Conshohocken Borough

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

 

President Caterbone read one Resolution for all the Police Officers with 20 years of service to the Borough. The officers included Chief James Dougherty; Sgt. George Metz; Sgt. Michael Orler and Sgt. Anthony Santoro. Sgt. Santoro was absent.   Mrs. Caterbone and Mayor Joseph Collins presented the officers watches and their Resolutions. A motion was made by Mr. Tucci to adopt the Resolution for each of the Police Officers with 20 years of service. Motion was seconded by Mr. McConnell. All voted in favor. Motion passed.

 

Fire Chief Robert Phipps presented a retirement badge to Joseph Januzelli for his service as Fire Marshal.

 

Ms. Christine Stetler and Sgt. Michael Orler explained what the JAG Grant entailed. The Grant would pay for two to three cameras for the police cars. These cameras would be beneficial to the police officers’ safety. The cameras would be helpful when transporting a combative prisoner; on routine traffic stops in the event there would be any problems and in many other instances.

 

Ms. Christine Stelter also discussed the 2009 CDBG application and what Grants were used for the Housing Rehabilitation and Curb Cut Programs. She stated that this would help the residents who are now on the waiting list for assistance.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to adopt a Resolution for our 2009 CDBD Grant Program in the amount of $171,959. Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin. All voted in favor. Motion passed. 

 

Mr. Marabella reported to Council that the worksheet which details all open and closed actions was attached, if there are any deletions or additions to let him know.

 

Mr. Marabella reported that the Borough’s 2008 Audit started on May 18, 2009.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that there was an Executive Session before tonight’s Council Meeting to discuss real estate and personnel matters.

                                    

 Mr. Marabella gave the Treasurer’s report for the month of April , 2009.

 

April 2009                         Total 2009

 

Cash Receipts                          $1,971,978.09                   $3,750,643.52

Cash Disbursements                 $ 398,299.79                    $1,365,941.84

Payroll Paid                              $ 361,528.03                    $1,034,378.23

Net Cash Surplus/ (Deficit)       $1,212,150.27                   $1,350,323.45

 

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

 

A motion was made by Mr. Griffin to approve the minutes of the April 15, 2009 Council meeting. Motion was seconded by Mr. Phipps. All voted in favor. Motion passed.

 

Mr. Marabella reported the deposit along with the signed contract for the Third of July fireworks was sent. He also stated that the youth groups will be participating again this year.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Phipps to reject the “A” field building stucco bids and authorize the Engineer to rebid the project. Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin. All voted in favor. Motion passed.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that Chemical Exterminating will be spraying for ticks this week at Sutcliffe Park. He also stated that Chemical Exterminating did a second spray for box elder bugs at no charge to the Borough.

 

Sturbridge Builders First and Wood Street road dedication will take place when the punch list items are completed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to hire Justin Schultz for the last Public Works summer help position. Motion was seconded by Mr. Phipps. All voted in favor. Motion passed.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the bid advertisement for the Public Works Department truck and the Code Department 2000 Crown Victoria Sedan was placed in the newspaper and all bids are due June 2, 2009 at 10:00 am.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the 400 Block Streetscape project started on May 11, 2009 and the project is scheduled for 70 calendar days. The work will be completed between 4^th and 5th Avenues.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to approve the final change order for the contract amount of the 2008 Streetscape project for a reduction of $65,070.03. Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin. All voted in favor. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Griffin to authorize the Manager to sign the sewer module for 312 West 4^th Avenue after the Wastewater Authority approval. Motion was seconded by Mr. Phipps. All voted in favor. Motion passed.

 

Council is interested in staff moving forward with the Montgomery County Consortium MS4 Ordinance proposal work.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley authorizing the Manager to release escrow to Washington Street Associates V, LP  for Stables at Millennium in the amount of $84,584.00. Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin. Roll Call was taken. Mr. Salus, Mr. McConnell, Mr. Tucci, Mr. Griffin, Mr. Stokley, Mr. Phipps all voted in favor. Mrs. Caterbone recussed her vote. Six voted in favor. Motion passed.

