Parkesburg Today: Borough Council Meeting Notes

Below are notes (in blue) and pictures from last night's Borough Council meeting where the following topics were discussed:

Recognition for a job well done on an Eagle Scout project in Minch Park.
A new 3 year contract with the Parkesburg Borough Police Association calling for a 3% increase in officers pay across each of the three years.
Multi-million dollar upgrade to Parkesburg's train station and PennDOT to transform the station into the transportation hub of western Chester County.
Plans to demolish and rebuild West Bridge Street with a November 2012 start date.
The introduction of a new business in town, Nu Creationz, a child care and learning center focused on preschoolers and infants.
Parkesburg Point announced their desire to build a new facility on Parkesburg's north side and sought council's assistance.

BOROUGH OF PARKESBURG

COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA

April 18, 2011

7:00 P.M.

Call to Order. .............................................................................................. Melinda Keen

Pledge of Allegiance

Welcome by Mel Keen. Committee reports after presentations

Roll Call

All present

Approval of Agenda

Agenda reviewed and approved

We may have some new business owners here so we may want to adjust the agenda.

Review and Approval of Minutes of the March 21, 2011 Regular Council Meeting

Reviewed and approved with no changes

Treasurer’s Report

Read by Wendy Keegan

Approval of Bills

Bills reviewed and approved by council.

Public Comments (Agenda Items Only)

No public comments

Unfinished Business

• Motion to accept the Labor Agreement between the Borough of Parkesburg

and the Parkesburg Borough Police Association for the Years 2011 through

2013

Council has reviewed the agreement and asked questions. Council members were asked if they had questions or wanted to make a public statement. No questions/statements. Contract presented for a vote. In a voice vote the council voted unanimously to approve the agreement.

Councilperson Willard Marsh signs the new contract.

New Business

• Motion to enact Ordinance No. 491 - An Ordinance of Parkesburg Borough,

Chester County Pennsylvania Adopting the Master Plan and Trust Currently

Administered by the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs Master

Jebiz Anderson (right) signs the agreement while fellow officer Craig Yeckley waits. Officer Al Manning (not shown) also signed for the Police Association.

Retirement Trust, Effective as of January 1, 2011

This motion is linked with the previous motion re the police contract. Act 51 signed in to law last year in Harrisburg requiring the state to picks up the tab for any officer killed in duty. Previously the tab was paid for by the association’s retirement fund. Under Act 51 the state now assumes the cost. Act 51 became effective January 1, 2011. To leverage the benefits of Act 51 we need to pass an ordinance to revise the uniform pension plan portion of our ordinance.

Considered and approved by council.

Highlights of the agreement by Chuck Persch

· 3 year contract

· 3% increase per year, every year

· Death benefit is covered by the state

· Medical coverage for an officer’s family in the event of death in the line of duty is still under review

· Some schedules adjustments

Councilperson Chuck Persch signs the agreement after council approved the new three year contract

The contract was signed by Borough Council and members of the police associations.

Presentation:

• Commendation to Eagle Scout Nick Canzoneri for Minch Park Project

Presentation made by Council Vice President Kathleen Rick. Thanks expressed for a job well done.

Planning Commission:

• Bell’s Delights - Land Development Plan

The site is an ice cream stand behind Turkey Hill along Route 10 with parking in the front. Proposal is a larger building 725 sq ft feet, a drive through lane, better parking along the south side of the site, additional landscaping to the rear of the property, and a retaining wall. The plan was submitted and reviewed by borough engineer and the planning commission. Several waivers need to be approved. The planning commission is in favor of the waivers. Three zoning variances, also being considered.

Waivers being requested

1. Requiring a preliminary plan – changes are so minor that a preliminary plan is not needed

2. Wetlands investigation – no wet lands occur in close proximity to the site

3. Provide a list of significant features within 100 ft of the site – Borough engineer asked for additional info on Route 10, 100 ft north and south which the developer provided.

4. Proximity plan – not essential since there are no major changes

Click to enlarge

5. Real estate disclosure statement – same

6. Requirement of notifying abutting property owners. Ordinance requires all residents within 1000 feet meaning the developer would be required to contact 160 property owners. Instead the developer proposes putting up a sign and notifying property owners of zoning hearing.

7. Requirement of providing a transportation study, the developers argue its not needed

8. Concrete monuments at corner – instead developers will install metal pins

9. (Missed)

10. Partial waiver from requirement from landscaping requirement – Ownership of the 20 foot easement behind the property is not clear. Developer is requesting all landscaping be done outside that 20 ft easement.

Zoning relief requested

1. Permit a drive through – the C2 district does not permit a drive through as it is presently written

2. 14’ one way vehicular traffic. The design doesn’t allow that

3. Requires loading births not be permitted within 50 feet of property line. The prop is not big enough to accommodate that requirement.

