Conshohocken Borough

 

The President of Council Mr. Paul McConnell called the meeting to order. Prayer of Council and the Pledge of Allegiance was said. There was a Moment of Silence for the shooting victims including the State Representative in Arizona. Members of Council present at the meeting were: Mr. Jason Salus, Mr. James Griffin, Ms. Carolyn Maye, Mr. Robert Stokley, Mr. Edward Phipps and Mr. Paul McConnell. Mr. Anthony Tucci was absent.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that there was an executive session scheduled for tonight after the meeting.

 

Mayor Frost presented a Resolution to Laffredo Construction for their contribution to the community.

 

Mayor Frost swore in Christopher Kammerer as a full time Police Officer for the Borough.

 

Mr. Marabella gave the Treasurer’s report for the month of December 2010.

 

December 2010                               

 

Cash Receipts                                        $  257,151.77

Cash Disbursements                               $  455,935.87

Payroll Paid                                           $ 256,405.83

Net Cash Surplus/(Deficit)                       $ (455,189.93)                  

 

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

 

A motion was made by Ms. Maye to approve the minutes of the December 15, 2010 Council meeting. Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin. All voted in favor except Mr. Tucci who was absent. Motion passed.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the Rambler’s contract bids are due Monday, February 7, 2011, at 10:00 A.M.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the Specially Designated Parking Spaces revised Policies and Procedures will be finalized in February 2011 for Council’s review.

 

Mr. Salus updated Council on the Business Development Commission and suggested that the members should officially be appointed by Council next month. He also reported that the Commission is trying to promote the river as an asset of the Borough.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that Plymouth Township Council meeting with Conshohocken Borough Council can be held either on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at 7:00 P.M. or Monday, February 7, 2011, at 6:00 P.M. Borough Council would like to meet on January 26, 2011 at Plymouth Township.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Griffin to approve St. Matthew Church’s request to waive the permit fees, which the Borough does not have to pay for, to erect a weather structure between the Rectory and the Church. Motion was seconded by Mr. Phipps. All voted in favor except Mr. Tucci who was absent. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Phipps to authorize the Manager to execute a sewer module for 110 East Hector Street. Motion was seconded by Mr. Stokley. All voted in favor except Mr. Tucci who was absent. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Griffin to approve the Washington Fire Company’s request to waive the permit fees, which the Borough does not have to pay for, for their new heating system installation. Motion was seconded by Mr. Salus. All voted in favor except Mr. Tucci who was absent. Motion passed.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that Chief Orler spoke with Mr. Jim Gallagher from the AOH and was told that the AOH will not have any vendors at the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade this year.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Griffin to hire Christopher Kammerer as a full time Police Officer. Motion was seconded by Ms. Maye. All voted in favor except Mr. Tucci who was absent. Motion passed.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that Council needs to schedule a Conditional Use Hearing for 351-353 West 7^th Avenue for the height of the buildings which is 45 feet and the residential use of the location. A Hearing was scheduled for Wednesday, February 2, 2010, at 6:15 P.M.

 

A motion was made by Ms. Maye to authorize advertising the Accounting position for the Borough’s Office. Motion was seconded by Mr. Stokley. All voted in favor except Mr. Tucci who was absent and Mr. Salus who voted no. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Ms. Maye to authorize advertising the Office Supervisor position for the Borough’s Office. Motion was seconded by Mr. Stokley. All voted in favor except Mr. Tucci who was absent and Mr. Salus who voted no. Motion passed.

 

Record for the minutes the vote taken January 5, 2011 which was a motion to accept and extend the Mayor’s suspension of Sergeant Santoro indefinitely from December 16, 2010 without compensation benefits, accrued leave, accrued seniority, or any other benefits accruing to full time police officers, and further shall neither apply for nor receive any retirement or other benefits accruing under the terms of the pension ordinance. Sergeant Santoro’s health, life and disability benefits will be terminated effective January 31, 2011. Ms. Maye made the motion. It was seconded by Mr. Stokley. Everyone voted in favor for the motion except Mr. Tucci who was absent. Motion passed.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that this year’s Newsletters will be issued in April and September.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the Committee is working on revising the Rental Ordinance.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that Council will discuss the Verizon Building options at the next Workshop Meeting.