 

 

A motion was made by Mr. Griffin authorizing the Manager to release escrow to Washington Street Associates V, LP for Stables at Millennium Demolition in the amount of $80,000.00. Motion was seconded by Mr. Phipps. Roll Call was taken. Mr. Salus, Mr. McConnell, Mr. Tucci, Mr. Griffin, Mr. Stokley, Mr. Phipps all voted in favor. Mrs. Caterbone recussed her vote. Six voted in favor. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Phipps authorizing the Manager to release escrow to Tisons Construction, Inc. for 312 West 4^th Avenue in the amount of $12,700.00 after payment of all bills. Motion was seconded by Mr. McConnell. Six voted in favor. Mrs. Caterbone was absent. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley authorizing the Manager to release the in house escrow to Bradley Lacey for 4^th & Harry Street after payment of all bills. Motion was seconded by Mr. Salus. Six voted in favor. Mrs. Caterbone was absent. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Phipps authorizing the Manager to release escrow to Richard DiCiurcio for 131-133 West 9^th Avenue in the amount of $2,300.00 minus payments of engineering and review fees. Motion was seconded by Mr. Salus. Six voted in favor. Mrs. Caterbone was absent. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley authorizing the Manager to release escrow to Thomas Andrew Homes, Inc. for 134 West 4^th Avenue in the amount of $3,036.30 after payment of all bills. Motion was seconded by Mr. Salus. Six voted in favor. Mrs. Caterbone was absent. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. McConnell authorizing the Solicitor to advertise for adoption next month the Ordinance for the zoning change for the additional properties which are located around the Spring Mill parking lot to include them in the Business Commercial Zoning District. Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci. Six voted in favor. Mrs. Caterbone was absent. Motion passed.

 

Mr. Tucci announced that the Mayor and Engineer are working with the Public Safety Committee on an amendment to our Traffic Ordinance for handicapped parking spots (additions and deletions), no parking in the cul-de-sac, parking against traffic and one way streets changes.

 

Mr. Tucci announced that Council is presently working on a proposal for the Emergency Management Director.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Phipps to adoption a Resolution for the construction spec changes to our SALDO Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Mr. Stokley. Six voted in favor. Mrs. Caterbone was absent. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Tucci to grant a Special Parking Privilege request for 429 East 9^th Avenue. Motion was seconded by Mr. Stokley. Six voted in favor. Mrs. Caterbone was absent. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Phipps to authorize the Solicitor to advertise for adoption next month the change to the Contractor Licenses Ordinance to comply with the new State Act effective July 1, 2009. Motion was seconded by Mr. Stokley. Six voted in favor. Mrs. Caterbone was absent. Motion passed.

 

Mr. McConnell announced starting the 2009 Act 511 tax audit program.

 

A motion was made by Mr. McConnell to approve the Ordinance and execute the documents for the Borough to join the DVHIT Trust. Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci. Six voted in favor. Mrs. Caterbone was absent. Motion passed.

 

Mr. McConnell announced that Council has copies of the June 2009 Library events for the month.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Salus to accept the forms for the Shared Ride Reimbursement Program pending the Solicitor’s review. Motion was seconded by Mr. McConnell. Six voted in favor. Mrs. Caterbone was absent. Motion passed.

 

The Mayor’s report for the month of April 2009:

 

 

A motion was made by Mr. Phipps to accept the Mayor’s report. Motion was seconded by Mr. Stokley. All voted in favor. Motion passed.

 

The Mayor gave his okay under his emergency powers to install stop signs at West Third Avenue and Forrest Street. A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to have the stop signs installed. Motion was seconded by Mr. Phipps. Six voted in favor. Mrs. Caterbone was absent. Motion passed.

 

Mayor Collins announced that the Conshohocken Car Show is scheduled for June 6, 2009 with a rain date of June 13, 2009 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. He stated that this is being considered a Community Family Day as well as a Car Show. There will be clowns, face painting, live music, balloon sculpting and food.

