eden Mennonite Church.  He also had literature spread on the parking area.  He was apprehended.

 

               FIRE COMPANY:  Chief James Keyser

 

Month of February:  10 calls      82 Men in Service   5 calls in Schwenksville

                                                                                        5 calls in Lower Frederick

 

Training for the month of February:  Consisted of ladder drills, ropes and  knots, car fires and drafting-setting up a water supply.  43 people participated.

 

Easter Breakfast on Easter Sunday.

 

               AMBULANCE:  Bruce McBain

 

Month of February:  83 calls    SchwenksvilleBorough:  20    Colonnade:  15

 

               BOROUGH MANAGER:  Tom Snyder

 

Report shows A+-Top Priority Items

 

Items of concern:

 

-Carryover on Perkiomen Avenue/Second Street (sidewalks):  There was a grant application last year.  Does the Borough want to apply this year?  Deadline:  April 15th.  Revise old application. 

 

-Zoning Problems:  Planning Commission has approved the Storage Shed at the Fire House.

Conditional Use coming in for 301 Main Street.  Wants to put a office in the basement. 

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COUNCIL MEETING:  MARCH 11, 2004

 

-Trail Parking:  Council given an estimate.

 

-365 Main Street:  Hasn't filed an application yet.  Just a preliminary.  Settlement is scheduled for the 18th.

 

-Adoption of 4th Street and release.  LTL is still following up on the drainage.  One house has been fixed.

John Garis is here tonight.  There are some sidewalk issues (salt damaging the sidewalks).

 

-Needs approval to do the Spring Patching on the roads (big one on 2nd Street and Mine Hill Rd.).  Hersch could do Mine Hill.  Tom estimates that it will be about $1,500.00.

 

MOTIONED BY GENE FRANTZ AND SECONDED BY DONALD A. WHITKO TO HAVE TOM SECURE BIDS FOR SPRING PATCHING FOR THE TWO POT HOLES AND NOT TO EXCEED $1,500.00 ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

 

-Spring Street Sweeping:  More cinders have been used.  This should be done in April or May.  Should engage some firm now.  Probably will be done in the middle of April. 

 

MOTIONED BY GENE FRANTZ AND SECONDED BY RAYMOND YEANISH IT WAS VOTED TO ENGAGE SOME FIRM FOR SPRING STREET SWEEPING  WITH AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,000.00.  ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

 

-Attended 2 seminars on Open Space and Revitalization last week.

 

-Clearfield Avenue:  Ray questioned the status.    Posts are up as of today.  Signs will go up soon by the person during community service and a representative from Borough Authority.  Hopefully, within a week.  Notice will go up to inform motorists. 

 

-Shed Location:  Plans were at the Planning Commission.  Location will be at the far end of the Fire House.  Entrance facing trail.  Will be used for storage.  Insurance coverage under the fireman's policy.  Size is 12x32. 

 

MOTIONED BY GENE FRANTZ AND SECONDED BY DONALD A. WHITKO IT WAS VOTED TO HAVE THE TEMPORARY SHED AT THE SAID LOCATION.  ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

 

Gib Williams:  Forming an Open Space Committee:  Need volunteers.  Wendy Rollie of 4th Street would like to volunteer.

 

-2nd &  Maple:  Mail box moved about a week ago.  It is out of the Borough.  Now a stop sign will be put up at 2nd and Maple next week.

 

                                                            COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

STREETS AND ROADS:  Barbara Slater     Absent    No report (refer to Engineer & Borough Manager)

 

FINANCE:  Gene Frantz     No report

 

TRAIL/REVITALIZATION:  Gilbert Williams

 

-Looking for a Resolution to endorse  the Perkiomen Trail access corridor at 73 & 29.  To get better access.  County is in favor.  Can go to Perkiomen Township and then if they are in favor the next step is PennDot.

 

 

 

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COUNCIL MEETING:  MARCH 11, 2004

 

MOTIONED BY DONALD A. WHITKO AND SECONDED BY GENE FRANTZ IT WAS VOTED TO PREPARE A RESOLUTION  ENDORSING THE PERKIOMEN TRAIL ACCESS CORRIDOR AT ROUTES 73 & 29.  ALL WERE IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

 

-PARKING ISSUE:  Parking behind Borough Hall.  Researching  with banks and developers to fund this issue. Borough portion not necessarily involved, portion could be removed.  Borough received a letter from Carroll Engineering with the cost.  Application needs to be submitted by April 15, 2004. 

After discussion of cost involved, council wishes to table this to later.  No action taken tonight.

 

Borough Manager additional:  Discussed the lights on 4th Street and Elementary School.  Working with Gammon Electric. Stockpiling of spare parts in the basement of Borough Hall.

 

Solicitor additional:  Open Space Committee forming looking for volunteers.  As previously mentioned Wendy Rollie would like to be consider to be on this committee.

