REGULAR MEETING OF PALMERTON BOROUGH COUNCIL HELD IN BOROUGH HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS

Transcription

1 REGULAR MEETING OF PALMERTON BOROUGH COUNCIL HELD IN BOROUGH HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2017, AT 7:00 P.M. ****************************************************************************** Kris Hoffner, Vice-President of Council, called the duly advertised meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., with the following members present: Kris W. Hoffner, Vice-President Michael J. Ballard Randolph M. Gursky Richard L. Nothstein Michael L. Ozalas, Solicitor Christopher D. Olivia, Mayor Rodger P. Danielson, Manager/Secretary Kimberly A. Rodrigues, Recording Secretary Absent: Terry L. Costenbader Holly F. Hausman Sell William A. Gallagher VISITORS Jennifer Hunsicker, Carbon County Planning; Brian Myszkowski, Times News reporter; John Cebrosky Jr., 950 Edgemont Avenue; Jared Cebrosky, 445 Princeton Avenue; Mark Strohl, 632 Lafayette Avenue; Richard Kost, 220 Lafayette Avenue; Patty Farrizio, 220 Lafayette Avenue; Donald Heiney, 218 Lafayette Avenue; Dennis Behler, Fire Chief, 512 Lafayette Avenue. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE CDBG HEARING On motion by Richard Nothstein, second by Michael Ballard and voice vote, Council opened a public hearing to allow comment on use of 2017 Community Development Block Grant funds. Jennifer Hunsicker of the Carbon County Office of Planning and Development announced that for 2017, Palmerton is scheduled to receive $93,458.00, of which $16,822 will be paid to the County for administration of the grant; leaving $76,636 for street improvements to Avenue A from 2 nd Street through 1 st Street. Ms. Hunsicker explained criteria which must be met for the projects. On motion by Richard Nothstein, second by Michael Ballard and voice vote, Council closed the CDBG hearing and proceeded with their regular meeting.

2 HEARING OF VISITORS John Cebrosky is concerned that the curbs at the intersection of Edgemont Avenue and Walnut Streets are not painted yellow and residents continue to park their cars there. He also requested, for safety reasons, a street light be placed along the roadway at 1749 Mauch Chunk Road where there is a hidden driveway. Rodger Danielson addressed both issues stating the curbs will be painted at the intersection of concern now that the road program has been completed, and the installation of lights for driveway visibility purposes is typically the responsibility of the landowner. Jared Cebrosky relayed to Council that he is employed by Haja Lanes and is interested in what species of trees are acceptable for planting on Delaware Avenue. The variety currently planted in front of the bowling alley is very dirty and he may suggest to the owner that the trees be replaced. Rodger Danielson informed Jared that the existing locust trees are a very good tree for this area and are encouraged by the commission. Mr. Cebrosky also relayed that the storm drains in many of the newly paved alleys are extremely sunken in. Mr. Danielson informed him that the Borough would be working to raise many of those drains. Mr. Cebrosky brought to Council s attention that pedestrians are continuing to walk in the roadway and it is very hard to see them in the dark and early morning hours. Kris Hoffner stated the Mayor has addressed this with the police and when they see pedestrians in the streets they will tell them to move to the sidewalk. Patty Farrizio expressed her frustration regarding the large tree limb cut from a dying tree at 224 Lafayette Avenue and left in the front yard for a month now. Randy Gursky agreed and apologized for the lack of action in this matter. Kris Hoffner read an sent to the Code Officer, Doreen Curtin, from the property owner which stated he was waiting on the tree service to haul away the tree and clean up the property. Rodger Danielson assured her the new code officer would send a letter, followed by a citation, if no appropriate action was taken in the time given. Donald Heiney asked Council if there are ordinances restricting open alcohol consumption at a house party. Rodger Danielson informed him there are not. Kris Hoffner instructed Mr. Heiney to call the police if he feels there is a problem. Dennis Behler, Palmerton Fire Department Fire Chief, reported to Council that both pumper units are in need of repair. Chief Behler explained that Unit 711 was recently worked on to fix an ongoing issue, but needs to go back because the pump is not engaging. He stated that Unit 713 has the same pump problem and requested that both units be sent for repairs. Kris Hoffner told Chief Behler the Public Safety Committee would meet to discuss the repairs. RATIFICATION OF MINUTES On motion by Richard Nothstein, second by Michael Ballard and voice vote, Council approved the minutes of the August 24, 2017 regular meeting and the September 25, 2017 bid opening meeting. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS Vice-President Hoffner announced that a summary of the petitions and communications is available for public inspection in the Borough Office in the form of a weekly mail log.

