Conshohocken Borough

BOROUGH OF CONSHOHOCKEN

COUNCIL MEETING

September 16, 2009

Meeting was 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.

Christine Stetler explained the Waiver for Off Street Parking for 101 Fayette Street.  The establishment will be Jimmy Johns, a gourmet sandwich shop.  Council asked the Shop's representative a few questions regarding number of employees, parking for employees and parking for the shop.

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to adopt the Waiver for Off Street Parking for 101 Fayette Street.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin.  Roll call vote was taken. Mr. Salus, Mr. McConnell, Mr. Tucci, Mr. Griffin, Mr. Stokley, Mr. Phipps and Mrs. Caterbone all voted yes.

Motion passed.

Christine Stetler explained the Waiver for Off Street Parking for 515 Fayette Street (Tailor Shop).  Jose Piexoto explained what the business hours were, the number of employees and he also explained that this was not a dry cleaning establishment but just a tailor shop.

A motion was made by Mr. McConnell to adopt the Waiver for Off Street Parking for 515 Fayette Street (Tailor Shop).  Motion was seconded by Mr. Stokley.  Roll call vote was taken. Mr. Salus, Mr. McConnell, Mr. Tucci, Mr. Griffin, Mr. Stokley, Mr. Phipps and Mrs. Caterbone all voted yes.  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 announced that there was an Executive Session before the meeting and there would be a short Executive Session after the meeting.

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

August 2009                        Total 2009

Cash Receipts                         $   761,732.91                   $6,989,661.99

Cash Disbursements                $   455,073.38                   $2,892,406.01

Payroll Paid                            $   264,136.34                    $2,117,573.49

Net Cash Surplus/ (Deficit)     $    42,523.19                      $1,979,682.49

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

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to approve the minutes of the August 19, 2009 Council meeting.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

Mr. Marabella announced that the Committee is working on a proposed Field License Agreement and Release for the Borough parks and Darlene Hildebrand is reviewing the paperwork.

A motion was made by Mr. Phipps to adopt the advertised Ordinance to amend our Park Ordinance for the hours of operations at the parks.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Phipps to adopt the Resolution to set the hours of operations at the parks.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Phipps to accept Richard's Electric's proposal for electrical work at the "A" Field to install new lights in the locker rooms and in the entrance and exit areas for a total cost of $2,600 and pay for it out of the Parks and Recreation Impact Fees Fund.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci.  All voted in favor except Mr. Griffin who recussed himself because Richard's Electric is his employer.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Phipps to accept Formed Concrete's proposal to install approximately 70 feet of concrete bench at the "A" Field in the locker room for a total cost of $3,000 and pay for it out of the Parks and Recreation Impact Fees Fund.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin.  All voted in favor except Mr. Stokley who recussed himself because he contracts with Formed Concrete.  Motion passed.

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

Paul Hughes, Engineer, gave an update on the Haines Park and Plymouth Creek Channel work being done. He reported that he is still discussing this matter with Plymouth Township and the Army Corps of Engineers.

A motion was made to record for the minutes the Wednesday, September 2, 2009 vote taken to adopt a motion to authorize the Council President to execute the revised Penn Dot Crosswalk Maintenance Agreement for the crosswalks on Fayette Street.  Mr. Stokley made the motion, it was seconded by Mr. Griffin, everyone voted in favor of the motion except Mr. McConnell who was absent.

A motion was made to record for the minutes the Wednesday, September 2, 2009 vote taken to adopt a motion to award to Laffredo Construction, Inc. the Base Bid, Alternate #1, Alternate #2 and Alternate #3 totaling $345,373.50 for the 100 block Streetscape Project. Mr. Stokley made the motion, it was seconded by Mr. Phipps, everyone voted in favor of the motion except Mr. McConnell who was absent.

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to accept a Public Work's employee's request to go on FMLA.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Salus.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to accept the Engineer's proposal for additional construction management fees of $10,200 for a total of $53,200 for the Fayette Street Streetscape project for the 100 block.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Phipps to accept a Change Order for Laffredo Construction to the Contract for the 400 block of Fayette Street improvements.  This change order will permit the installation of pedestrian lighting on the 200 and 300 blocks of Fayette Street and use the remaining Community Revitalization Grant Funds for the 200 and 300 blocks.  Additional engineering inspection fees may be required for this work.    The total amount of the Change Order is $19,522.50.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Stokley.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. McConnell to accept the Engineer's proposal for the Open Space Greening Project engineering cost of $7,936.50 which includes the application work and inspections.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made to record for the minutes the Wednesday, September 2, 2009 vote taken to adopt a motion to award to Donato Spaventa & Sons, Inc. pending the Engineer's review for the Base Bid, Alternate #2 and Alternate #3 totaling $196,841.00 for the 2009 Road Program Project.  Mr. Stokley made the motion, it was seconded by Mr. Griffin, everyone voted in favor of the motion except Mr. McConnell who was absent.

