New Britain Borough Council Meeting October 13, 2015

Transcription

1 New Britain Borough Council Meeting October 13, 2015 The monthly meeting of the New Britain Borough Council was called to order by President Jeffrey Gilmore at 7:30 PM. All Council members were present with the exception of Mr. Peter LaMontagne. Also present were Mr. Michael Savona, Mr. Mark Hintenlang, Ms. Marie Esher Coia and Mayor David Holewinski. Ms. Robin Trymbiski was not present. The meeting took place at New Britain Baptist Church due to the ongoing construction project at Burkart Hall. Minutes of September 8, 2015 Meeting: Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Mr. William Macklem and approved. Ms. Robyne Kelemen asked if the minutes with Mr. Peter LaMontagne s edits were the approved version and Mr. Jeffrey Gilmore stated yes, it was. Open Bids Snow Removal: Mr. Mark Hintenlang stated there was one set of bids submitted by T. Scheifer Contractors, Inc. The total amount of the bid is $21,152. Last year s bid was $20,224. Mr. Scheifer determined the bid amount based on an hourly rate. Mr. Hintenlang recommended sending a letter to T. Scheifer accepting his bid. Ms. Marie Esher Coia stated last year the Borough spent $35,800 on snow removal. This amount included salt. Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski made a motion to approve the snow removal bid from T. Scheifer Contractors, Inc., seconded by Ms. Nancy Schuyler and approved. Introduction Michael J. Savona, Esquire: Our previous Solicitor, Mr. Michael Goodwin, retired last month. Mr. Jeffrey Gilmore stated the Appointment Advisory Committee did an excellent job recommending Mr. Michael J. Savona as the Borough s new solicitor. Mr. Gilmore asked Mr. Savona to share some background information about himself to Council. Mr. Savona stated he is employed by the law firm of Eastburn and Gray, PC of Doylestown where he is a Shareholder in the firm s Land Use and Zoning and Municipal Law practice groups. He grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and received his J.D. from American University, Washington College of Law and his B.A. from California University of Pennsylvania. He has practiced Municipal Law for the past twenty years where he has represented Northampton Township, Middletown Township, Lower Southampton Township, Warminster Township, Conshohocken Borough, the Borough of Hatboro and nine different townships, boroughs, cities and zoning hearing boards in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Mr. Savona introduced his associate, Mr. Michael Peters. He stated we had a good staff meeting the previous week. He also stated he met with Mr. Goodwin and was brought up to speed, prior to Mr. Goodwin s six week vacation in Spain. Correspondence: There were no questions. Treasurer s Report: Ms. Marie Esher Coia submitted the Treasurer s Report to Council members via . Ms. Coia stated that she and Ms. Robin Trymbiski have interviewed two

2 payroll companies, Paychex and Complete Payroll Service, to determine if the Borough could save time and money. It was determined that with utilizing the services of a payroll company, the Borough will save approximately $1,200 per year. It was decided to contract Complete Payroll Service who also provides their services to the CBRPD and to Doylestown Borough. Complete Payroll Service started their service the week of October 19, Tax Collector s Report: There were no questions. Building, Zoning, Road & Phone/Visitor Reports: Regarding the complaint log, Mr. William Macklem asked Mr. Thomas Yatsky about the chemicals used to treat the bamboo at the Nature Preserve. Resident Mr. Timothy Weston of 260 Matthews Avenue complained the chemical was inadvertently applied to bamboo on his property. Mr. Yatsky explained that he and Mr. Hintenlang went to the property to assess the situation. The homeowner reported a blue powder which was found on his dog and also on himself. He was alarmed and concerned about the health risks. Mr. Yatsky stated in walking through the property, some of the blue powder had gotten on him and it definitely crossed over the property line. The homeowner wrote a message on his fence, visible from the Nature Preserve. There were no further questions or comments about the reports. Review September Expenditures: Ms. Robyne Kelemen made a motion to approve the September Expenditures, seconded by Ms. Nancy Schuyler and approved. President s Report: President Jeffrey Gilmore spoke of a meeting which was coordinated by Mr. Stephen Barth, the Borough s Consultant for Economic Development. The meeting took place at Delaware Valley University. In attendance were: Mr. Joseph Brosnan, President of the University, Mr. Arthur Glass, CFO of the University, Mr. Stephen Barth, Chief James Donnelly, Mr. David Holewinski and Mr. Jeffrey Gilmore. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the cost for police coverage and EMT services to the University. After doing some research, it has been determined by Borough Treasurer, Ms. Marie Esher Coia, the cost to New Britain Borough is $125,000 to $130,000 annually. As an educational institution, Delaware Valley University does not pay real estate taxes. Chief Donnelly and the Borough representatives asked Mr. Brosnan and Mr. Glass to consider making a contribution to the Borough to cover the costs of these services. Both were open to the idea. Mr. Gilmore asked Chief Donnelly to explain in more detail. Chief Donnelly stated that as of now, the CBRPD covers 70% of the dormitories on the campus. The Central Bucks Regional Police Department is proposing to cover the entire campus. As of now, Doylestown Township covers a portion of the dormitories, farm fields and barns. When a situation arises, the university s security is called. Security then has to determine if the situation is in New Britain Borough or Doylestown Township, therefore precious time is lost. Chief Donnelly emphasized the importance of getting first responders there in the shortest amount of time possible. The ideal scenario is to call 911 and the dispatcher will handle the situation much more efficiently. Chief Donnelly stated if the CBRPD does cover the entire university, he will have bicycle and foot patrol on campus. He also stated the police department have worked on developing a better relationship with university over the past 4 years.

