Conshohocken Borough

 

The President of Council Mr. Paul McConnell called the meeting to order. Prayer of Council and the Pledge of Allegiance were said. Members of Council present at the meeting were: Mr. James Griffin, Ms. Carolyn Maye, Mr. Anthony Tucci, Mr. Robert Stokley, and Mr. Paul McConnell. Mr. Jason Salus arrived at 7:05 P.M. and Mr. Edward Phipps was absent.

 

There was a Waiver of Off-Street Parking Hearing for 523 Fayette Street at 7:00 P.M. Ms. Stetler updated everyone about the Hearing and Rochelle Johnson, the owner or Porti’s Steaks and Spuds, updated everyone concerning their operation.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that there was an executive session schedule for after the meeting for personnel matters and the Administration Office lease.

 

Mr. Marabella gave the Treasurer’s report for the month of March 2011.

 

March  2011

 

Cash Receipts                                       $     772,563.59

Cash Disbursements                              $     406,365.33

Payroll Paid                                          $     347,513.01

Net Cash Surplus/(Deficit)                      $      18,685.25                

 

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

 

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to approve the minutes of the March 16, 2011 Council Meeting. Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin. All voted in favor except Mr. Phipps who was absent. Motion passed.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the SEPTA digital billboard Zoning Hearing application hearing is scheduled for May 2, 2011 at 7:30 P.M.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that Council is working on trying to expand the Borough’s Shared Ride Reimbursement program.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that West Second Avenue will be closing to expand the Veteran Memorial Park Project. Mr. Buek has prepared a proposed plan for this site.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the Committee would like Council to consider a Residential parking Zone for 1 – 6 West First Avenue and 10 – 48 Maple Street. Mr. McConnell added the 100 Block of East Third Avenue.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the Borough received a request for angle parking in the 400 Block of West 6^th Avenue.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the Shade Tree Commission will hold educational meetings for tree plantings in May or June.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the Shade Tree Commission would like to present to Borough Council their Annual Report in May.

 

Record in the minutes that there was an Executive Session on April 6, 2011 at 6:00 P.M. to interview candidates for the Business Development Commission.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Salus to appoint Gary DeMedio, Matt Mittman, Joe Miller to the Business Development Commission for three year terms. Motion was seconded by Mr. Stokley. All voted in favor except Mr. Phipps who was absent. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Salus to appoint Tara Stroebel, Tom McCullough, Jr. and Tony DeFazio to the Business Development Commission for two year terms. Motion was seconded by Mr. Stokley. All voted in favor except Mr. Phipps who was absent. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Salus to appoint Bob Leib to the Business Development Commission for a one year term. Motion was seconded by Mr. Stokley. All voted in favor except Mr. Phipps who was absent. Motion passed.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that a meeting with Plymouth Township Council is scheduled for Thursday, May 12, 2011, at 7:00 P.M. at Plymouth Township.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Salus to approve the Ordinance to amend the Sidewalk Café Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Ms. Maye. All voted in favor except Mr. Phipps who was absent. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Griffin to extend our contract with Janeway Towing for an additional year to expire June 30, 2012.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Stokley. All voted in favor except Mr. Phipps who was absent. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Griffin to extend our contract with EVB Towing for an additional year to expire June 30, 2011.  Motion was seconded by Ms. Maye. All voted in favor except Mr. Phipps who was absent. Motion passed.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that Penn Dot is reviewing two additional stop signs in the Borough, one is at East Elm Street and Ash Street and the other is at East Hector Street and Jones Street.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the Borough has received complaints about speeding on West Sixth Avenue.

 

Chief Orler announced that a Traffic Unit will start this June with one Officer.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the Newsletters will be issued in April and September. All articles for the September issue are due August 5, 2011.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the Committee is working on this year’s Fireworks and fundraising events.

 

Mr. Marabella asked if Council is okay with moving forward to install an entrance door and window at the Borough’s Administrative Office. Borough Council was okay with this.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the Solicitor is working on a lease for the Sewer Authority to lease the lot for the Community Garden on their property to the Borough. The Solicitor updated everyone on the progress here.

 

Record in the minutes that on April 6, 2011 Mr. Stokley made a motion for the Borough to accept dedication of West First Avenue and pay all the outstanding bills on the project. Motion was seconded by Ms. Maye. Everyone voted in favor of the motion except Mr. McConnell who was absent.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the 2010 CDBG Curb Ramp project final payment was released.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to adopt a final change order for quantity adjustments and additional lights for the 500 Block Streetscape project in the amount of $2,381.26. Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin. All voted in favor except Mr. Phipps who was absent. Motion passed.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that a special meeting was held tonight at 6:00 P.M. for curbs, road repairs and radius at the alleys.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the 2011 Open Space Greening Project is out to bid.

