Conshohocken Borough

The President of Council Mr. Paul McConnell called the meeting to order. Prayer of Council by Joseph Collins and the Pledge of Allegiance were said. 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. McConnell announced that the former Police Chief, James Dougherty, passed away this day, September 21, 2011.  Mr. McConnell expressed his condolences and indicated that he would like to provide and take public comment regarding Chief Dougherty’s service to the Borough after the meeting.

Mr. Marabella announced that there was an executive session at 6:30 P.M. to interview candidates for the Human Relations Commission.  A second executive session was held after the meeting to discuss a personnel issue.

There was a Public Hearing for a Waiver of Off-Street Parking for Think Brownstone at 201 Fayette Street at 7:00 P.M.  Ms. Stetler introduced the project and explained that the company is currently located on the 2^nd Floor and would like to expand to the 3^rd Floor.  Mr. Carl White of Think Brownstone provided additional testimony regarding his company and the expansion.  Mr. White indicated that he currently has 3 to 4 employees at this office and will not be adding any employees at this location.  He stated that he rents four (4) parking spaces from his landlord in the Flocco’s lot.  Mr. White stated that the need for the expansion is to meet with clients and to manage his satellite offices.  A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to approve the Waiver.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Salus.   All voted in favor except Mr. Tucci who was absent.  Motion passed.

There was a second hearing at 7:00 p.m. to review the Borough’s application for 2011 Community Development Block Grant funds.   Conshohocken will apply for $125,826 from the Pennsylvania Department of Economic Development for housing rehabilitation.  Ms. Stetler explained that this amount represents a 16%, or $26,033 decrease from the 2010 approved funds.  She stated that as a result of the decreased funding, no funds will be available for curb ramps.

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

                        August 2011

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

A motion was made by Mr. Phipps to approve the minutes of the August 17, 2011 Council Meeting.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Stokley. All voted in favor except Mr. Tucci who was absent. Motion passed.

Mr. Marabella announced that the Borough received a letter from Oliver Tyrone Pulver Corporation regarding Two Tower Bridge maintenance of the parking garage.

Mr. Marabella announced that there was a meeting on September 14, 2011 to discuss the closing of West Second Avenue to expand Veteran Memorial Park.  Mr. Salus stated that the residents that attended the meeting expressed concern regarding altered traffic patterns. 

Mr. Marabella stated that the Shade Tree Commission Ordinance is under review by the Solicitor.

Mr. Salus noted that Mr. Marabella provided an article regarding the relocation of a new business, NRG Commerce, LLC, to Two Tower Bridge.  The article notes that the relocation will result in 150 jobs to be located in the Borough.

Mr. Marabella announced that there are updates to the Traffic Ordinance.  Mr. Marabella asked Council and staff to review the updates on the agenda.  Mr. Savona will prepare the revised ordinance for adoption.

A motion was made by Mr. Griffin to approve the request of the Fire Marshall to close Fayette Street on October 13, 2011 from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for a Fire Prevention Demo.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Phipps.  All voted in favor except Mr. Tucci who was absent.  Motion passed. 

Record in the minutes that a Heart and Lung Hearing was held on September 7 for Officer Dickinson.  At the Hearing, Mr. Savona explained the purpose of the Hearing and updated Borough Council on a letter that the Borough received from Officer Dickinson’s attorney.  A motion was made by Mr. Stokley to take Officer Dickinson off of Heart and Lung benefits since a Doctor determined that he was permanently not capable of performing police work and that he should be eligible for a disability pension effective October 1, 2011.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Tucci.  Everyone voted in favor of the motion except Ms. Maye and Mr. Griffin who was absent.

A motion was made by Mr. Salus to authorize the Borough Manager to send a letter to Mr. Santoro to terminate his employment.  Motion was seconded by Ms. Maye.  All voted in favor except Mr. Tucci who was absent.  Motion passed. 

Mr. Marabella announced that the fall newsletter will be mailed on October 3, 2011.  Mr. Marabella stated that he received information that some residents did not receive the Spring newsletter and asked for information on those residents so that this may be corrected.

A motion was made by Mr. Phipps to authorize the Borough Manager to execute a Sewer Module for 206 East Eighth Avenue which the Authority has endorsed.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin.  All voted in favor except Mr. Tucci who was absent.  Motion passed. 

Mr. Marabella announced the 2011 Road Program update and stated that everything was clear for the road closures for the SS Cosmas and Damian festival.

A motion was made by Ms. Maye to award the bid for the 2011 CDBG Curb Ramp Project in the amount of $30,290 to Laffredo Construction.  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 authorize appropriate staff to execute the PennDOT Agreement for their Master Casting Agreement.  Motion was seconded by Ms. Maye.  All voted in favor except Mr. Tucci who was absent.  Motion passed. 

Mr. Marabella announced the Public Works Committee’s recommendation for the Code’s Department curbs and sidewalk repair policy.  Mr. Stokley agreed to the policy that upon U&O and sales inspections, the Codes inspectors will review the condition of curbs and sidewalks of neighboring properties for any required repairs.

Mr. Marabella announced that the Borough is working on emergency repairs of two (2) sinkholes which were discovered after the recent storms.

Mr. Marabella announced that there will be an electronics collection event on October 8, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Ms. Stetler announced that there will be a Zoning Hearing on October 12, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.  This meeting conflicts with the regularly scheduled committee meetings.  Council agreed to allow the Zoning Hearing in the Borough Hall and to move the committee meetings to the back conference room.

A motion was made by Mr. Phipps to award the bid for the Wall behind the property at 225 East Hector Street in Aubrey Collins Park in the amount of $53,988.50 to Laffredo Construction.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin.  All voted in favor except Mr. Tucci who was absent.  Motion passed. 

