Mr. Bartholomew, Mr. Becker, Mr. Regits, Mrs. Smith, and Mr. Zimbar.

Transcription

1 President Regits called the regular meeting of Catasauqua Borough Council to order at 7:30 PM with the Pledge of Allegiance. MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: ALSO PRESENT: Mr. Bartholomew, Mr. Becker, Mr. Regits, Mrs. Smith, and Mr. Zimbar. Mr. Reinhard and Mrs. Schlegel. Solicitor Dimmich, Manager Goldfeder, Engineer Henning, and Police Chief Kish. Mayor Boyer and Fire Chief Burrows arrived a little late. The Solicitor stated that according to the Borough Code when the Mayor is absent from a meeting the Council President, or in the President's absence, the Vice President, sits and serves as Mayor for the course of the meeting. In this case Mr. Regits would serve as Mayor for this meeting. He would not be able to vote on any actions; however, he could break a tie. He said as long as a vote doesn't come up as a tie without Mr. Regits' vote, it wouldn't be necessary to change positions. MINUTES: The minutes of the June 6, 2005 regular meeting of Council were moved for approval by Mrs. Smith, seconded by Mr. Bartholomew. The motion carried five in favor, none opposed, two absent. The minutes of the June 27, 2005 special meeting of Council were moved for approval by Mr. Zimbar, seconded by Mr. Bartholomew. The motion carried five in favor, none opposed, two absent. HEARING OF PERSONS PRESENT: John Rigo, 522 Second Street, said that in April he called PPL to report that lights were out on the Pine Street Bridge. At the request of PPL he went and got the pole numbers that they needed. He was ten told they would do a work order. Police Chief Kish will contact PPL to report the lights being out. President Regits said that PPL doesn't actually do that work; they have a contractor for that work. ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS: ORDINANCE #1186: Mr. Bartholomew moved, seconded by Mrs. Smith, to adopt an ordinance to remove a handicap parking space at 820 Race Street. 3731

2 Solicitor Dimmich stated that the Mayor has arrived prior to any voting and that any changes in positions would not be necessary. A roll call vote indicated five in favor, none opposed, two absent. RESOLUTION #13-05: RESOUTION #14-05: RESOLUTION #15-05: MANAGER'S SECRETARY REPORT: WATER/SEWER REPORT: Mr. Zimbar moved, seconded by Mr. Becker, to adopt a resolution authorizing application to be filed with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. The motion carried five in favor, none opposed, two absent. Mrs. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Zimbar, to adopt a resolution accepting a Highway Safety Project Grant. The motion carried five in favor, none opposed, one absent. This resolution was introduced and acted upon during the Planning & Zoning Committee report. Manager Goldfeder reported. Manager Goldfeder reported that a total of 20,836,100 gallons of water was pumped to the system for the month of June for a daily average of 69,450 gallons. The sewer report for the same period was 22.1 million gallons of sewage treated for a daily average of 740,000 gallons. TRUCK BIDS: The Manager said that bids were opened for the sale of the Ford F He said we were hoping to get $5,000, but four bids were received and the high bid was $6,425. INSURANCE PROPOSAL: We received one proposal, from Brown & Brown, for our insurance renewal. The Manager said their quote for the same coverage with the same companies is actually $8.00 lower than the expiring policy. NOTE: Fire Chief Burrows arrived. IRONWORKS PROJECT: The Manager said he had a meeting with representatives of Kane Core and was informed that they are very close to closing with F. L. Schmidt on the property. In fact, they hope to have closing by December. They would like to schedule a meeting with two Councilmen, the Solicitor, our Planning Consultant, and the Borough Manager for later this month to go over zoning changes and the scheduling of the project process. 3732

3 COMMUNITY INFORMATION GUIDE: QUESTIONS/COMMENTS: The new Borough map and information guide is moving forward and that Maryann Brady-Marks will be sending out a mailing this week to all of the sponsors on our previous map that they had done. Council has been copied on the letter that will be going to everyone so that if anyone received inquiries, you will be able to answer any questions. In response to a question from Mr. Becker, the Manager said that he had received Mr. Becker's . The Solicitor said that Council would not take any position in public regarding the paint drums until we receive a report from DEP. Any personnel issues would be discussed in closed session. Mr. Zimbar stated that he knew absolutely nothing about the paint issue. Information was then copied and given to Mr. Zimbar. The Manager said it was sent via on July 2 nd. He will check to make sure the account address was correct. TREASURER'S REPORT: MAYOR'S REPORT: The Treasurer's Report was moved for approval by Mr. Zimbar, seconded by Mr. Bartholomew. The motion passed five in favor, none opposed. The Mayor said he had received paperwork from Senator Santorum to apply for a Homeland Security Grant. The Mayor said he also received a letter from the J-4 Committee and from Willowbrook Farms, which he asked to be attached to the minutes. J-4 CELEBRATION: At the J-4 Celebration last week the Mayor received both a Pennsylvania and an American Flag from Congressman Rooney to fly over Borough Hall. We also received a commendation for continually having this celebration. Mr. Regits said that the Manager prepared a letter to send to the various state and federal representatives requesting assistance to help us in our terrorism preparedness efforts. The letter was signed by the President of Council, the Mayor and the Manager. 'THANK YOU' LETTER: Mayor Boyer read a letter received from C. Red Cressman, 302 Church Street, thanking the police officers and the ambulance crew for their prompt response to his emergency call for help with his wife who was having a serious seizure. A copy of this letter will be attached to the original minutes. QUESTIONS/COMMENTS: In response to a question from Mayor Boyer, the Solicitor said four Council members were present at the special meeting on June 27, 3733