 

Record in the minutes that on April 6, 2011 Mr. Stokley made a motion to authorize the Engineer to repair the 300 Block of Harry Street roadway. The estimated costs of the repairs are $47,715. Motion 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 authorize the striping of Harry and Elm Street with the cost not to exceed $5,000. Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci. All voted in favor except Mr. Phipps who was absent. Motion passed.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the 2010 Road Program work started April 18, 2011 and the Engineer reported on the progress to date.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to authorize the Engineer to have the parking lines painted on Spring Mill Avenue for $5,500. Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci. All voted in favor except Mr. Phipps who was absent. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley for the intent to award the 2011 Road Program bid to Laffredo Construction for $303,633.25 pending the Engineer’s review. Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci. All voted in favor except Mr. Phipps who was absent.  Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to reject the Bids for the Public Works Garage Stuccoing. Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci. All voted in favor except Mr. Phipps who was absent. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Salus to hire the following returning seasonal workers for the Public Works Department: Anthony Scott, Courtland Jackson, Daniel McArthur, Jr., Isley Robinson, Jamel Major and Justin Schultz. Motion was seconded by Mr. Stokley. All voted in favor except Mr. Phipps who was absent. Motion passed.

Mr. Marabella announced that the First Avenue Road Dedication will be effective May 15, 2011.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to authorize the Manager to release from escrow $23,577.49 contingent on all bills being paid and pending receipt of the Maintenance Bond cash to Rumsey Electric for 15 Colwell Lane. Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin. All voted in favor except Mr. Phipps who was absent. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Griffin to authorize the Engineer to bid the repairs to the wall behind the property at 225 East hector Street in Aubrey Collins Park. Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci. All voted in favor except Mr. Phipps who was absent. Motion passed.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the Mary Wood Park Improvements Project Phase I will start May 2, 2011.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the Higher Ground Church International Carnival will be held in a park from April 28 to May 1, 2011.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the Parks and Recreation committee needs to discuss the use of grant funds in Sutcliffe Park.

 

Mr. Marabella gave an update on the Sutcliffe Park hill maintenance project.

 

Mr. Marabella gave an update on the Concession Stand project.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the plan for the Boathouse project is to have a sketch plan to the Borough Council in May.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the Conshohocken Little League Opening Day is Saturday, April 23, 2011 at 10:00 A.M.

 

The Mayor’s report for the months of February and March

 

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to accept the Police report for the months of February and March. Motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci. All voted in favor except Mr. Phipps who was absent. Motion passed.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the Second nationwide medication take back event will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2011 from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. at the Conshohocken Police Station. The Chief updated everyone with the information for the event.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to contribute $500.00 to the PWHS Senior Prom Party. Motion was seconded by Mr. Salus. All voted in favor except Mr. Phipps who was absent. Motion passed.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the Friends of the Forgotten will ride motorcycles through town on Sunday, June 5, 2011 around 12:00 Noon.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Griffin to hire Michael Radatti as a Crossing Guard. Motion was seconded by Ms. Maye. All voted in favor except Mr. Phipps who was absent. Motion passed.

 

Mr. Marabella and Mr. Frost discussed the Railroads vs. trucks legislation currently being discussed.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the Conshohocken Car Show will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2011, from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the 2011 Act 511 tax audit program is starting and that the 2010 audits are being finalized.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that our Investment Advisor would like to meet with Borough Council and our employees to update everyone on the returns earned on our pension’s plan assets. A meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 4, 2011, at 6:30 P.M.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the 2010 Audit started on April 4, 2011.

 

Record in the minutes that at the April 6, 2011 meeting Ms. Maye made a motion to accept the Solicitor’s recommendation to deny D.R. Horton’s request not to pay interest and penalty on their Business privilege taxes. Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin. Everyone voted in favor of the motion except Mr. McConnell who was absent.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Salus to appoint Russell Cardamone to the Zoning Hearing Board. 

Motion was seconded by Mr. Stokley. Roll Call Vote was taken. Mr. Salus, Mr. Griffin, Mr. Tucci, Mr. Stokley voted Yes. Ms. Maye and Mr. McConnell voted No. Mr. Phipps was absent. Motion passed.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the Revitalization Plan hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, May 4, 2011, and Council will have for consideration adoption of the Plan on Wednesday, May 18, 2011. The timing of the public hearing and Plan adoption were established to meet the County’s Grant requirements. Council has copies of the draft Plan and a copy was posted on the Borough’s Website for public comments.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Tucci accept the Solicitor’s Human Relations Commission Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Mr. Salus. All voted in favor except Mr. Phipps who was absent. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Ms. Maye to adopt an Ordinance which establishes the Interest Rate for Municipal Liens at 10%. Motion was seconded by Mr. Salus. All voted in favor except Mr. Phipps who was absent. Motion passed.

 

A motion was made by Ms. Maye to accept a Waiver of Off-Street Parking request for 523 Fayette Street. Motion was seconded by Mr. Stokley. All voted in favor except Mr. Phipps who was absent. Motion passed.

 

The Solicitor updated everyone on the Mary Wood Park Trust process.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the Engineer’s Reports items were included in the Committee reports.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that the 2011 State Ethics Commission Statements of Financial Interest are due May 1, 2011.

 

Mr. Marabella announced that Council has copies of the Borough’s monthly calendars for review.

 

 

 

Mayor Frost updated everyone on the following upcoming activities: a picnic to be held May 2l, 2011 at Mary Wood Park and the Relay for Life on May 14, 2011 at Sutcliffe Park. He also stated that he received a complaint concerning the Borough not having the Farmer’s Market this year.

 

Jim Schnella, Philadelphia Metro Task Force, voiced his concern over the Borough’s Human Relation Commission Ordinance. He resides in Wayne, PA.

 

 

Meeting adjourned 8:15 P.M.

 

 

 

Francis J. Marabella

Borough Secretary