A motion was made by Mr. McConnell to release Escrow Funds in the amount of $58,242.19 to Washington Street Associates V, LP for Stables at Millennium.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin.  Roll Call vote was taken.  Mr. Salus, Mr. McConnell, Mr. Tucci, Mr. Griffin, Mr. Stokley, Mr. Phipps, and Mrs. Caterbone all voted Yes.  Motion passed.

An announcement was made that the Committee is still working on the Two Tower Bridge parking lot lease.

A motion was made by Mr. Salus to authorize the Council President to execute the SEPTA Free Transit Program for Senior Citizens Agreement.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. McConnell to allow poles to be installed so that banners could be hung on Fayette Street.  The cost to install banner poles on Fayette Street is $3,800, in addition to the Borough having to assume all liability for any banners hung.  This motion is pending the Solicitor‘s review and the insurance company's recommendations. Suggestion was made to create a fee schedule.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Tucci to accept the revised Career Firefighters Job Description.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Phipps.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Tucci to accept the Volunteer Fire Fighter Policy and Procedures for Borough Employees.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Phipps.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Tucci to authorize the Solicitor to prepare the amendments to our Traffic Ordinance for handicapped parking spots (additions and deletions) and no parking in the cul-de-sac.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

An announcement was made by the Police Chief detailing the locations of the rolling through stop sign signs in the Borough.

A motion was made by Mr. Tucci to adopt the advertised Truss Ordinance requiring buildings to identify if they are truss constructed which the Fire Department requested.  Motion was seconded by Mr. McConnell.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Tucci to adopt a Resolution for the Emergency Management Coordinator's Emergency Management Plan for the Borough.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Tucci to approve a street light between 373 and 375 Spring Mill Avenue which was requested by a resident and reviewed by the Police Chief.  Motion was seconded by Mr. McConnell.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Griffin to accept St. John's AME Church request that Borough Council waive any fees that the Borough does not have to pay for their new roof permit.   Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Tucci for the Fire Marshall's Department to conduct their annual show on Fayette Street as part of Fire Prevention Week on Thursday, October 8, 2009, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Salus.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

An announcement was made that the Code Department has started a program to inspect trees in the intersections to make sure there is proper site distances for the stop signs.

A motion was made by Mr. Tucci to authorize the Solicitor to amend the Fire Code Ordinance per the Code Department's request to replace all sections referring the "Fire Chief" with "Fire Code Official" for authority to make exemptions to the Fire Code.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Stokley.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

An announcement was made that the signal at Elm Street and Colwell Lane has been changed.

An announcement was made regarding the Act 511 Tax Audit Program update.

An announcement was made that Council has copies of the October 2009 Library events for the month.

An announcement was made that when residents call the Police Department about street lights it is important that they have the Pole Number, this is a three (3) digit number on the pole.  This assists both the Police Department and PECO in identifying the correct pole.

An announcement was made that Council has a copy of the Actuaries January 1, 2009 Preliminary Actuarial Results for our Police and Firemen Pension Plans and that the Borough's cost will double.

An announcement was made that Council will delay adopting a Resolution for the Borough to adopt an assets smoothing technique for the Police and Firemen's Pension Plan Actuarial Reports for January 1, 2009 until after all returns for the year are in.

A motion was made to record for the minutes the Chief Administrative Officer Report the pension plans Minimum Municipal Obligation for 2010 which is $237,131 less State Aid $209,577 or $27,554 which is due by September 30, 2009.

Mr. Marabella announced that all budget requests from the Department Heads are due by Wednesday, September 23, 2009 so he can begin work on the 2010 budget.

Mr. Marabella announced that we met with our Actuary on Wednesday to review the Actuary's

results for the 2009 Reports.

Mr. Marabella announced that Council interviewed candidates for the Office Manager position tonight.

Mr. Marabella announced that we received a proposal from Premier Comp Solutions for our Workers Compensation claims management.

A motion was made by Mr. McConnell to adopt a Resolution for the Library's 100 years at the current address.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

An announcement was made that the Sewer Authority has approximately 70 homes posted to have their water shut off for non-payment of their sewer bills.  Mr. McConnell expressed his concern over the shut offs.  Mrs. Caterbone announced that the Borough has nothing to do with this action and if residents have any problem they should contact the Sewer Authority immediately.  She also announced that the Authority will be meeting on Thursday, September 24, 2009 if any resident wanted to attend and voice any questions or concerns.