3 REPORTS OF VARIOUS COMMITTEES AND OFFICES 1. Treasurer s Report 5. Moving Permit Report 2. Zoning Officer Report 6. Code Compliance Agent Report 3. Police Department Report 7. Street Supervisor Report 4. Fire Chief Report Vice-President Hoffner announced that these are on file in the Borough Office for public inspection during regular business hours. MANAGER S REPORT Rodger Danielson reported: 1. The summer paving project is ongoing with the paving of Edgemont Avenue scheduled for tomorrow, which will wrap up for this year. The tar and chip project will begin next week. 2. The Public Works department has begun a spot leaf collection. With the early loss of leaves we are one month ahead of last year with our collection. 3. The UGI line upgrade started last year in the Borough may possibly be finished this fall or early winter. 4. The Borough has employed Philip Bell, a PA Game Commission Certified trapper, to control the skunk problem we are facing. He has started with traps at 3 addresses in the Borough and will move accordingly. 5. Funds were transferred this morning to complete the 3.5 million dollar loan borrowing. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES FINANCE No report.

4 PUBLIC RELATIONS/BOROUGH CODE Richard Nothstein had no report. BUILDINGS/RECREATION Randolph Gursky reported: 1. On motion by Randolph Gursky, second by Richard Nothstein and voice vote, Council approved the following use requests, subject to scheduling and availability: Applicant Facility Purpose Michelle O Neill Park Christmas in the Park Angela August Park Wedding Ceremony PUBLIC SAFETY Kris Hoffner reported: 1. On motion by Michael Ballard, second by Richard Nothstein and voice vote, Council approved the Halloween Parade request for Sunday, October 15, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. with a rain date of Monday, October 16, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. 2. On motion by Michael Ballard, second by Richard Nothstein and voice vote, Council approved the CACPAC request for a Crop Walk through portions of Palmerton Borough on Sunday, October 8, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. 3. On motion by Michael Ballard, second by Richard Nothstein and voice vote, Council awarded David Veneziano the 1981 GMC Mini-Pumper bid in the amount of $2, Randy Gursky asked Council if this was a fair bid price. Council looked to the opinion of Fire Chief Dennis Behler who relayed with the age of the equipment he did feel it was fair. Roll call vote: Kris Hoffner Aye Randolpf Gursky Aye Michael Ballard Aye Richard Nothstein Aye Secretary recorder 4 aye; no nay, motion carried. STREETS & SIDEWALKS No report

5 SEWER/SOLID WASTE/WATER Michael Ballard had no report. PERSONNEL Kris Hoffner reported: 1. On motion by Kris Hoffner, second by Richard Nothstein and voice vote council appointed Clark Ritter to the Code Enforcement Agent position at a rate of $12.50 per hour to start for hours per week. 2. On motion by Kris Hoffner, second by Michael Ballard and voice vote council hired Charles Treskot at a rate of $9.50 per hour for leaf collection. DISPOSITION OF BILLS On motion by Richard Nothstein, second by Michael Ballard and voice vote, Council approved payment of the invoices and the check register as presented. REPORT OF THE MAYOR Mayor Christopher Olivia performed the swearing in of Donald Heiney to the Civil Service Commission. Mayor Olivia reported Trick or Treat Night will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2017 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. rain or shine. Rodger Danielson advised Council of the letter of resignation from Philip Binder from the Civil Service Commission effective immediately. On Motion by Richard Nothstein, second by Michael Ballard and voice vote, Council accepted, with regret, the resignation of Philip Binder from the Civil Service Commission. Rodger Danielson relayed the Borough will advertise a Civil Service Commission position in the newspaper with inquiries at the Borough office. OLD BUSINESS On motion by Richard Nothstein, second by Michael Ballard and voice vote, Council made a motion to add two old chainsaws to the list of items for sale by the Council of Governments.

6 NEW BUSINESS 1. On motion by Richard Nothstein, second by Michael Ballard and voice vote, Council approved, with requested waivers, the Subdivision plan for Delaware Avenue as requested in Engineer Eric Snyder s review. 2. Mayor Olivia asked Council when the light post at Third and Columbia Avenue would be moved. Dennis Behler informed everyone the pole was just recently moved. 3. Mayor Olivia advised Council that there are areas in the park where the trees require pruning. 4. Mayor Olivia relayed to Council his concern about the early start date to the Halls of Horror. Rodger Danielson conveyed this is the season for their attraction. The Borough s main concern of the event is safety and everything seems to be running smoothly. ADJOURNMENT On motion by Richard Nothstein, second by Michael Ballard and voice vote, Council adjourned the meeting at 7:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kimberly A. Rodrigues Recording Secretary Rodger P. Danielson Manager/Secretary