Conshohocken Borough

BOROUGH OF CONSHOHOCKEN

COUNCIL MEETING

December 16, 2009

The President of Council Mrs. Sandra Caterbone called the meeting to order. Mr.Tucci gave the Prayer of Council and the Pledge of Allegiance was said.   Members of Council present at the meeting were: Mr. Jason Salus, Mr. Anthony Tucci, Mr. James Griffin, Mr. Edward Phipps, Mrs. Sandra Caterbone, Mr. Paul McConnell and Mr. Robert Stokley.

A waiver of off street parking hearing was held.  Ms. Stetler updated everyone concerning the hearing application.  Mr. Flocco gave the details of the business proposed. A motion was made by Mr. Salus to approve the request for the parking waiver with the requirements that all full time employees of 108 ½ Fayette must purchase a parking sticker for the deck. Motion was seconded by Mr. McConnell.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

Mr. Marabella announced that an Executive Session is needed after the Council Meeting to discuss personnel matters.

Mr. Marabella gave the Treasurer's report for the month of November 2009.

November 2009                     Total 2009

Cash Receipts                         $521,589.66                      $7,937,228.15

Cash Disbursements              $423,023.57                    $4,308,501.26

Payroll Paid                             $227,812.04                      $2,922,266.30

Net Cash Surplus/ (Deficit)    ($129,245.95)                      $706,460.59

A motion was made by Mr. McConnell to accept the Treasurer's report and pay all Borough bills. Motion was seconded by Mr. Salus. All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to approve the minutes of the November 18, 2009 Council meeting.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci.  All voted in favor. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. McConnell to authorize our delegate to approve a Solicitor, By Laws and possible Auditor for the County Act 32 Committee.  Also the Council authorized expenditures up to an estimated $1,500 for Committee costs.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

Mr. Marabella announced that the Borough's Office Manager is looking into a possible change in our Payroll Company; which may result in a 50% reduction in costs.

A motion was made by Mr. Phipps to change the lights along Fayette Street from the current amber lights to a bright white light.  Motion seconded by Mr. Griffin.  All voted in favor. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to approve the additional work at Sutcliffe Park proposed by Laffredo Construction for $3,100.00 and to pay for it out of the Parks and Recreation Impact Fee.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Phipps.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to move forward on having an individual reside at the "A" Field apartment who will be responsible for the maintenance around the field and buildings.  The Solicitor will send us a sample lease for such person.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Griffin to approve Anthony D'Angelo' s proposal for work at the "A" Field Apartment in the amount of $2,975.00 and pay for it out of the Parks and Recreation Impact Fee.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Stokley.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Griffin to approve Anthony D'Angelo's proposal for work at the "A" Field Press Box in the amount of $1,750.00 and pay for it out of the Parks and Recreation Impact Fee.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Salus.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Phipps to approve Richard's Electric proposal for work done on the "A" Field Project in the amount of $3,387.75 and pay for it out of the Parks and Recreation Impact Fee.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Salus. Roll call vote was taken. All voted in favor except Mr. Griffin who recused himself because he is employed by Richard's Electric.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to approve the 2009 Road Program additional work in the intersection of Spring Mill and Harry Streets; which totals $30,632.00.  Motion was seconded by Mr. McConnell.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Salus to approve a contract with Hough Associates to collect data for our recycling grant.  The total price of the contract is $4,000.00.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to authorize the Staff to file a preliminary application for a County Revitalization Grant.  Motion was seconded by Mr. McConnell.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Phipps to authorize the Manager to send a letter to our Representative to have DEP release the 2007 and 2008 Performance Grant Awards.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Stokley.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. McConnell to authorize the manager to release escrow funds in the amount of $93,751.42 to Washington Streets Associates V, L.P. for the Stables at Millennium.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Griffin to authorize the manager to release escrow funds in the amount of $11,839.49 to William Bryant & Tom Meyers for 143/145 West 2^nd Avenue with the stipulation of the Solicitor and Manager reviewing required alley repairs.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Phipps.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

Mr. Marabella announced the Committee is working on finalizing the termination of the Business Authority.

Mr. Marabella announced the Public Safety Committee is working on a possible idling Ordinance.

Mr. Marabella announced the Public Safety Committee is looking into a possible Parking Permit Zone at the 100 Block of East 8th Avenue.

A motion was made by Mr. Tucci to authorize the Solicitor to amend our Fire Department Ordinance.  Motion seconded by Mr. Phipps.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.  The Committee will work on proposed changes to the Fire Department Ordinance and forward them to the Solicitor for review.

Mr. Marabella announced that Council has a copy of the January 2010 Library events for the month.