   

Mr. Marabella announced that Council will discuss the CresaPartners Project proposal at the next Workshop Meeting.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Salus to adopt a Resolution to support a Community Garden in Conshohocken. Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin. All voted in favor except Mr. Tucci who was absent. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Salus to amend the December 15, 2010 motion to remove the requirement for a Sewer Authority letter for the Sturbridge Builders road dedication Ordinance

subject to the Solicitor’s review. Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin. All voted in favor except Mr. Tucci who was absent. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to adopt a Resolution for curbs, sidewalks and streets construction details. Motion was seconded by Mr. Phipps. All voted in favor except Mr. Tucci who was absent. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to approve the Engineer’s request for our 2011 Open Space Streetscape Greening Project proposal for engineering fees totaling $6,842. Motion was seconded by Mr. Salus. All voted in favor except Mr. Tucci who was absent. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Griffin to authorize the Engineer to prepare a plan and cost estimates for the repairs to the wall at 225 East Hector Street. Motion was seconded by Mr. Phipps. All voted in favor except Mr. Tucci who was absent. Motion passed.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the “A” Field Heaters project is being worked on.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that a Draft Agreement was given to Council and our Solicitor updated everyone that the schools are in the process of signing the Boathouse Joint Venture Agreement.

 

 

The Mayor’s report for the month of December

                                                              $21,709.40

 

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to accept the Police report for the month. Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin. All voted in favor except Mr. Tucci who was absent. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Griffin to approve Officer Lennon’s request for education reimbursement for Saint Joseph’s University course English 113 Literature and Composition at a cost of $1,026 plus book cost. Motion was seconded by Mr. Stokley. All voted in favor except Mr. Tucci who was absent. Motion passed.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the Police Department received a $1,200 Grant and the Fellowship House received a $2,000 Grant from ArcelorMittal Company.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Phipps to adopt a Resolution for Laffredo Construction for the Company’s Community service work. Mr. McConnell explained in detail the potholes repairs that Laffredo Construction did in the Borough’s alleys. Motion was seconded by Mr. Stokley. All voted in favor except Mr. Tucci who was absent. Motion passed.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that Tri-State is sending out letters for Act 511 taxes which are due.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the RFP’s for Consultant Services for our federally funded housing program are currently being reviewed.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that our Engineer has submitted their rates for 2011. The rates are the same as last year.

 

Ms. Christine Stetler updated Borough Council about the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission Grant Program for a historic survey and related protection work. A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to authorize Ms. Stetler to apply for the Grant. Motion was seconded by Ms. Maye. All voted in favor except Mr. Tucci who was absent. Motion passed.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the next Revitalization Task Force meeting is scheduled for January 20, 2011 at 6:30 P.M. at Borough Hall.

 

The Borough Solicitor updated everyone about the process for changing the Trust company for the Mary Wood Park Trust.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the Engineer Reports items are included in the Committee reports.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the Boroughs of West Conshohocken and Conshohocken are scheduled to host a Montgomery County Boroughs Association Dinner meeting on Thursday, February 24, 2011.

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Gerald McTamney, 239 West 11^th Avenue, commended the Streets, Police and Code Departments for their snow removal work. He stated that the budget does not include individual’s salaries. Mr. McTamney was informed that he needed to fill out a Right to Know Request for any information he wanted.

 

Mr. Lelii, 433 West Elm Street, mentioned that the 401 Diner closed.

 

Mr. Frank Johnson, Banker’s Realty, concerning his client at 420 Hallowell Street which has a hardship and can not do the curb work required at his property

 

Mr. Frank Tornetta, 330 East 8^th Avenue, asked when the Personnel Committee would be working on the Rental Ordinance. He was advised that the next Committee meeting is scheduled for the second Monday of the month at 7:15 P.M. at the Fellowship House.

 

Mr. Stokley thanked the Public Works Department for their good work with the snow removal. He advised the residents that all the recycling and trash would be picked up after all the snow removal work was completed. 

 

Mr. Stokley announced that the Library sent a thank you letter to the Public Works Department for the work completed at the Library during 2010.

 

Mr. McConnell announced that when we have snow or ice storms the trash and recycling will be picked up on your next scheduled pick up day since all of our personnel are working on removing the snow from the streets.

 

Mr. Harvey Buek, Public Works Director, announced that all trash and recycling is up to date with the exception of Christmas trees.

 

Meeting adjourned 8:20 P.M.

 

 

 

Francis J. Marabella

Borough Secretary