3 Manager s Report: Mr. Jeffrey Gilmore read Ms. Robin Trymbiski s report as follows: Administration: Mr. Mark Hintenlang contacted four engineering firms for proposals for future assistance if needed. Castle Valley Consultants, whom we have used in the past and CKS Engineering responded. Mr. Hintenlang has recommended Castle Valley Consultants. Mr. Gilmore stated he would recommend CKS as his company has worked with them in the past and they have greater resources. Ms. Nancy Schuyler will not vote as her sister works for CKS Engineering. Ms. Lori Kesilman will not vote. Mr. Gilmore made a motion choose CKS Engineering, seconded by Mr. William Macklem and approved. Mr. Hintenlang will send a letter to CKS to notify them that they have been selected. Finance Committee: The Finance Committee and Borough staff have been working on the 2016 preliminary budget. The Committee will need to review both the police and Borough budgets. They are scheduled to meet on November 16, The MMO Minimum Municipal Obligation for the Police Pension Plan for 2016 will be $96,518. The MMO for the Non-Uniform Pension will be $7,487. Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski made a motion to approve the Pension Plan, seconded by Mr. William Macklem and approved. The Borough received the Notice of Estimated Allocation for 2016 Liquid Fuels which is $78,895. The Borough received $69,359 in LST Tax Berkheimer Collection Marie Esher Coia: The Borough has been using the services of both Berkheimer and Keystone Collections. Berkheimer for the collection of Local Services Tax and Keystone for Earned Income Tax. When Ms. Coia attended the August Tax Collection Committee meeting, she learned that it is more beneficial to have just one tax collection agency for both taxes. Berkheimer has agreed to cancel our contract with them. Berkheimer fee is 1.65% and Keystone Collections is 1.75%. Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski made a motion to approve letting the contract expire with Berkheimer, seconded by Ms. Nancy Schuyler and approved. Ms. Coia stated that this change could bring in more revenue for the Borough. Mr. William Macklem made a motion to hire Keystone Collections, seconded by Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski and approved. Planning Commission: The Planning Commission continues to work on the Mixed Use Zoning District and hope to have it completed in November. Zoning: The Zoning hearing for American Heritage Federal Credit Union is scheduled for October 15, Mr. Michael Savona will be attending the hearing to oppose. The Zoning Hearing Board granted relief for Mangar Industries to exceed the maximum impervious surface ratio so they can proceed with their parking lot improvement projects. Bike and Hike: The Safe Routes to School Sidewalk Project finally began the end of September with survey work and construction will begin right after. The contractor will be working section by section, and at this point we do not have a definite construction schedule from the contractor. The project end date is April 2016.

