Conshohocken Borough

Meeting was called to order by the President of Council Mrs. Sandra Caterbone. The Prayer of Council was given by Mr. Stokley 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.

 

Mayor Collins said a few words about our new Chief of Police and swore in Michael Orler as the new Chief of Police for the Borough.

 

Mrs. Caterbone announced that we have three Resolutions for Boy Scout Troop 140’s new Eagle Scouts. Two of the young men could not attend and one was present. Mayor Collins detailed the projects that three new Eagle Scouts performed. He then read the Resolution for Mark Costello and presented it to him.

 

Mrs. Caterbone explained all the hard work and dedication Mr. McGuigan and the Fireworks Committee put into keeping our annual tradition alive and presented him with a Resolution.

 

Mrs. Caterbone explained a few changes to the Workshops and Council meetings agendas which will take place this evening. Public Comments would be at the beginning and end of each meeting.

 

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 announced that there would be a short Executive Session after the meeting.

 

Mr. Marabella reported that the Borough’s 2008 Audit was being worked on and that the auditors should be finalizing the report soon.

 

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

 

July 2009                         Total 2009

 

Cash Receipts                          $   322,806.45                   $6,227,929.08

Cash Disbursements                 $   420,841.15                   $2,437,332.63

Payroll Paid                              $   315,522.03                   $1,853,437.15

Net Cash Surplus/ (Deficit)       $ (413,556.73)                  $1,937,159.30

 

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. Salus to approve the minutes of the July 15, 2009 Council meeting. Motion was seconded by Mr. McConnell. All voted in favor. Motion passed.

 

 

 

A motion was made by Mr. Phipps to adopt a Resolution thanking a resident, Liam McGuigan for all his hard work raising funds for the 2009 Fireworks Show. Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin. All voted in favor. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Phipps to accept the Engineer’s proposal for the “A” Field Building Construction Management which totals $5,212. Motion was seconded by Mr. Stokley. All voted in favor. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Griffin to accept the Engineer’s proposal for the “A” Field Wall Study which totals $2,850. Motion was seconded by Mr. Stokley. All voted in favor. Motion passed.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the Parks & Recreation Committee is working on a proposed Field License Agreement and Release for the Borough Parks.

 

An announcement was made that the road dedication for First and Wood Street is still being worked on.

 

An announcement was made that the Army Corps of Engineers inspected the Plymouth Creek Channel today.

 

A motion was made to record for the minutes the Wednesday, August 5, 2009 vote taken to adopt a motion to authorize the Engineer to bid the 2009 Road Program which will be included in the 2009 Budget Mid Year Update. Mr. McConnell made the motion, it was seconded by Mr. Griffin, everyone voted in favor of the motion except Mr. Tucci, Mr. Phipps and Mr. Stokley who were absent.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the Solicitor is working on the Penn Dot Crosswalk Maintenance Agreement for the crosswalks on Fayette Street. Attached is a letter from the Engineer’s and the County concerning these crosswalks. 

 

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to postpone the crosswalks work on the streetscape projects until the State repaves Fayette Street and the Borough will install them then with Borough funds. Motion was seconded by Mr. Phipps. All voted in favor. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to accept the low bid of $8,325 from Laffredo Construction to resurface 7^th and Hallowell. Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci. All voted in favor. Motion passed.

 

A motion by Mr. Griffin to accept John Stuchinski’s retirement request effective July 1, 2009. Motion was seconded by Mr. Stokley. All voted in favor. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made to record for the minutes the Wednesday, August 5, 2009 vote taken to adopt a motion for the intent to award to Laffredo Construction, Inc. the Base Bid, Alternate #1, Alternate #2 and Alternate #3 totaling $345,373.50 pending the Engineer’s review of all bid documents for the 100 block Streetscape Project. Mr. Griffin made the motion, it was seconded by Mr. Salus, everyone voted in favor of the motion except Mr. Tucci, Mr. Phipps and Mr. Stokley who were absent. 

 

A motion was made by Mr. McConnell to award the Open Space Greening and Bicycle Rack Installation Project to All Seasons Landscaping Co., Inc. for the Base Bid and Alternate #1 in the amount of $64,320. Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin. All voted in favor. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to approve a change order for the Streetscape Project for an estimated increase of $2,436.00, which includes the crosswalk removal. Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin. All voted in favor. Motion passed.