4 2005 and that positions were not changed. Since no one served as Mayor, the Mayor suggested that maybe Council may want to reaffirm the appointment of Thomas Comitta Associates as the planning consultant for the Borough of Catasauqua. Mrs. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Bartholomew, to re-affirm the appointment of Thomas Comitta Associates as the planning consultant for the Borough of Catasauqua. The motion carried five to zero. Mrs. Smith moved, seconded by Mr. Bartholomew, to re-affirm the adoption of #12-05 revising recreation fee in lieu of dedication of land. The motion carried five in favor, none opposed. SOLICITOR'S REPORT: PROPERTY AT HOWERTOWN AND WALNUT STREET: EASTBRIDGE MANOR: POLICE RULES AND REGULATIONS: Solicitor Dimmich reported. Awaiting the decision from the Commonwealth Court on the appeal of Kroope. After the decision of the Court is received the Solicitor will inspect the Kroope property and if it is no in full compliance with the court Order, he will file a contempt petition. The Solicitor is still working on the deeds of dedication. No current action. REVISIONS TO CODIFICATION OF ORDINANCES: This is ready for action by Council. COLLECTION OF OVERDUE REAL ESTATE TAXES: PAINT ISSUE: The Solicitor has completed his research on this issue. The proposed resolution that appoints his firm as collection agent for the delinquent real estate taxes and sets the fee related to the collection process is attached to his report to Council. The Solicitor said he received a tip that paint was buried by public works on Borough property. After an investigation, the paint was ordered to be removed. Someone called DEP and an agent came to the scene during removal of the last paint barrel. Tests were done that showed no pollution at the site. I would prefer that Council not discuss this issue in public until the matter has been finally resolved with DEP. 3734

5 KROOPE EARNED INCOME TAX: Hearings were held before the Magistrate, and we are awaiting his decision on the cases. LICENSING INSPECTION FOR CAR SALES OF HOWERTOWN ROAD PROPERTY: No current action. ENGINEER'S REPORT: Mr. Henning reported. SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT SLUDGE HEATER: The Engineer is awaiting pricing from the contractor for additional ventilation and a gas monitor/alarm. Although not required by code, the Engineer suggests that the upgrades be implemented to address safety. PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING WALL REPAIRS: Compaction Grouting Services is scheduling the work. SOUTHWARK HOSE NO. 9 FLOOR MOVEMENT, FIRE COM- PANY BUILDING UPGRADES: The Engineer is preparing a report with cost estimates for various fire station building scenarios. He met with Mr. Goldfeder at each site to discuss details of the requirements. SURVEY OF STREET RIGHTS- OF-WAY: The Engineer is finding inconsistencies between deeds, available plans and monumentation in the field. He is working with Attorney Dimmich to establish the extent of survey required. After a brief discussion of what work Council would like the Engineer to undertake regarding the survey of street rights-of-way, it was decided that the matter would go to committee for their recommendation to Council. A Public Works Committee meeting was then scheduled for Wednesday, July 13 th, at 2:00 PM. DELAWARE RIVER BASIN COMMISSION REGULATIONS: Mr. Zimbar said he received a copy of the letter from Brinjac Engineering regarding water quality in the Lehigh River. He said this is nothing to be concerned with and to just ignore it. GENERAL GOVERNMENT: BOROUGH INSURANCE: Mr. Zimbar reported. Mr. Zimbar moved, seconded by Mr. Becker, to accept the proposal from Brown & Brown of Lehigh Valley for the Borough insurance policies for 2005/2006. The motion carried five to zero. 3735

