Conshohocken Borough

COUNCIL MEETING

January 20, 2010

The President of Council Mr. Paul McConnell called the meeting to order. Ms. Maye 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, Ms. Carolyn Maye, Mr. Paul McConnell and Mr. Robert Stokley.

A motion was made to go out of order by Mr. Stokley.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Salus to approve Carrol Davis, Jr. as Fire Police for the Borough.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Stokley.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

Mayor Frost swore in Mr. Carrol Davis, Jr. as a Fire Police.

A motion was made to return to order by Mr. Griffin.  Motion seconded by Ms. Maye.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

Mr. Marabella announced that there is a worksheet attached detailing all open actions items for Council and Staff.

Mr. Marabella announced that there will be a Riverfront proposal presentation at the next Workshop meeting on February 3, 2010.

Mr. Marabella announced that there will be a Shade Tree Commission annual report for Council at the next Council meeting on February 17, 2010.

Mr. Marabella announced that Ethics Statements are due May 1, 2010.

Mr. Marabella announced that there will be a Farmers Market Committee presentation at the next Workshop meeting on February 3, 2010.

Mr. Marabella announced that an Executive Session is needed after the Council Meeting to discuss personnel and Act 511 audit matters.

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

December 2009                     Total 2009

Cash Receipts                          $183,587.11                      $8,120,815.26

Cash Disbursements              $449,011.78                      $4,757,513.04

Payroll Paid                             $258,464.00                      $3,180,730.30

Net Cash Surplus/ (Deficit)    ($523,888.67)                   $182,571.92

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley 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. Tucci to approve the minutes of the December 16, 2009 Council meeting.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Stokley.  All voted in favor. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Phipps to approve the minutes of the January 4, 2010 Council meeting.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Stokley.  All voted in favor. Motion passed.

Mr. Marabella announced that we are trying to set up a meeting with Morello's and the neighbors to discuss complaints.

Mr. Marabella announced that the Solicitor is working on transferring the property on Old Elm Street; which was not previously transferred to the Antonelli's per the recorded plan.

A motion was made by Mr. Salus to certify our dues with GVF Transportation for 2010 which is $1,000.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Stokley.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Salus to authorize the Manager to proceed with implementing a Borough Newsletter with Print Master. Motion was seconded by Mr. Stokley.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

Mr. Marabella announced that the Elm Street Bridge reconstruction is scheduled to go out for Bid in December 2010.

Mr. Marabella announced that Council's Ward parking action items are due soon.

There was a request to remove the parking meters on the Southwest side of Fourth Avenue.  Council added this item to the agenda for the next Workshop meeting scheduled for February 3, 2010.

A motion was made by Mr. Phipps to adopt a revised Resolution for a land development at 440 Old Elm Street.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

There was a request made for a 3 Way Stop Sign located at 2^nd and Forrest Streets.  The Chief of Police, Mike Orler, will look into this.

Council announced that they will work on a Conshohocken Business Development Commission for next month.

A motion was made by Mr. Salus to authorize the Manager to sign off on a sewer module for 440 Old Elm Street, which Sewer Authority approved.  Motion seconded by Mr. Griffin. All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

The Public Safety Committee is working on the Borough being allowed to hang banners on Fayette Street.  The cost of the banners is $3,800; in addition to the Borough having to assume all liability for any hung banners.  The location for the proposed poles is Fifth Avenue.

Mr. Marabella announced that the Public Safety Committee is working on a new Fire Department Ordinance.

Council received a petition from residents requesting the removal of the "No Parking" signs located along the length of the 300 block of West First Avenue and place them on the driveway side of the Street.  Council indicated they would work on this at the next scheduled Public Safety Committee on January 27, 2010.

A motion was made by Mr. Griffin to approve a change order for All Season Landscaping in the amount of $1,000.  Motion seconded by Mr. Stokley.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

Council will have for consideration at a future meeting for all Borough Holidays that fall on a Saturday/Sunday to be observed on that Monday for Non Uniformed and Fireman employees.

A motion was made by Ms. Maye to advertise the Ordinance Enforcement Officer position.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was by Mr. Tucci to renew the lease for the Borough offices, located at One W. First Ave., Suite 200 for 18 months.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Stokley.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

The Environmental Council Committee has received 2 resumes to date.

A motion was by Mr. Tucci to accept a Handicapped Parking Space located at 112 East 8^th Avenue.  Motion was seconded by Ms. Maye.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

Mr. Marabella announced that the Verizon Building Environmental Survey should be completed within the next 30 days.

The Engineer gave an update on the Sturbridge Builders First and Wood Street road dedication.

The Engineer gave an update on the Plymouth Creek Channel.

Mr. Marabella announced that the inspection reports for the maintenance bonds releases for the 2007 Road Program have been completed.

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to approve additional engineering fees for the 100 block Streetscape project in the amount of $3,400.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Phipps.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

Mr. Stokley gave an update on the Public Works pole barn project.  We need to look at Planning, Zoning and Sprinkler matters.