A motion was made by Mr. Phipps to award the bid for the “A” Field Regrading Project in the amount of $87,620.76 to Laffredo Construction.  The field is scheduled to be closed after Sunday, October 9, 2011 for this project.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin.  All voted in favor except Mr. Tucci who was absent.  Motion passed. 

A motion was made by Mr. Phipps to authorize the Engineer to bid the construction of the Sutcliff Park Concession Stand upon approval of the Parks & Recreation Committee.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Griffin.  All voted in favor except Mr. Tucci who was absent.  Motion passed. 

The Mayor’s report for the month of August:

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

Mr. Marabella announced that the Police Department will hold a shredding event on Saturday, October 22, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Mr. Marabella announced that the third medication take back event is scheduled for October 29, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Record in the minutes that on September 7, 2011 Ms. Maye made a motion to approve SS. Cosmas and Damian request to block the street at 5th Avenue and Maple Street from September 22nd to 25th for their 98th Annual Feast.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Phipps.  Everyone voted in favor of the motion.  Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Griffin to authorize the Police Chief to hire a part-time officer to replace Officer Gillin.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Stokley.  Everyone voted in favor except Mr. Tucci who was absent.  Motion passed.

Mr. Marabella announced that the 2012 budget requests are due on September 30, 2011.

Mr. Marabella announced that the Actuary meeting with Borough Council and the employees to discuss the January 1, 2011’s Actuarial Report is scheduled for October 5, 2011.  Council requested that the meeting begin at 6:30 P.M.  Mr. Marabella will confirm with the Actuary.

Record in the minutes that the Chief Administrative Officer for the pension plans must submit to Council by September 30, 2011 the Minimum Municipal Obligation for the pension plans for 2012.  The pension plans Minimum Municipal Obligation for 2012 is $450,901 less State Aid $223,204 or $227,697.

Mr. Marabella announced that interviews for the Human Relations Commission appointments were held at 6:30 p.m. in an Executive Session prior to the regular Council meeting.

Mr. Marabella announced that Borough Council is working on the Council and Committee meeting dates for 2012.

Mr. Marabella announced that letters will be sent out for the 2012 Commission and Board appointments in October.

Mr. Marabella announced that due to the Columbus Day holiday on October 10, 2011, Committee meetings will be moved to Monday, October 3, 2011 at their regular times and locations.

Mr. Salus made a motion for a Resolution for the Friends of a Conshohocken Dog Park Proposal for Council’s support.  Ms. Maye seconded the motion.  All voted in favor except Mr. Tucci who was absent.  Motion passed.

Mr. Stokley made a motion for a Resolution to apply for $125,826 in CDBG funds under the DCED Small Communities Program.  Ms. Maye seconded the motion.  All voted in favor except Mr. Tucci who was absent.  Motion passed.

Mr. Salus made a motion to approve the Volunteer Medical Service Corp Capital Fund request for renovation costs for 500 East Hector Street conditioned on that the Borough of Conshohocken name be added to the building and vehicle and for funds to be provided no later than December 31, 2011.  Mr. Griffin seconded the motion.  All voted in favor except Mr. Tucci who was absent.  Motion passed. 

Mr. Marabella announced that the Borough received a letter from the Post Office advising the Borough that they intend to conduct an Area Mail Processing study of their facilities.

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

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

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Before the meeting:

Mr. Robert Moore, with a business located at 9 Colwell Lane, voiced his concern regarding flooding in the area of his business and along Colwell Lane. 

Mr. Craig Decker, with a business, “Save a Tree” located at 201 Colwell Lane, voiced his concerns regarding flooding in the area of his business and along Colwell Lane.

Mr. Lelii, who resides at 333 West Elm Street, voiced his concerns regarding flooding in the area of his home. 

Mr. Stokley indicated that he has received calls and questions about the flooding in the vicinity of the homes located Lenape Lane.

Mr. Marabella indicated that the Borough has been provided a contact at PADEP that is working with local municipalities regarding the flooding issues and a regional study.

Mr. Marabella stated that the Borough Engineer, Paul Hughes, is studying the flooding issues and preparing a letter to be sent to PADEP on behalf of the Borough.  Mr. Hughes indicated that the draft letter will be forwarded to Mr. Marabella on September 22, 2011.

Mr. Savona indicated that the creeks, streams, and tributaries located within Pennsylvania are considered “Waters of the Commonwealth”, which are regulated and managed by the PADEP and that PADEP is the appropriate agency to study flooding issues and determine remedies.

Ms. Maye introduced Jennifer Guckin as the new Office Supervisor for the Borough.

After the meeting:

Mr. McConnell opened the Public Comment session by expressing his condolences regarding the passing of former Police Chief Dougherty.  Mr. McConnell shared personal stories of his memories of Chief Dougherty and indicated that he was remembered as a “good man” and expressed his appreciation for his years of service to the Borough.

Mr. Salus also shared memories of Chief Dougherty and made a motion to prepare a Resolution in recognition of Chief Dougherty’s service to the Borough.  Ms. Maye seconded the motion.  All voted in favor except Mr. Tucci who was absent.  Motion passed. 

Mr. Joe Collins also expressed his condolences regarding the Chief Dougherty.  Mr. Collins also provided the “Pennsylvania Heritage” magazine which contained an article regarding J. Ellwood Lee and Borough Hall.  Mr. Collins expressed his concern regarding the upkeep and maintenance of the building.

Mr. Bob Webber of the Volunteer Medical Service Corp expressed his condolences regarding the passing of Chief Dougherty and expressed his appreciation for the Chief’s help and cooperation with his organization over the years.

Meeting adjourned 8:30 P.M.