6 ICMA CONFERENCE: TELEPHONE SYSTEM: POLICE DEPARTMENT COPY MACHINE: SALE OF TRUCK: WALK OF FAME: Mr. Zimbar moved, seconded by Mrs. Smith, to grant permission to the Manager to attend the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) annual conference. The conference will be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota from September 25 th through the 28 th.the motion carried five to zero. Mr. Zimbar moved, seconded by Mrs. Smith, to accept the proposal from AT&D for a new telephone system in the Borough offices and the Police Department. Police Chief Kish said he was in touch with AT&D and received a better rate than previously discussed and a $720 conference phone was also thrown in. The motion carried five in favor, none opposed. Mr. Zimbar moved, seconded by Mr. Becker, to accept the proposal from Copy World for the purchase of a copy machine for the Police Department at their price of $3,995. The machine will be purchased under a three-year lease purchase agreement. The copy machine that is now in the Police Department will be moved to the small conference room for use during any meetings. The motion carried five to zero. Mr. Zimbar moved, seconded by Mrs. Smith, to accept the bid of $6,425 submitted by Robert Omick, 532 Second Street, to purchase the 1990 Ford F-350 Truck. The motion carried five in favor, none opposed. Mr. Zimbar moved, seconded by Mr. Becker, to approve the Walk of Fame guidelines and any forms associated with it. The motion passed five to zero. TAXPAYER APPEAL BOARD: Mr. Zimbar reported there is a vacancy on the Taxpayer Appeal Board, term expiring December 31, If anyone is interested, they should contact the Borough office. PUBLIC SAFETY: HEALTH INSPECTIONS: BOARD OF HEALTH: POLICE REPORT: FIRE REPORT: Mr. Bartholomew reported. There was one health inspection for the month of June. There is a vacancy on the Board of Health, term expiring December 31, The Police Report is available for review and/or questions. The Fire Report is available for review and/or questions. 3736

7 FIRE DEPARTMENT DRIVER/ OPERATOR LIST: PUBLIC UTILITIES: BOROUGH AUTHORITY: PLANNING & ZONING: CODE HEARING BOARD: 420 HOWERTOWN ROAD DEVELOPMENT: RESOLUTION #15-05: Mr. Bartholomew moved, seconded by Mr. Becker, to add Firefighter Thomas Edelman to the driver/operators list for insurance purposes. The motion passed five in favor, none opposed. Mr. Zimbar reported. Mr. Zimbar said there is a vacancy on the Borough Authority, term expiring December 31, Mrs. Smith reported. There are three vacancies on the Code Hearing Board, terms expiring September 5, 2005, 2006 and Mr. Zimbar said that there were people in the audience regarding the Howertown Road development plan. He said that they had come before the Planning Commission last month and the Planning Commission recommended approval of the project subject to them satisfying the requirements of the Borough Engineer. In response to a question from the Solicitor, he was informed that while the Planning Commission had recommended approval, the Planning & Zoning Committee has not yet reviewed the plan. The developers indicated that having to wait another month would create some difficulties with their project schedule. Mr. Zimbar moved, seconded by Mr. Becker, to adopt a resolution to conditionally approve the 420 Howertown Road Development Plan subject to meeting the requirements of the Borough Engineer. The Mayor commented that while he is not necessarily opposed to the action Council is considering, we should recall that many times that we've tried to expedite a request and bypass the committee system we have created more difficulties for ourselves. The Solicitor said that the stipulations would also include that the developer would pay the engineering and legal fees related to the project review and approval. The developers indicated they had no difficulty with that. The motion carried five in favor, none opposed. RECREATION: Mr. Becker reported. 3737

8 RECFEST RESOLUTION: PUBLIC WORKS: Mr. Becker said that he talked to all the committee members about the resolution prepared for the Recfest event scheduled for August 20 th so they are aware of what is happening. Mr. Bartholomew reported. Mr. Bartholomew asked about the status of the ordinances that were discussed several months ago in committee. The Manager said that as he recalls they were reviewed, but no further action has been planned for them. He will provide copies of the ordinances to the Chair. BILLS & ACCOUNT: The bills were approved for payment on a motion of Mr. Zimbar seconded by Mr. Becker. The motion passed five to zero. General Fund Water Sewer Plant $182, $32, $36, Sewer Collection System Payrolls of 6/10, 6/24 & 7/8/05 $60, $199, Community Development $9, UNFINISHED BUSINESS: In response to a question from Mr. Bartholomew, the Manager said he would check to see if there are any outstanding resolutions under initiated by Mr. Azar under the Public Works Committee NEW BUSINESS: LINCOLN TASK FORCE: ANNUAL WATER REPORT: Mr. Becker reported that at the recent Lincoln Task Force meeting a discussion took place regarding what they want to do with Lincoln School. The question was raised as to whether the Borough would be interested in the bottom portion of the building for the Police Department. The issue will go to committee to see if they want to consider it. Mr. Becker said that the next meeting of the Task Force is scheduled for July 26 th at Lincoln. Mr. Becker said that the Annual Water Report looked really good, but he was wondering if we could include upcoming events whenever this report is done. He said that as long as we had to have it printed anyway, it was a great way to get information out to the residents. The Manager said he would do so next year. 3738

9 THANK YOU LETTER: SCOREBOARD: HEARING OF PERSONS PRESENT AGENDA ITEMS ONLY: Mr. Regits said he received a letter from the school thanking us for approving the renovations plan for the high school. Mr. Bartholomew questioned whether the school got a permit to install a scoreboard. The Manager said that the Building Inspector was looking into it, but he remembers that they did in fact get a permit. He will re-check and let Mr. Bartholomew know. NONE ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:35 PM. Respectfully submitted, H:\USERS\MARY\2005 Word\Minutes 2005\July 11.DOC Eugene L. Goldfeder Borough Secretary 3739