 

An announcement was made that Council is okay with authorizing the Engineer to contact Plymouth Township’s Engineer to discuss the Colwell Lane flooding problems.

 

An announcement was made that Penn Dot is now requiring the Borough to supply the insurance coverage for all street closings. Council asked Mr. Marabella to discuss this with our insurance broker.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Tucci to release Escrow to Shaffer Builders for E. 7^th Avenue (Hale Pump) in the amount of $11,415.00 contingent on the payment of all fees. Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin. All voted in favor. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Salus to accept the Engineer’s bid and construction management proposal for the Road Program for $21,500. Motion was seconded by Mr. Stokley. All voted in favor. Motion passed.

 

Mr. Stokley stated that there are a few safety issues and suggested that the Borough make repairs to the pothole in Colwell Lane. A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to have the repair completed. Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin. All voted in favor. Motion passed

 

An announcement was made that the Borough is still waiting for the State’s dissolution of the Business Authority.

 

An announcement was made by Mr. Tucci that the Safety Committee is working on language for rolling stop sign violations.

 

A motion was made to record for the minutes the Wednesday, August 5, 2009 vote taken to adopt a motion to award the 2000 Crown Victoria Sedan Bid to Police Car Store, LLC for $779. Mr. Salus made the motion, it was seconded by Mr. McConnell, everyone voted in favor of the motion except Mr. Tucci, Mr. Phipps and Mr. Stokley who were absent. 

 

An announcement was made that the Committee is working on the Borough being allowed to hang banners on Fayette Street. Richards Electric is working on a proposal.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Salus to authorize the Solicitor to advertise an Ordinance for adoption which the Fire Department requested requiring buildings to identify if they are truss constructed. Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin. All voted in favor. Motion passed.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the Emergency Management Coordinator is working on the Borough’s Emergency Management Plan.

 

A motion was made by Mr. McConnell to waive Conshohocken Fire Company No. 2’s permit fees for their driveway apron work project. Motion was seconded by Mr. Phipps. All voted in favor. Motion passed.

 

Mr. Marabella gave an update on the Act 511 tax audit program.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that Council has copies of the September 2009 Library events for the month.

 

A motion was made by Mr. McConnell to adopt a Resolution for the 2009 Mid Year Budget which totals $9,858,420. Motion was seconded by Mr. Salus. All voted in favor. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. McConnell to approve a façade improvement loan for the Stone Rose 822 Fayette Street in the amount of $5,850 pending receipt of all required documentation. Motion was seconded by Mr. Phipps. All voted in favor. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made to record for the minutes the Wednesday, August 5, 2009 vote taken to adopt a motion authorizing Mr. Marabella and Mrs. Puchalski to be added as authorized users of the HUD IDIS system. Mr. McConnell made the motion, it was seconded by Mr. Salus, everyone voted in favor of the motion except Mr. Tucci, Mr. Phipps and Mr. Stokley who were absent. 

 

Mr. McConnell asked Council to email Mr. Marabella the information on the street lights shields request.

 

Mr. Marabella stated the we received a letter from Ms. Vivian Angelucci requesting a street light for Spring Mill Avenue. The Safety Committee will look into this and give their recommendations.

 

A motion was made to record for the minutes the Wednesday, August 5, 2009 vote taken to adopt a motion approving the revisions to the budget for the 2007 CDBG Program. Mr. McConnell made the motion, it was seconded by Mr. Griffin, everyone voted in favor of the motion except Mr. Tucci, Mr. Phipps and Mr. Stokley who were absent. 

 

An update was given on the Shade Tree Commission. They are planning to plant 25 trees this Fall.

 

A motion was made to record for the minutes the Wednesday, August 5, 2009 vote taken to adopt a motion authorizing the addendum to the Rambler Agreement to extend the agreement through December 31^st. Mr. Salus made the motion, it was seconded by Mr. Griffin, everyone voted in favor of the motion except Mr. Tucci, Mr. Phipps and Mr. Stokley who were absent.

 

A motion was made to record for the minutes the Wednesday, August 5, 2009 vote taken to adopt a motion authorizing the Solicitor to advertise for adoption the Conshohocken Jobs First Ordinance. Mr. Salus made the motion, it was seconded by Mr. Griffin, everyone voted in favor of the motion except Mr. Tucci, Mr. Phipps and Mr. Stokley who were absent.

