Monday, March 21, 2011

March 21st Council Meeting Notes

BOROUGH OF PARKESBURG
COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
March 21, 2011
7:00 P.M.

Call to Order ...........Charles Persch Conducting

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call – Mel Keel, Kathleen Rick not present

Approval of Agenda agenda approved with no changes

Review and Approval of Minutes of the February 21, 2011 Regular Council Meeting  - Minutes approved

Treasurer’s Report – Treasurer’s report read and approved, pending correction.  Must be edited.  Wendy Keegan was uncertain of a number in the report.

Approval of Bills – A copy of the list of bills to be paid was not available for pickup at the beginning of the meeting. Jim Thomas stated it was because of the Freedom of Information act.  Solicitor Carnes said such documents could be made available at councils discretion.  Standard practice is to release documents 5 days after council meeting.   

Public Comments (Agenda Items Only)

Ken Knickerbocker commented on the bills not being released

Department Reports:

Police Chief’s Report .................. Brian Sheller

523 incidents during February, a .5% reduction over the previous month. $26,488 in receipts

There was an accident at the Culvert Street underpass.  A truck got stuck and may have damaged the bridge.  Culvert street bridge will be closed on Tuesday afternoon to allow a damage assessment and repairs by iron workers.

Fire Chief’s Report ...................... Richard Klingler

Chief Richie Klinger – Fire Company report - 21 calls, with an average 9 minute and 11 second response.

Ambulance Report – 68 calls with 32 transport and 36 scratches where the company was unable to respond

Councilperson Persch asked if scratches are getting better or worse? Chief Klinger responded that it wasn’t clear.  Exploring options.  Most scratches are during the day when we don’t have staff.

Engineer’s Report ................... Mendi Lowe


The report is in the packet council receives and not available to the public

Zoning Officer’s Report ........... ARRO Consulting


The report is in the packet council receives and not available to the public

Building Code Official’s Report ... John Coldiron


The report is in the packet council receives and not available to the public

Manager’s Report ....................James Thomas

State street – design for the curbs have not been approved by PennDot.  Hunt is working on it.  Pushing to get an answer asap.

Received a letter regarding the Planning Commission from borough resident.  Jim Thomas will share the letter with council.

John Carnes will cover a couple of topics in his report, I’ll add color.

Public Works Report ................. Melinda Keen

937 miles driven, a lot of snow miles            

Starting yard waste first Monday in April
Fire Marshal’s Report ................ Raymond Stackhouse

Ray Stackhouse is not present

Mayor’s Report .......................... John P. Hagan, II

Mayor Hagan is not present

PABA .......................................... Eric Jamison

No report

Solicitor’s Report ....................... John S. Carnes, Jr.

Knoll Development, Chetty portion.  Chetty will address the storm water issue.  His excavator will put in the foundation.  Weather will allow him to start as early as this week.  Lien for $15,000.  Chetty is offering to pay $9,000+ of the lien.  Carnes told him to file a grievance.  The borough manager and Borough Council will review.

Davis Tract – moving forward

Crystal Springs – The developer filed for chapter 11, plans to reorganization, borough manager will review and file any claims against the developers.

Police Contract – We received comments back from our labor council, reviewed the changes this evening and will be reaching out to the police to schedule a meeting to review the desired changes.

Amtrak – West Bridge Street.  Discussed in detail how to get West Bridge Street back on track.  Further communication between Borough Engineer Jeff Hunt and Amtrak.   Hunt needs funds from PennDot to do the required work.  A scope document from Norfolk Southern.  The Borough is ready to move forward on the Amtrak agreement.  NS Railroad did issue an agreement whereby they want the borough to pay for their engineering expenses to bring the scope document up to speed $15,680 at $100 per hour and additional administrative fees.  There’s money in the budget to do this and the item is on tonight's agenda.  John Carnes is also working on the temporary easements needed from nearby residents to move the project forward.  Jim Thomas mentioned he was impressed with the meeting between Chester County officials, Amtrak and the Borough.  Chester County is focused on the Borough.  We have the right people at the table from Amtrak.  Everyone is thinking through what can be done to fast track the project.  Chester County officials are quarterbacking to push the project forward.

Meeting on Tuesday (3/22) with Amtrak to discuss improvements to train station platforms, handicapped access, parking lot paving, etc.

Unfinished Business

New Business

• West Bridge Street Bridge - Agreement for Preliminary Engineering
review Services with Norfolk Southern Railway Company

$15,680 cost, we do need to put this in place.  Request the council act on it tonight.  Sharon Wolf asked about the grand total $17,680.  Reviewed and approved by council.

Committee Reports:

Parks Recreation ........................Kathleen Rick


No Report

Progress Development ...............Sharon Wolf

Had a review meeting for the zoning revisions.  Grafton Associates is making the changes.  Next meeting scheduled for 4/12 at 7PM to review changes, review draft.

Streets and Property ............................ Melinda Keen

We’ll be filling some pot holes in the coming weeks

Finance ......................................... Charles Persch

We have nothing to report at this time

Police Fire ..................................... Charles Persch


Consolidation committee is recommending that consultants be hired for 4500

Library Board Representative ........Melinda Keen


No report

Emergency Management Coordinator ......... Richard Irwin

Homeless survey done in January

Volunteer roster requested.  Handled by the police

A hazardous action plan for trucks and trains being developed, hope to have a draft by the end of June

Public Comments

Bev Ely –stated it was sad to see all the empty storefront.  New Market – Seawell’s Market.  Everything there you would need for dinner.  Saturday is the grand opening. 

Bakery possible on Main Street according to Chuck Persch

Council Comments

Mark Agen - Congrats to Octorara's boys basketball.  Nice to see so many people from Parkesburg at the game supporting the teams.

New Business – a tanning salon on Main Street

Comcast - Channel 965
Verizon requires sophisticated equipment, too expensive and more than we need.

Adjournment

Scheduled Public Meetings:

Committee Time Date Location
Parks & Recreation 6:00 p.m.   Monday,  April 4, 2011  at Borough Hall
Progress 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 4, 2011  at Borough Hall
Streets & Property 7:00 p.m. Monday, April 4, 2011 at Borough Hall
Finance 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 14, 2011 at Borough Hall
Fire & Police 6:00 p.m. Thursday, April 14, 2011 at Borough Hall
PABA 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at Borough Hall

2011 Scheduled Council Meetings:
April 18th
May 16th
June 20th
July 18th
August 22nd
September 19th
October 17th
November 21st
December 19th

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