A motion was made by Mr. McConnell to approve the 2010 Budget at $9,857,520.00.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. McConnell to adopt an Ordinance setting the Real Estate Tax Millage for 2010 at 3.5 Mills.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. McConnell for a Resolution which sets the Police Officer's Pension contributions at 3% for 2010, per the contract.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Stokley.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. McConnell for a Resolution authorizing the Borough to apply for a Green Regions Program Grant in the amount of $10,000.00.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Salus.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. McConnell to approve a handicapped parking space for 319 Spring Mill Avenue.  Motion seconded by Mr. Griffin.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Salus to approve an Environmental Survey with A.D. Marble & Company for the Verizon Building.  Motion was seconded by Mr. McConnell.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Griffin to authorize the solicitor to have Indian Valley Appraisal Company complete additional appraisal work in the amount of $1,800 for 720 Fayette Street.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Salus.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Salus for a Resolution approving a 3 lot sub division and land development at 440 Old Elm Street.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Phipps.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

The Solicitor reviewed the options Council has to market any real estate property that they want to sell.

A motion was made by Mr. Salus to approve a request for a handicapped parking space at the rear of 411 West Elm Street.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Salus to proceed with the transfer of the property located on Old Elm Street; which was not transferred to the Antonelli's previously.  Motion seconded by Mr. Phipps.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

The Mayor's report for the month of November

A motion was made by Mr. Tucci to accept the Mayor's report.  Motion was seconded by Mr. McConnell. All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Salus to approve the St. Patrick's Day Committee's request to have a parade on Saturday, March 13^th at 2pm.  Motion seconded by Mr. McConnell.  Mrs. Caterbone made an announcement that the Council would like to see a list of all expenses involved to hold the parade for the 2011 budgeting process.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. McConnell to accept a Resolution honoring Officer Michael Conner for thwarting a bank robbery.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Phipps to accept a Resolution honoring Officers: Anthony Santoro, Jonathan Palmer, Andrew Carlin, Adam Pagliaro and Samuel Ditzler for their assistance at the possible bank robbery.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Griffin to accept the resignation of Robert Phipps from his Fire Chief's position.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Salus. Roll call vote was taken.   All voted in favor, except Edward Phipps who recused himself because Robert is his brother.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Salus to appoint Robert Phipps as the acting Fire Chief.  Motion was seconded by Mr. McConnell. Roll call vote was taken.   All voted in favor, except Edward Phipps who recused himself because Robert is his brother.  Motion passed.

The Solicitor reviewed the proper protocol for residents to take in contacting the Mayor and/or Police Department.

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to approve Sergeant Santoro's request to continue his education at St. Joseph's University for Environmental Biology in the amount of $1,126.00, plus books.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Salus to approve Officer Glasgow's request to continue his education at Boston University for Terrorism and Research Methods in the amount of $5,800.00.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to approve Officer Walter's request to continue his education at Montgomery Community College for English 115 and Sociology 101 in the amount of $654.00, plus books.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Salus.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

Mr. Marabella announced that Council will approve a Comcast Franchise Extension Agreement next month.

Mr. Marabella announced that the Borough Council is currently accepting letters of interest for the Planning Commission vacancy.

Mr. Marabella advised Council that they have a copy of the Commissions and Boards list, which details the people whose term expires this year.

A motion was made by Mr. McConnell to advertise the 2010's Borough Council's Workshops, Council meetings and Boards and Commissions meeting dates and times.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Griffin to request a Waiver of off street parking for 48 West 7^th Avenue.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

Mr. Marabella announced that Council was provided with information concerning the Borough Council reorganization meeting; which is scheduled for January 4, 2010 at 6:00pm.

A motion was made by Mr. McConnell to authorize the Staff to apply to the Department of Agriculture for a Farmers Market Grant between $5,000 and $7,000.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Salus.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Before the Meeting:

No public comments were made before the meeting.

After the Meeting:

Mr. DeSantis raised concern over the cars parked on Maple Street.  When they park they are taking up two spots; he would like to know if there is a way to patrol the area to help avoid this problem.  It is making it difficult for him to park outside his home.  Mr. DeSantis would also like to thank Mrs. Caterbone for her dedication and service to the Borough.

Mr. Leli expressed concern over the possible building of a Bank on 6^th and Fayette Street, with regards to traffic flow.  There is already a problem with traffic flow.  Council advised him that the Developer is still in planning stages and nothing is certain to date.

Ms. Gantz addressed concern over water building up along 7^th & Wells and possible damage it may cause during the winter months.

Eric Teal from 200 East 6^th Street announce Guppies will be holding a Toys for Tots drive tomorrow if anyone would like to drop off a toy.

Council would like to thank Mrs. Caterbone for her dedication and support to the Borough.  Council would also like to wish everyone a Safe, Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!

Meeting adjourned 8:35 P.M.

Francis J. Marabella

Borough Secretary