MINUTES Bloomfield Borough Council , 2014

Transcription

1 Page 1 PABB01325 MINUTES Bloomfield Borough Council July 1, 1, 2014 Bloomfield Borough Council met this evening in regular session in the Bloomfield Borough Council Chambers with the following Council members present: President John M. Long, Vice President John J. Patterson, V., Patricia A. McCarty, Michelle R. Yoder, Malinda C. Anderson, and Karl L. Cless. Also present: Mayor Arlis Krammes, Borough Secretary Danielle Shope, Solicitor Rich Wagner, Code Enforcement Officer Frank Freeland Jr., Zoning Officer Ed Albright Jr., Planning Commission Chair Melanie Rowlands, Dale Beaston, Reporter Sean Sauro, Keith Smith, Robert Hench, James A. Woods, Herb Robb, Peggy Robb, Fiona Fadness, Joe Katkocin, Lisa Fraker, and Richard Miller. President Long called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. MEETING OPENING Recording of the Meeting President Long advised the attendees that the meeting was being recorded by the Council for the accuracy of the minutes and stated that side conversations should be conducted in the hallway so as to not disrupt the meeting or its recording and reminded everyone that talking when someone else is speaking also disrupts the meeting and affects the recording. President Long further requested that those individuals in the audience desiring to speak identify themselves prior to speaking. President Long stated that Council will not deviate from the agenda and any questions should be addressed during the appropriate portion of the meeting when questioned if there is any other business. Approval of Minutes Vice President Patterson made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Anderson, to approve the minutes of the June 3, 2014 meeting as presented. Motion carried. Approval of Financial Report Councilwoman Anderson made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman McCarty, to approve the financial report for June 2014 as presented. Motion carried. COUNCIL MEMBER APPOINTMENT Council Member Appointment - President Long stated that there is a vacancy on the Council. President Long opened the floor for nominations to fill the empty Council position. Vice President Patterson made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman McCarty to nominate James A. Woods as council member replacement. Being there no other nominations to fill the empty Council position, motion carried. James A. Woods will serve a one and a half year term on Borough Council. Oath of Office Mayor Krammes administered the oath of office for Councilman James A. Woods. Councilman Woods took his seat at the Council table. Resolution No Fill a Vacancy - President Long presented Resolution No which states that James A. Woods will be filling the vacant Borough Council position. Councilwoman McCarty made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Anderson to pass Resolution No Motion carried.

2 PUBLIC COMMENTS Page 2 PABB01326 Borough Building Aesthetics Dale Beaston, former councilman, stated that he liked and appreciated the flyer that was sent along with the quarterly sewer bills. This letter called to the citizens of Bloomfield Borough to show patriotism during the July 4, 2014 holiday by displaying flags on their homes/property. Mr. Beaston further stated that he is concerned about the outside appearance of the Borough Building, specifically the landscaping. Mr. Beaston stated the grass is bad with many clovers, there are weeds, and the flower beds are not up kept. Mr. Beaston would like the Borough Building to look top notch. Water Rates in the Borough - Robert Hench addressed the council concerning the water usage rates at his residence with a small office. Mr. Hench produced his water bill for the Council's review. Mr. Hench stated that he currently receives two bills for water usage, one for his residence and one for his office. Mr. Hench is charged two basic rates. Mr. Hench does not think this is fair. He has gone to the water authority to address this issue. Since Mr. Hench went significantly over the allotted three minute time limit for public comments, President Long stated that Mr. Hench needs to contact the Borough Office to be put on next month's agenda. Solicitor s Report ENFORCEMENT North Carlisle Street Solicitor Wagner stated that a letter has been written to G. & R. Charles. There has been no reply as of yet. Solicitor Wagner will provide the Borough with a copy of the letter. Strawberry Alley - Solicitor Wagner stated that since the several questions concerning this ordinance were answered at June's council meeting, a public hearing now needs to be advertised and take place. Solicitor Wagner and the Borough Secretary will discuss the advertisement needed for the public hearing. Post Office Rental Negotiations - Solicitor Wagner stated that an agency has been appointed by the United States Postal Service to negotiate the contract lease between the United States Postal Service and Bloomfield Borough. Drew Greene, a representative of the agency, contacted the Borough and stated that the agency is willing to pay the Bloomfield Borough more for the rental space of the United States Postal Service as long as the Borough is willing to pay them a 4% commission. Solicitor Wagner stated that this agreement does not seem legitimate. Solicitor Wagner spoke with Mr. Green and stated that the Borough is willing to negotiate the terms of the agreement if one of the following two options happen: 1) No additional commission payment will be made to the agency or 2) The United States Attorney's Office produces a letter indicating that what the agency is doing is legal. At this point, Solicitor Wagner has checked with the local State Representative's office. Solicitor Wagner is awaiting an answer from the local State Representative's office. Zoning Hearing Meeting - Solicitor Wagner stated that a Zoning Hearing Board meeting was held on May 27, 2014 to discuss a denied permit. The meeting was held to determine if it was appropriate for the Zoning Officer to deny the permit for Lot #50 on Lakeside Drive. As a result of this meeting, a letter, dated, was sent to Mr. Edward Albright, Zoning Permit Officer, stating that the Borough Hearing Board determined that public water and sewer is available at the site and a building permit should be issued to Joe Katkocin. Solicitor Wagner stated that this letter sets a negative precedent. The council has thirty days to appeal this finding. A discussion ensued regarding this issue between Council and numerous audience members. A question arose if there were ever sewer and water permits issued for Lot #50. Zoning Office Albright stated that only one permit exists for water. The Council is going to investigate whether a permit exists for sewer. Councilwoman Anderson made a motion, seconded by