 

A motion was made to record for the minutes the Wednesday, August 5, 2009 vote taken to adopt a motion authorizing the Manager to execute the Architect’s updated proposal for the Verizon Building work with an estimated increase of less than $1,000. Mr. Salus made the motion, it was seconded by Mr. Griffin, everyone voted in favor of the motion except Mr. Tucci, Mr. Phipps and Mr. Stokley who were absent.

 

An announcement was made that the Solicitor is working on an Ordinance to require landlords to covey to their tenants certain Ordinances which they should observe while living in the Borough.

The Code Department will send copies of the Ordinances to the Solicitor.

 

A motion was made to record for the minutes the Wednesday, August 5, 2009 vote taken to adopt a motion authorizing the Engineer to apply for an Energy Grant for the Verizon Building. Mr. Salus made the motion, it was seconded by Mr. McConnell, everyone voted in favor of the motion except Mr. Tucci, Mr. Phipps and Mr. Stokley who were absent.

 

The Solicitor explained the Conshohocken Jobs First Ordinance. A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to table this Ordinance at this time. Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin. Roll Call vote was taken. Mr. Salus and Mr. McConnell voted No to table; Mr. Tucci, Mr. Griffin, Mr. Stokley, Mr. Phipps and Mrs. Caterbone voted Yes to table the Ordinance. Motion passed.

 

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

 

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

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the Police Department is accepting applications for crossing guards.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Griffin to approve David Lennon’s request for his fourth tuition reimbursement for 2009 for $1,150.00 which includes book cost. Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci. All voted in favor. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Griffin to adopt a Proclamation proclaiming September as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci. All voted in favor. Motion passed.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the CHRP funding request was not selected for the July announcement, but it will be held over pending additional funding for the program.

 

A motion was made by Mr. McConnell to appoint Michael Orler as Chief of Police. Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci. All voted in favor. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Griffin to approve the Chief of Police contract. Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci. All voted in favor. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made to record for the minutes the Wednesday, August 5, 2009 vote taken to adopt a motion to allow Higher Ground Church International to close the 200 block of East Elm Street on August 8, 2009 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a Community Day event pending all approvals. Mr. McConnell made the motion, it was seconded by Mr. Griffin, everyone voted in favor of the motion except Mr. Tucci, Mr. Phipps and Mr. Stokley who were absent.

 

A motion was made to record for the minutes the Wednesday, August 5, 2009 vote taken to adopt a motion to allow Keep Inspiring Determined Students, Inc. to close the 200 block of East Elm Street on August 23, 2009 from Ash Street to Poplar Street pending all approvals. Mr. Griffin made the motion, it was seconded by Mr. McConnell, everyone voted in favor of the motion except Mr. Tucci, Mr. Phipps and Mr. Stokley who were absent.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to adopt Resolutions for Mark Costello, Patrick Minnick and Gregory Moore for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Motion was seconded by Mr. Salus. All  voted in favor. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. McConnell to approve SS Cosmas Church’s request to hang a banner and block the street at 5^th Avenue and Maple Streets for their annual Feast pending all approvals. Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci. All voted in favor. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to allow Conshohocken Catholic School’s request to hang a banner for their school’s auction for two (2) weeks only, pending all approvals. Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin. All voted in favor. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made to record for the minutes the Wednesday, August 5, 2009 vote taken to adopt a motion to request that the Civil Service Commission prepare an eligibility list of police officers to hire. Mr. Griffin made the motion, it was seconded by Mr. Salus, everyone voted in favor of the motion except Mr. Tucci, Mr. Phipps and Mr. Stokley who were absent.

 

A motion was made to record for the minutes the Wednesday, August 5, 2009 vote taken to adopt a motion to authorize the Police Chief to hire part time police officers. Mr. Griffin made the motion, it was seconded by Mr. Salus, everyone voted in favor of the motion except Mr. Tucci, Mr. Phipps and Mr. Stokley who were absent.

 

 

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the Borough received an official letter from Comcast Cable that they would continue to tape our Borough Council Meetings through October 1, 2009. 