4 Mayors Report: Mr. David Holewinski reminded everyone that the election coming up on Tuesday, November 3, He also spoke of the Town Hall Meeting which will take place on Thursday, October 22, 2015 at Lenape Valley Presbyterian Church. New Britain Borough residents will have the opportunity to come out and ask questions to the six candidates which are: Mr. Thomas Price, Mr. Robert Binkley, Mr. Peter LaMontagne, Mr. William Macklem, Mr. Derek MacMillan and Mr. Jeffrey Gilmore. Mr. Anthony Coia and Ms. Marie Esher Coia will be monitors for this event. Committee Reports: Public Safety: Ms. Robyne Kelemen announced the next Public Safety meeting will be held on October 28, 2015 at 7:00 pm at Borough Administration Building. The meeting is tentative pending agenda items. Community and Business Committee: Mr. David Holewinski stated the committee discussed the questionnaire to residents. This questionnaire is to determine what types of businesses the residents would like to see moving into the Borough. Mr. Holewinski also stated he anticipates the Mixed Use Zoning Ordinance to be finalized in November. Orchard Park: Mr. Derek MacMillian requested to have a sign on Keeley Avenue with the street address for emergency purposes. This sign will be located at the entrance of Covered Bridge Park. The cost for the sign is $315 and is part of the grant. Mr. MacMillian asked Mr. Hintenlang and Mr. Yatsky the status of the permit applications. Mr. Yatsky stated they are in the hands of Doylestown Township and Mr. Sinclair Salisbury would need to be contacted for that information. Mr. Hintenlang stated the application is pending with the Bucks County Conservation District. The sign would be placed 25 ft. from the Lamppost Road properties. Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski stated the Bike and Hike path will be going in, so they need to make sure the sign is not in the way. Ms. Holewinski made a motion to approve the sign expenditure, seconded by Ms. Nancy Schuyler and approved. Bird Town: Mr. Thomas Price stated Bird Town had a table at the Duck Derby to raise awareness. He also stated the Bird Town will have an after school program with Pine Run Elementary with a lesson plan for the year. Ms. Coia stated this information is in the Borough newsletter. Mr. Price stated they are working with the Conservation District and Ms. Maryann Noonan. They will be putting blue bird houses in the school s garden. Ms. Lori Kesilman will approach local business for discounts or tax free donations. Mr. Price would like to see the Bird Town logo displayed in more places in the Borough. Nature Preserve Survey - $800: It was recommended to do a survey to determine property lines around Miriam s Meadow. It was unclear as to if posts exist and even if so, if they are visible. This is in light of the situation which arose at the Weston property. Mr. Mark Hintenlang stated there needs to be markers in the field. Mr. Gilmore stated it has to be done regardless of the cost. Mr. Halsey White suggested setting monuments instead of metal stakes. Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski made a motion to approve a survey for up to $1000, seconded by Ms. Nancy Schuyler and approved.

5 Mr. Tom Price stated next spring, they will be installing approximately 20 trail signs in the Nature Preserve. These signs are hand made by Mr. Halsey White. The cost of the signs is less than $200. Mr. Michael Savona stated the expense must be approved by Council. Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski made a motion to approve the cost of $200 for the trail signs, seconded by Mr. William Macklem and approved. Mr. Thomas Price spoke of the Strategic Plan part of which is to expand Power s land and Marshs land on the other side of the Neshaminy Creek which is in Doylestown Township. The Marshs have a lawsuit against the Borough. Mr. Thomas Yatsky stated this land should not be purchased, it should be an easement as it is swamp land. Mr. Price stated the Marshs had talked about donating land to the Nature Preserve. Ms. Lorraine Moxey asked how much land is there? Mr. Yatsky stated about 14 acres. Mr. Price stated the Powers land would be a nice addition to the Nature Preserve. It is on the other side of Cooks Run Creek and there are stepping stones to get to it. Mr. Robert Binkley stated it is a floodplain and unusable. Police Commission: Mr. David Holewinski questioned the value of the incident report as it takes a significant amount of time to compile. He stated it is just a thumbnail sketch of events and he sees no intrinsic value in this report. Ms. Robyne Kelemen stated she finds the report useful. Mr. Jeffrey Gilmore and Ms. Lori Kesilman both agreed. In conclusion, the report will continue to be submitted to Council each month. Mr. Holewinski also stated the CBRPD is currently in negotiations with the Chalfont Police Department and the Union. Chalfont is working to get out of their current contract with the Union and to get onto the CBRPD s Union contract. The goal is to bring them into the department by January 1, Mr. Jeffrey Gilmore had questions regarding the Bristol Road extension. As the representative of New Britain Borough, Mr. David Holewinski attended a meeting to discuss this project along with representatives from the County, New Britain Township and Chalfont Borough. He stated he will not see the completion of this project in his lifetime. Mr. William Macklem stated it does not look hopeful. Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski stated this has been a long running project with an approximate cost of $21 million dollars. Burkart Hall: Mr. Mark Hintenlang stated the ADA elevator project is coming along very well. The Borough has received a 60 day extension from the County to complete this project. Mr. Hintenlang stated that money has been saved because of volunteers Mr. Bruce Burkart and Mr. Robert Binkley and that additional money had to be spent due to a septic tank which was discovered during excavation. The meeting room is now empty and the carpet has been removed. Mr. Hintenlang stated they are currently getting estimates on insulating the walls and installing additional heating. Mr. Thomas Price inquired about installing a screen. Mr. Robert Binkley stated there will definitely be a spot for a screen and a projector. Appointment Advisory Committee Marie Esher Coia: Ms. Marie Esher Coia stated that in meeting with Mr. Robert Pellegrino, he suggested the new Borough Manager should also be the Treasurer. He composed the advertisement for the Borough Manager position which was placed in four publications. The cost breakdown are as follows: $180 for the Pennsylvania Municipal