3 Page 3 PABB01327 Councilwoman McCarty to not accept the Zoning Hearing Board letter and to appeal the decision. Motion carried with Councilman Cless opposed and Councilman Woods abstaining from the vote due to a conflict of interest. Development Committee Report - Councilman Cless stated that he is no further ahead with the development issue than he was one month ago. During the time from the last Council meeting, Councilman Cless has made numerous phone calls and sent numerous s, but no response has been received. President Long requested a meeting with Councilman Cless to discuss the matter further. Mayor s Report - Mayor Krammes reported that she spoke with Roger Watson concerning mowing of some areas in the development that were overgrown. Initially, Mr. Watson declined to do the mowing, but then, upon further thought, Mr. Watson mowed the areas. Mayor Krammes further reported that she has received very good comments on the flyer that was included with the quarterly sewer bills. There were no parking tickets issued for the month of June. Borough Enforcement Officer s (BEO) Report - BEO Freeland reported that he had 14 incidents, 5 car matters, 10code violations, and 15 phone calls in June Announcements and Correspondence ADMINISTRATIVE Committees - President Long stated that he will continue with the committees assigned by former Borough President Pierce Clouser with the substitution of Councilman James A. Woods taking over the responsibilities of now Borough President John Long. Flyer in Sewer Mailings - President Long stated that a flyer was included with the sewer quarterly billings. This letter called to the citizens of Bloomfield Borough to show patriotism during the July 4, 2014 holiday by displaying flags on their homes/property. From comments received to President Long, the flyer was received favorably. Letter to S. Durbin Wagner - President Long stated that a letter was sent to S. Durbin Wagner and his wife in appreciation of their efforts to clean up Bloomfield Borough. Water Authority Report Church of Jesus Christ & Latter Day Saints - Water Authority Representative Ed Albright stated at the May Borough meeting that the Church of Jesus Christ & Latter Day Saints has asked to connect to the Borough's water supply. DEP is requiring the Church to do all the same testing that the Borough currently completes on the Borough's water supply. The Church is willing to pay for the main and tapping fees. As per the discussion at the May and June Council meeting, Mr. Albright and the Church sent an to DEP requesting a copy of the original letter that stated the new testing guidelines. The letter from DEP has been received. Councilwoman McCarty made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Anderson to provide the Church of Jesus Christ & Latter Day Saints with water when Well #3 comes online. Motion carried. Planning Commission Report There was no meeting of the Planning Commission in June. Planning Commission Chair Melanie Rowland stated that the Planning Commission will begin to review Chapter 21 of the existing Ordinance and make recommendations to Council for changes to the Ordinances. In July, George Dorundo will be filling in for Planning Commission Chair Melanie Rowlands.