They have proposed to assist the Borough with taping and other issues if the Borough would extend the Franchise Agreement for five (5) years. Mr. Marabella stated that negotiations will begin with Comcast Cable.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the 2009 Farmer’s Market is open every Friday from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm. 

 

A motion was made to record for the minutes the Wednesday, August 5, 2009 vote taken to adopt a motion for the appointments required for Act 32 which are Mr. Marabella as our delegate and Mr. McConnell and Ms. Stetler as our two alternate delegates to the County Tax District Committee. Mr. Griffin made the motion, it was seconded by Mr. Salus, everyone voted in favor of the motion except Mr. Tucci, Mr. Phipps and Mr. Stokley who were absent.

 

A motion was made by Mr. McConnell to adopt an Ordinance which changes our deed registration Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci. All voted in favor. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made to record for the minutes the Wednesday, August 5, 2009 vote taken to adopt a motion for all people detailed in Ms. Stetler’s memo for appointments to the Community Revitalization Task Force pending them accepting the appointment to work on updating our plan. Mr. Salus made the motion, it was seconded by Mr. Griffin, everyone voted in favor of the motion except Mr. Tucci, Mr. Phipps and Mr. Stokley who were absent.

 

A motion was made to record for the minutes the Wednesday, August 5, 2009 vote taken to adopt a motion to authorize the Manager to execute the proposed fee arrangement from the Cohen Law Group to help us negotiate with Comcast. Mr. McConnell made the motion, it was seconded by Mr. Salus, everyone voted in favor of the motion except Mr. Tucci, Mr. Phipps and Mr. Stokley who were absent.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Griffin to accept the resignation of David Kephart from the Planning Commission effective July 15, 2009. Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci. All voted in favor. Motion passed.

 

An announcement was made that Borough Council is accepting resumes from interested parties for Mr. Kephart’s replacement on the Planning Commission.

 

A motion was made by Mr. McConnell to accept the retirement request of Pearl Duckett effective August 31, 2009. Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci. Roll Call Vote was taken.

Mr. Salus, Mr. McConnell, Mr. Tucci, Mr. Phipps and Mrs. Caterbone voted Yes. Mr. Griffin and Mr. Stokley voted No. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. McConnell to approve and authorize the Council President to execute a Farmer’s Market Manager’s agreement for Carol Smith. Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci. All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

 

 

 

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

 

 

Gerry McTamney voiced some concerns regarding a title for a property at Spring Mill Avenue and Harry St. Mrs. Caterbone assured him that all signatures were obtained and recorded. Mr. McTamney discussed Mrs. Pearl Duckett’s retirement, Office Manager position, and questioned why the position was advertised and why someone was not promoted from within the existing personnel. Mrs. Caterbone said that anyone could apply and Mr. McConnell stated that the position was posted at the Administration Office.

 

Mrs. Caterbone announced that on September 19, 2009 there will be a Community Day along with the Fun Fest celebrated at the “A” Field.

 

 

Harvey Buek announced that the recycling numbers are up for the year, especially cardboard. 

 

Tom Maloney complained that the residents are continuing to put out their trash too soon (i.e., putting it out on Friday night for Monday pickup) and that the trash is being scattered throughout the neighborhood. Also, he said that weeds are still not being cut. He indicated that there is a weed problem around 140 9^th Ave. Mrs. Caterbone stated that the Police Department have been informed of the problem and will be looking for offenders.

 

Mr. Leli from 333 W. Elm, spoke again of the Plymouth Creek flooding problems. Mrs. Caterbone told him that because of the ongoing flash flood alerts because of the heavy rains we have recently experienced he would have to keep aware and move his car or other belongings out of harm’s way. The Borough is meeting with Plymouth Township to determine if anything can be done in the near future to alleviate some of the flooding problems.

 

Cindy King Webb, E. Elm and Cherry St. voiced her concerns with people going through stop signs and not being ticketed. She and her husband made a DVD of this stop sign violation and forward copies to the Chief of Police, the Mayor, Representative Gerber’s office and posted same on You Tube. Mr. Tucci assured her that the Safety Committee is aware of these types of problems and invited her to attend the next meeting to speak to the committee. 

 

Meeting adjourned 8:40 P.M.

 

 

 

Francis J. Marabella

Borough Secretary