An announcement was made that the Shade Tree Commission is working on an "adopt-a-tree" planting of 25 trees this fall.

A motion was made by Mr. Salus to authorize the Solicitor to advertise an Ordinance to require landlords to convey to their tenants certain Ordinances which they should observe while living in the Borough.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

An announcement was made that Council will have to discuss if they want to adopt a motion for the tabled Conshohocken Jobs First Ordinance.  The Solicitor explained what the Ordinance pertained to and he advised Council to re-advertise the Ordinance before considering adoption.  This will be discussed at the next Work Shop meeting.

An announcement was made that the Borough Administrative Offices will be moving to the Verizon Building.  Jim Bogrette has compiled more data and specification for the building.  He is concentrating on finalizing the Administrative area first.  He would like to meet with Council to go over all the details.

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to authorize the appropriate staff to advertise that the Borough is accepting proposals for the sale of 720 Fayette Street.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Phipps.  All voted in favor except Mr. McConnell who voted No.  Motion passed.

An announcement was made that the Borough is in the process of receiving proposals for environmental services survey for the Verizon Building.

The Mayor's report for the month of August 2009:

A motion was made by Mr. Griffin to accept the Mayor's report. Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci. 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. McConnell to adopt a motion for a Resolution for William W. Morgan III for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Griffin to allow Sergeant Santoro to take a class at Saint Joseph's University towards completion of his bachelor degree.  The class is Knowledge and Existence Theology and the cost of the class is $1,126.00 plus books.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

Mayor Collins asked that Officer Vallone take classes at Montgomery County Community College in the Criminal Justice Program.  No voted was taken as Council will discuss this since this Officer is still on probation and not eligible for this benefit at this time.

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

Mr. Marabella announced that the Borough has been negotiating with Comcast Cable.   They will continue to tape the meetings through October 1, 2009.  Council has an attached proposal from a contractor to tape the meetings.

Mr. Marabella announced that there are two (2) candidates for the Planning Commission vacancy.

A motion was made by Mr. McConnell to accept, subject to receiving a Grant, the recommendation from the Community Revitalization Committee for Kise Straw and Kolodner to prepare the Plan at a cost of $40,000.  The cost for the project will be supported by an application for $25,000 from the Montgomery County Community Revitalization Program, making the cost to the Borough $15,000 for plan preparation.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Salus to adopt a motion for the application to the Montgomery County Community Revitalization Program for $25,000 for the update of the Borough's Revitalization Plan.  Motion was seconded by Mr. McConnell.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. McConnell to accept SS Cosmas and Damian request that Borough Council waive any fees that the Borough does not have to pay for their restoration work of the ceiling and steps at the school.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Phipps.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

Mr. Marabella gave the Engineer's Report for the month, paving at the Grande is scheduled for the Spring as well as curb realignment; re-pointing at the "A" Field will begin 9/21/09; 2009 Road Program will be awarded at the next Work Shop Meeting and prices are being obtained for the work to be done on Sutcliffe Park trail.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Before the Meeting:

There was no public comments before the meeting.

After the Meeting:

Jack Coll asked about the Jobs First Ordinance.  He voiced a concern that Mrs. Caterbone told residents to attend the Sewer Authority meetings and ask questions.  He stated that he had gone to a few of the Authority meetings and when he asked questions he was informed by their Solicitor that they did not have to answer his questions.  Mrs. Caterbone suggested that he fill out a Right To Know Request and give it to the Authority.  Mr. Coll requested financials for the fireworks and the Mayor's Special Events functions.  He was told to fill out Right to Know Request forms at Borough Hall and he would be given the information.

Gerry McTamney asked about the Office Manager position, and questioned why the position was advertised and why someone was not promoted from within the existing personnel.  He also questioned why parking lines were painted on Sutcliffe Lane.  Mr. McTamny was told to fill out a Right to Know Request form at Borough Hall and staff would look at the Minutes to try and find any information on the line painting.

Joseph Januzelli said we should all support our Police Department for the hard work that they do in protecting our community.

Mr. Stokley announced that all residents should recycle because it is the law.

Mrs. Caterbone announced that the Borough received a letter concerning stop sign violations.

Mr. Griffin reminded everyone that the Fun Fest is this Saturday at the "A" Field.

Meeting adjourned 8:50 P.M.

Francis J. Marabella

Borough Secretary