4 Page 4 PABB01328 Zoning/Permit Officer's Report - Zoning Officer Ed Albright reported that for June he issued two zoning permits and one sidewalk permit. Zoning Office Ed Albright asked that if a sewer and water permit are presented for Lot #50 in the Development, should he approve a zoning permit. President Long stated that yes that if a sewer and water permit are presented, Mr. Albright should issue a zoning permit. Administrative Committee Report Room 8 Vacancy Councilman Cless reported that there has been no new interest in renting Room 8 in the Borough building. Councilman Cless further reported that teenagers have been breaking playground equipment. In addition, a window in the Borough Building was broken. At this point, the repairs have not been made. The Contractor is extremely busy and will get to the repairs as soon as possible. In addition, Councilman Cless reported that the upper level ladies restroom partitions and doors have been ordered from Hershock's and are currently, being fabricated for installation. Next, Councilman Cless contacted Ed Morin from a Harrisburg security company to discuss the installation for security cameras in the building. Councilman Cless will continue to meet with other individuals to discuss possible options. Also, Councilman Cless contacted Perry Pest Control to treat the Join Hands room for an ant infestation. Councilman Cless completed and submitted the HATS survey (Harrisburg Area Transportation Study) for Bloomfield Borough. Councilman Cless completed the Borough portion of a LOMA request to FEMA by NavTech surveyors regarding flood insurance for a property located in the flood zone at South Carlisle Street. Finally, Councilman Cless offered his official resignation as Chairman of the Admin Committee and IT specialist. Grants Barnett Woods Road Sewer Line Replacement Councilman Patterson stated that the block grant application was completed and submitted, but have not heard anything yet. An answer should be forthcoming by the next council meeting. Councilman Patterson thanked his fellow committee members Councilwoman Anderson and Councilwoman Yoder for all of their help. FEMA/PEMA Hazardous Mitigation Plan - Councilman Cless made a motion, seconded by James A. Woods to pass Resolution Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan for the Borough of Bloomfield. Motion Carried. Perry County Boroughs Association/Perry County COG COG/PCBA Representative Steve Dowell resigned, effective June 22, Mr. Edward Albright has volunteered to take over Steve Dowell's position at PCBA/COG. President Long complimented the Borough Secretary on automating the quarterly sewer/trash bills. In addition, a check writing program has also been implemented.

5 Page 5 PABB01329 AESTHETICS Aesthetics Committee Report Little Park in Borough - Councilwoman Anderson stated that the Little Park in the Borough is in a bad state of affairs. The trees and brush are overgrown, the bench is rotting, and the fence needs repaired and power washed. Councilwoman Anderson has asked Borough employees to start trimming shrubbery and repairing items to make the park look nicer. Councilwoman Anderson is also requesting bids for the repair and power washing of the fence. The rotting bench is also in the process of being repaired. Shade Tree Commission - Councilwoman Anderson is meeting with someone at Carson Long to discuss the problem with the White Ash Tree that was discussed at the last Council meeting. This is primarily to make them aware for safety reasons. Parade Committee Report - President Long had a meeting with the Mayor, the Aesthetic Committee, and two representatives from the VFW to discuss the upcoming Veterans' Parade in November. All are in agreement to make this year's parade special with many flags displayed to show patriotism. Rights of Way & Utilities Committee Report RIGHTS OF WAY & UTILITIES WWTP Expansion Upgrade Vice President Patterson stated that the expansion project is in full gear and was expected to be completed by June 22, However, a 10 day extension was requested until June 30, 2014 due to weather issues. Vice President Patterson stated that the 10 day extension was granted. The project should be complete within a few day of the meeting. Vice President Patterson stated to make this project happen Bloomfield Borough spent $700,000 of their own funds. Church Street Sewer Line Councilwoman Anderson stated that a meeting took place with an engineer from HRG to discuss drawings and approvals for the Church Street Sewer Line project. The engineering portion of the project is complete. The actual work part of the project is anticipated to start next year when the funds are approved in the 2015 budget. HRG is putting together a package to present at the September 2014 Council meeting to potentially become the new engineer for the Borough. Library Request for Signage - Councilman Patterson stated that a request has been made by Suzanne M. Long to install two universal library signs with directional arrows at McClure and Carlisle Streets and at Main Street and Barnett Woods Road. The signs will be 24" by 24" and will be paid for by Borough Council President John Long and his wife, Suzanne. Councilman Patterson's Rights of Way & Utilities committee will continue to look into placement of the signs and make recommendations at next month's meeting. There being no further business, upon motion by Councilman Patterson, seconded by Councilwoman Anderson, meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m. to meet on Tuesday, August 5, Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Danielle L. Shope, Secretary