PARKESBURG BOROUGH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
November 5, 2007– 7:00 p.m.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Kenneth Knickerbocker.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by all present.
Council members present were: Kenneth Knickerbocker, Thomas Curtin, David Jones, Sheri Melton, Nancy Gauthier and Willard Marsh. Also present were: Mayor, John Hagan, Borough Manager, L. James Thomas, Secretary, Wendy A. Keegan and Borough Solicitor John S. Carnes. Council Member Virginia Miller was absent.
After moving Unfinished Business to before Committee Reports, a motion to approve the agenda was made by David Jones and seconded by Willard Marsh. All in favor.
A motion to approve the minutes of the October 15, 2007 Council Meeting was made by Nancy Gauthier and seconded by Sheri Melton. All in favor.
A motion to approve the bills submitted was made by Thomas Curtin and seconded by Nancy Gauthier. All in favor.
PUBLIC COMMENTS (Agenda Items Only)
· Christopher Crockett of First Avenue asked if the parking resolution is on the agenda.
SUBDIVISIONS/PLANNING COMMISSION
MANAGER’S REPORT—L. James Thomas
· Mr. Thomas reported that a pre-bid meeting for the stormwater project was held on October 30th; Bids are due and will be opened on November 15th.
· Brandywine Valley Association & Habitat Resource Network of SE Pennsylvania is sponsoring a seminar entitled Landscaping with Rainwater for Beauty & Function on November 17th.
· The Borough was awarded a $200,000 grant from DEP for stormwater management for the HDC project and Minch Park.
· The retaining wall issue on Sixth Avenue has been resolved and construction of the wall has begun.
· Mr. Knickerbocker informed the public that there is a council member and a candidate for council who owe trash fees. A motion to have Mr. Carnes investigate whether council wages could be withheld to pay for outstanding trash fees was made by Sheri Melton and seconded by Nancy Gauthier. All in favor.
A copy of the Solicitor’s Report is on file at the Borough Hall.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
· Engineering Firms – There was discussion between Council Members regarding the two firms, Czop/Specter and Arro Consulting, being considered for the Engineering, Zoning and Code Enforcement contract. After the discussion a motion to enter into discussions with Arro with the intention of reaching an agreement was made by David Jones and Willard Marsh. All in favor.
· $200,000 Grant with HDC – Mr. Thomas asked Council for direction regarding engineering services for the Borough/HDC project. A motion to entertain a professional services agreement with Arro was made by Nancy Gauthier and seconded by Willard Marsh. All in favor.
· Borough Priorities: Mr. Knickerbocker presented a list of priorities and assigned each one to a Council Member or the Manager. There are as follows:
A Priorities
Transition Borough Hall to the Fire Company–David Jones
Police Contract–David Jones
Police Service Pricing–Jim Thomas
Zoning Ordinance Update–Jim Thomas
Storm Water Project–Tom Curtin
2008 Budget–David Jones
Rental Ordinance–Ken Knickerbocker
Selection of and transition to a new engineering firm–Ken Knickerbocker
Trash to Tax Billing–David Jones
Housing Developments – Jim Thomas
Quarry Property – 320 Units
Crystal Springs – 120 Units
Knoll – 80 Units
HDC –80 Units
B Priorities
Soundproofing the Great Room–Tom Curtin
Park Rebuilding–Sheri Melton
Removing State Street Bridge abutment– Tom Curtin
Removing East Bridge Street–Tom Curtin
Renovating West Bridge Street Bridge–Tom Curtin
Street & Sidewalk Plan–Tom Curtin
Parking ordinance–Tom Curtin
Acme Plaza–Ken Knickerbocker
New Library Building–Ken Knickerbocker
Arms Parking Lot–Jim Thomas
Train Station Revitalization–Tom Curtin
School Board Tax Summit–Nancy Gauthier
Emergency Management Planning–Tom Curtin
Housing Developments – Jim Thomas
West Main Street – 100 Units
Lindale Village – 40 Units
NEW BUSINESS:
None
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Parks & Recreation—Sheri Melton
Ms. Melton reported that she met with Joseph Reali who will continue to help with the development and priorities of Minch Park; Ms. Melton also met with Bernadette Cazillo to discuss the Summer Park Program for 2008.
Progress & Development—Thomas Curtin
No report.
Streets & Property—Thomas Curtin
No report.
Finance—David Jones
At the Finance Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday 11/8 the draft of the 2008 budget will be finalized. A public hearing will be held on December 3rd for adoption at the December 17th meeting.
Police & Fire—David Jones
Mr. Jones attended a meeting with the Fire Company Board. An agreement for turning over the old borough building to the fire company is very close. There has been no progress with the police contract negotiations.
Library–Ken Knickerbocker
The new building feasability study has been put on hold.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
· Betty Wilde of Main Street asked if tax exempt organization such as churches would also be exempt from trash payments.
· William Tomlinson of 14 West Street asked Council if his street could be paved since there is a surplus in the budget.
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
· Mr. Jones explained that the surplus in the budget will be used to pay bills in January and February rather than the Borough taking out another Tax Anticipation Note in 2008.
ADJOURNMENT:
With there being no further business, a motion was made by Nancy Gauthier and seconded by Sheri Melton to adjourn the meeting 8:30 p.m. All in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Wendy A. Keegan
Borough Secretary
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