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to accept the final change order which is a reduction for the 400 Block Streetscape project to adjust quantities.  Motion seconded by Mr. Salus.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to authorize the Manager to release from escrow $34,671.00 to Ty Borkowski for 312 West 4^th Ave4nue.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Phipps.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to authorize the Manager to release from escrow $73,227.94 to Washington Sheets Association V for the Stables at Millennium that were approved by the Engineer.  Motion seconded by Mr. Salus.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to award the project of Soil testing for the Pole Barn to Craig Test Boring Co. not to exceed $2,500.  Motion seconded by Mr. Phipps.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to accept the Engineer's proposal to perform engineering services for the Pole Barn not to exceed $5,720.  Mr. Phipps seconded the motion.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

The Solicitor stated that he has provided a sample lease agreement for an individual to reside at the "A' Field Apartment for Council's review.

A motion was made by Mr. Phipps to approve Anthony D'Angelo's proposal for work at the "A" Field Press Box in the amount of $875 and pay for it out of the Parks and Recreation fund.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

The Engineer announced that he is working on the updates to the Parks and Recreation Plan to include the Fellowship House.

The Parks and Recreation Committee announced that they have interviewed two candidates for the "A" field position and will discuss this at their next meeting, scheduled for Monday, February 8, 2010.

The Mayor's report for the month of December

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to accept the Police Report for the month of December 2009.  Motion seconded by Mr. Tucci.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to approve the resignations of Joseph Costello as Safety Officer and Joseph Wertz as Deputy Chief and approve the appointments of Andre Carlin as Deputy Chief and Joseph Costello as Assistant Chief.  Motion seconded by Mr. Phipps.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Griffin to approve Officer Vallone's request for education reimbursement in the amount of $460.65.  He is taking American National Government at Montgomery County Community College.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Salus.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

Mr. Marabella announced the Library events for the month of February are attached.

It was announced that Council will decide on the Franchise agreement regarding Comcast, next month.

A motion was made by Mr. Salus to reappoint Anthony Frabrizio to the Civil Service Commission.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Phipps.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Salus to appoint Marty Eckert to the Civil Service Commission.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to reappoint David Bertram to the Planning Commission.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Salus.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to appoint Scott Freda to the Planning Commission.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Salus.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Salus to reappoint Gregroy Scharff to the Zoning Hearing Board.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Phipps.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Phipps to reappoint Richard Barton to the Zoning Hearing Board.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Salus.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to reappoint Bernadette Wallace to the Municipal Authority Board.  Motion seconded by Mr. Griffin.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

Mr. Marabella announced that there is an email attached from the county advising Municipalities that the Revitalization Program Grants may be significantly less than previous year due to the 2010 adopted Budget.

A motion was made by Mr. Tucci for a Resolution which will allow us to use a smoothing method for our Police Pension actuarial report.  Motion seconded by Mr. Stokley.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Salus to reappoint Remington, Vernick & Beach Engineers for 2010.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Phipps.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Phipps to reappoint Friedman Schuman for 2010.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Ms. Maye to release $4,000 for Colonial Neighborhood Councils contribution for 2010.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

Mr. McConnell announced that there is a Pension plan meeting scheduled for Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 6:00pm.  All are welcome to attend this meeting.

A motion was made by Ms. Maye to authorize the Manager to complete the Municipal Statistics report through the State E-file system.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci.  All voted in favor.  Motion passed.

Before the Meeting:

Gerry McTammey addressed the Council on why in the 2010 Budget the Salaries for the Borough employees are not listed individually but rather are listed in one or two Categories?  Council advised that this was done for Accounting procedures and that if anyone would like to know a specific salary they can fill out a "Right to Know Request form" and submit it to the Administrative Offices.  He also addressed the ongoing problems with the Public not being able to hear the Council properly.

Joseph Collins, former Mayor of Conshohocken, would like to publically thank the members of Council as well as the Residents of Conshohocken for their support during his tenor.  He expressed interest in remaining an active part of the Community and assisting where needed.  Council in return, thanked Mr. Collins for his dedication and support.

After the Meeting:

Mr.Lelii wanted to confirm that the Bridge Reconstruction work being done on Elm Street was being done by Penn Dot and that they are responsible not the Borough.  The Engineer stated that this was correct.

Chief Orler would like to publically thank ArcelorMittal for their generous contribution of $1,200.

Darlene Hildebrand would also like to publically thank ArcelorMittal for their generous contribution of $1,500 for the Fellowship House youth programs.

Mr. Stokley would like to pursue The Youth on Council Program with the permission of the Council President.

Mr. Tucci announced that the Environmental Advisory Committee information is located on the Web Site and we are now accepting applications for vacancies.

Ms. Maye stated that she will be more vocal in future meetings and congratulated Mr. McConnell on running a good first meeting as Council President.

Mr. Salus mentioned that he is holding a Food Drive in his Ward, for all those that would like to contribute.

Meeting adjourned 8:35 P.M.

Francis J. Marabella
Borough Secretary