 

 

 

The Mayor announced that there are three candidates that are eligible for employment as Borough Police Officers. Borough Council will interview these three (3) candidates on 5/27/09 at 6:30 pm.

 

A motion was made by Mr. McConnell to allow St. Vincent DePaul Society to place a trailer on 7^th Avenue from Friday, June 26 until Monday June 28, 2009 to collect items for the church.   Motion was seconded by Mr. Salus. Six voted in favor. Mrs. Caterbone was absent. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made to record in the Minutes the Wednesday, May 6, 2009 vote taken to adopt a Resolution for the 2009 Recovery Act Justice Assistance Grant Application for $13,612. Mr. Phipps made the motion, it was seconded by Mr. Griffin, everyone voted in favor of the Motion. Mr. Salus was absent from the meeting. 

 

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to accept James Dougherty’s request to be released from the DROP Program effective June 5, 2009 and retire. Council decided that Chief Dougherty would be paid out the remainder of his benefit days in full and that they will not be prorated due to his position. Motion was seconded by Mr. Phipps. Six voted in favor. Mrs. Caterbone was absent. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. McConnell to release the 2009 Contribution for the VFW Post for the Memorial Day event. Motion was seconded by Mr. Salus. Six voted in favor. Motion passed.

 

The schedule of events for the VFW Post for the Memorial Day celebration was announced.

 

An announcement was made that residents are receiving official looking notices regarding rehabilitation of their homes. Ms. Stetler said that these are not from the Borough and to please just disregard them if you are on the Borough’s waiting list.

 

An announcement was made that we are working on changing the light timing at Colwell Lane and West Elm St. due to the Conshohocken Road construction.

 

An announcement was made that the 2009 Farmer’s Market will open on Fridays starting May 1, 2009. The hours will be from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.   Small canvas tote bags were purchased to sell at the Farmer’s Market for $2.00. Ike the barbecue chicken/ribs vendor will be returning on Friday, June 5, 2009. 

 

A thank you was extended to Home Depot for their donation of two (2) picnic tables to be used at the Farmer’s Market. 

 

Cadcom, who takes care of distributing senior vouchers for the Farmers Market are coming in June.

 

The Borough’s E-Code can be accessed on the web at http://www.e-codes.generalcode.com/codebook frameset.asp?lg=1&t=ws&cb=2517 A.

 

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

 

Mayor Collins thanked Police Chief James Dougherty for serving the Borough of Conshohocken.

 

Chief Dougherty took the opportunity to thank the Borough for allowing him to serve.

 

Jared Handel, 147 Sutcliffe Lane asked why a tree, that he believes is a box elder tree, was not cut down near his property. Harvey Buek, Public Works Superintendent, responded that the tree was not a box elder tree and they are not on the Borough’s property.

 

Jack Coll, 324 Fayette Street had as few questions. First, he asked why the pedestrian signs were not in the crosswalks. Council stated that some people complained that the pedestrian signs were more of a hazard. Second, he questioned the issue of the Verizon building (i.e. the asbestos issue and whether it was safe for the employees). He wanted to know if any studies were done on the asbestos and whether or not the building would be renovated before any move. Mr. Salus said that the building was safe and very little renovations would be done. After the move, it would be determined what would be needed in the way of renovations. He also questioned why there was not a copy of the Treasurer’s Report in the Agenda. He questioned if the rebid of the stucco for the “A” Field was going to add additional engineering costs. Council and the Engineer said there would be no additional cost. Last, he questioned the Shared Ride Program which was explained by Mr. Salus.

 

Stacey Yacovich, 52 Forrest Street, wanted to take the opportunity to thank Chief Dougherty for serving the community for all these years and making this a safe community to live in.

 

Paula Smith Still, 14 Maple Street, stated that she was tired of the racial profiling with the neighbor at 12 Maple Street. She asked for help from the Police Department. The Chief said he would be out of the office tomorrow but for her to call the next day to speak with him about her issues.

 

 

A motion was made by Mr. Phipps to adjourn meeting. Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci.

 

Meeting adjourned 8:20 P.M.

 

 

 

 

Francis J. Marabella

Borough Secretary