6 League, $125 PSAB Magazine, $322 for PSAT and $50 GFOA (Government Financial Officers Association) for a total of $677. Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski made a motion to approve the expenditure for advertising, seconded by Ms. Lori Kesilman and approved. Ms. Escher Coia stated she has received four applications so far from the PSAB website. The ads are scheduled for October, November and December. Ms. Esher Coia stated she would like to start the interviewing process by the middle of November. Mr. David Holewinski questioned the cost of the most expensive ad. Ms. Esher Coia stated she ed the committee and a few members said to go ahead with the ads. New Business: Consider Ordinance #367 Amendment Building Height 35 Ft: Building Height Ordinance hearing needs to be advertised. Mr. Mark Hintenlang stated this is a clarification for the 35 Building Height Ordinance which was lost when the codification process happened. Mr. Michael Savona stated that all buildings are to be under four stories and to consider the hearing to be closed. The motion will be to adopt the ordinance. Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski made a motion to approve, seconded by Ms. Nancy Schuyler and approved. Consider - Resolution Amending Fee Schedule: Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski made a motion to approve amending the fee schedule, seconded by Ms. Nancy Schuyler and approved. Mr. William Macklem asked how the increases were determined. Mr. Thomas Yatsky stated they looked at fee schedules of other municipalities. Mr. Michael Savona stated fees are used to cover costs and are not meant to generate income. Mr. Yatsky also stated that solar and geothermal permit applications should be considered. Consider - Finance Committee Jeffrey Gilmore: Mr. Jeffrey Gilmore stated at this point the committee is an ad hoc committee appointed by Council president. He would like a more structured committee. There has been so additions to the committee. There are now 7 members, all of which are well versed in finance. Mr. Savona stated he will prepare a resolution to formalize the Finance Committee and outline their power. Mr. Savona asked Council permission to prepare the resolution. Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski motioned to approve, seconded by Ms. Nancy Schuyler and approved. Mr. Savona stated Council will decide who is appointed. Mr. Gilmore stated he would like to keep the existing members for the Committee. Discussion of Burkart Hall Improvement Loan: The entire Burkart Hall project will cost approximately $160,000. The County Grant is $110,000. The Borough will need to borrow $50,000 to cover the balance. Ms. Esher Coia has been getting loan information from several banks. Mr. Savona stated that at this time the Borough has no debt and no experience borrowing. When municipalities borrow money it is necessary to go through a process which includes advertising, legal fees, etc. He stated this process would cost more than the small amount we have to borrow is worth. Mr. Savona and Ms. Esher Coia discussed the option of borrowing from the Groner endowment. It would be treated as an investment for the Groner Endowment since it will get a better interest rate of return than it can on Certificates of Deposits and the Borough will not incur additional expense. It is a win-win situation. This will make the process of borrowing funds much simpler. Mr. Gilmore asked if the Borough can borrow just what it

7 needs, like a line of credit. Mr. Savona stated it would be treated like any other loan. On this type of loan, you do not need to collateralize. There can be a repayment of $10,000 or $15,000 per year. Mr. Savona will prepare the documents. He stated this is a self-regulating loan. Mr. Halsey White suggested the loan would have to have a limit and that 10% would be a good limit. Mr. Joseph Fleur asked if the loan cannot be paid back, will the Borough increase the millage and put the burden on Borough residents? Mr. Savona stated the funds will cost 2.5% to borrow. Mr. Savona and Ms. Esher Coia will work on details of this loan. 537 Plan - Mark Hintenlang: Mr. Mark Hintenlang stated that the Borough needs a revised 537 Plan which is a sanitary water system. This is a requirement of the Department of Environmental Protection. Mr. Hintenlang stated he would like approval to begin the first step which is for new system maps to be drawn up with a cost to the Borough of $6,000. The DEP says we cannot move forward with development without it and they need to see all of the updated plans based on our reports for future development. The Borough currently has 60 EDUs and will need 160 EDUs. The additional EDUs are required for such projects as the future development of the tract of land at 77 Bristol Road. Mr. Michael Savona stated this is only a Band-Aid and this will go out to bid for the approximate $40,000 cost for a new 537 Plan. Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski made a motion to approve the $6,000 cost for maps as a first step towards a new 537 Plan, seconded by Mr. William Macklem and approved. Resident s Remarks: There were no remarks. Adjournment: Mr. William Macklem made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Ms. Robyne Kelemen and the meeting adjourned at 9:35 PM. An executive session followed the meeting. Jeffrey Gilmore, President Robin E. Trymbiski, Manager Carrie Gamble, Secretary