Loren mentioned that monies will be available to municipalities to fix up parks, recreational areas, each municipality needs to form a list of projects that might qualify.

Tom mentioned that there was a list made in 1996 but needs to be updated.

 

 

PROPERTY:  Donald A. Whitko   No Report

 

FIRE COMPANY:  Gene Frantz    No Report

 

STREET LIGHTING:  Raymond Yeanish   No Report

 

MAYOR'S REPORT:  Carroll Rosenberger

 

Traffic Study at Rt. 29/Centennial Street:  Chief Timothy Hoppes reported that he observed on February 27, 2004 between 5-6 p.m. traffic going out of Centennial Street at Univest Bank.  This particular day was an ordinary day.  Chief Hoppes was in a unmarked vehicle in ordinary clothes.  There were approximately 25-30 vehicles, 1/2 were bank customers.  Only 2 vehicles had to wait approximately 60 seconds.  Chief Hoppes doesn't feel that there is a problem at this time.

 

OLD BUSINESS:  365 Main & 317 Main Street and Revitalization Grant have already been covered.

 

NEW BUSINESS:  Nancy Eppley

 

Boroughs' Association Dinner to be held at the Barn at Birchwood on Thursday, March 25th.  Collegeville, Trappe, and Schwenksville are the hosts for this event.  Please contact Nancy or Josephine if you wish to attend.

 

Bikes:  Chief Hoppes has about 8 bikes that he has collected.  He will be getting back to council as to how he can dispose of these vehicles.

 

AUDIENCE:

 

Roy Miller:  Anything being done on Boyer Alley?  Tom said that Barbara has approved putting stone in.  Roy said that water is going under the pipe.  He has attended to this and many problems over the years, but wants to get the Borough to maintain.  Roy said that he turned this over to the Borough in A1 shape and now it is the Borough's turn.  Suggests cutting blacktop and put in new.

Roy feels that the big problems are attended to, but not the little ones and in turn they turn into bigger problems and cost more in the long run.

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COUNCIL MEETING:  March 11, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

Earl Stahl-Cherry Street has a lot of mud on his road would like some gravel, so he doesn't have to walk in the mud.  Neighbor, Helen of 340 Cherry Street (Boyer Alley between 3rd & 4th) would also like some gravel, even if it is a temporary solution.  Ground is very swampy.

 

Joan Giunta of 813 Mine Hill Road:  Completion date of Mine Hill Road:  According to engineer, Ken Yerger sometime in May.

Is council intending to repave Mine Hill?  Only the base course.

Potholes:  There are many potholes (14), can these be repaired soon?  There will be work done on the potholes.

Traffic coming thru the stop sign at Cemetery/Mine Hill Rd.  Backing out of her driveway is very dangerous.  Chief Hoppes will monitor this.

 

Wendy Rollie:  Lights??   Tom said that there is a order for Gammon to install the lights.

 

John Garis (Developer of Homes 4th Street):  Waiting for dedication of 4th Street. Finished punch list late last year.  Everything is done.  Does he need to complete another punch list? 

Tom said that LTL needs to verify.  LTL was supposed to inform John of any incomplete items.  As far as he is concern EVERYTHING IS DONE.  Loren will check into this for Mr. Garis.

 

Street Lights:  Issued a bill back in 2002, never has gotten a check.  What is the status?  This will be checked out, this is for 3 additional lights.

 

Jim Keyser:  Shed - Can Council waive the fee of $25.00.

MOTIONED BY GENE FRANTZ AND SECONDED BY DONALD A. WHITKO TO WAIVE THE FEE FOR THE SHED.

 

Traffic Ordinance:  Does the Borough put up signs at the school?  (No Parking-Fire Lane)

Tom mentioned that there are many signs that have to go up.  Borough has many, many signs.

The Borough will monitor.  There are many vehicles that probably don't belong.

 

Trail Parking:  Parking near Fire House.  At present time vehicles are being parked at the Ice Cream Shop but in the summertime there could be a problem.

 

Paving/Main Street:  No official date.

 

EXECUTIVE MEETING TO FOLLOW.

 

Reconvening at 10:00 p.m.

 

Council present with the exception of Mayor Rosenberger.

 

Discussion was on personnel.

 

MOTIONED BY RAYMOND YEANISH AND SECONDED BY GENE FRANTZ IT WAS VOTED TO HAVE ROBERT L. BRANT'S OFFICE HANDLE THE  CORRESPONDANCE AND ADVERTISING NOT TO EXCEED $150.00 FOR THE HIRING OF AN ASSISTANT BOROUGH MANAGER.  ALL WERE IN FAVOR  AND THE MOTION CARRIED.

 

No monetary amount was mentioned at present.

 

No other business.  The meeting was adjourned.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

Nancy J. Eppley

Secretary/Treasurer

March 29, 2004