Mayor Hagan spoke. Asked if council had a recommendation from the planning committee? Borough Manager Jim Thomas walked council through their packet containing the documents.

Asked if the property is owned by developer? Yes.

What about the increase of traffic onto route 10? Developer said they did not anticipate much of an increase in traffic.

Will there be exterior dining? There is one table planned for the front. There may be more as allowed by the Borough. The signage, how will that change? Will change a little bit perhaps add another sign. Seasonal? No, wants to make it a year round business. Reduced hours in the winter. Open until10 in the summer, 9 in the winter.

What about notifying anyone who abuts the property? We will do that. Only a few (2) properties abut the property. The easement that runs east and west, is that not an alley? Wendy Keegan said we looked that us and the alley stops at Route 10.

Council should forward any questions they have and come prepared to voice their concerns on the May 2^nd committee meeting.

• Appointment of Charles Vail of W. 6th Avenue to the Planning Commission

Considered and approved.

• Parkesburg Point - Land Development Plan

Dwayne Walton – Parkesburg Point asks for help planning and building a new facility. Want to do a better job of engaging the community including churches, business community organizations, and police. Train kids not just how to get a job but how to keep a job as well. Create a facility that is safe in every way. Our current facility is OK but requires constant maintenance and isn’t safe for the kids. Our youth are all connected. One kid at risk impacts everyone. Properties behind where we are. Starts around the 400 block of Main Street. The owner would consider selling. We would buy the property if we knew we could build a new facility on that space. Take down the garage and two houses and put up a facility that would use the same foot print.

Council President Keen expressed a willingness to help.

Council Person Chuck Persch asked about conditional use restrictions. The matter will be investigated.

Next step is to sit down with Jim Thomas and start the process.

Agenda Addition

Bev Ely introduced a new business in town. Jodi Mentzer (sp), owner of Nu Creationz Child Care & Learning Center at 418 West First Avenue. It’s been a long process to open up a day care facility at that location. Owner expressed gratitude for the warm welcome. She and her husband have worked with young people for the past 15 years. We came across the location here in Parkesburg that allows us to create a space with enough room for the kids to move around. We’ve designed the facility to prepare them for Kindergarten. Programs will emphasize education.

We are open. This week is our first week. We don’t want finances to be an issue. Our payment plans flexible. Feel free to stop by. Ages infant (6 weeks and older) to kindergarten. Hope to offer a summer camp. Jodi can be reached at 215 740 0246.

On May 21^st they will celebrate May Day at the playground across the street. They will have games and offer any business a chance to set up a table.

Department Reports:

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

Presented by Chief Sheller

Council President Keen asked the chief what borough residents can do to cut the likelihood they’ll be robbed. The chief said there were simple things that people can do. Lock their doors is one. Educate people so they’re not repeat victims.

According to Chief Sheller, Parkesburg is well served by a full time police department. Police are here in town for every shift. Unlike other towns served by the state police. Chief Sheller stated that many times a crime won’t be reported because the state police are not around.

According to Mel Keen truck traffic on First Avenue is kept to a minimum and the quality of life along First Avenue has gone up.

Chief Sheller stated the police do a lot to support the town’s quality of life. Every time a police officer interacts with a resident officers are expected to educate the residents. Some of the little things residents often forget such as locking car doors go a long way to cutting crime.

Bev Ely complained about speeders on First Avenue

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

Presented by Chief Klinger

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

In packet

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

In packet

Building Code Official’s Report. ....................................................... John Coldiron

In packet

Code Enforcement Officer’s Report. ................................................ Robert Hosier

In packet

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

· West Bridge Street – The project is moving forward more smoothly than we’ve seen in years past. Target start date to demolish the bridge is on or before November 2012. More later in the meeting.

· State street – Curb and sidewalk design being reviewed by PennDOT

· Train Station – More later during other reports

· Water line in Minch Park repaired and active

· Storm Water in Highland township being handled by Chetty

· The new generator will be activated on Wednesday. Borough received a $30,000 grant last year which the Borough matched. Once the installation is complete Borough Hall will be an emergency center where any medically frail individual can come for heat, light and air.

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

No report this month

Fire Marshal’s Report.......................................................... Raymond Stackhouse

No report this month

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

Read by Mayor Hagan

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

No report

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

West Bridge Street project is moving forward. A lot of people at the state and county are helping us. Getting easements on both sides of the bridge taken care of. There is a question about the master agreement about whether both demolition and rebuilding are included. The borough wants both. The question is being resolved.

Chrystal Springs – The Borough has 180 days to file a claim again the owner in bankruptcy court.

Chetty is moving forward with needed waste water repairs near the south end of town

The police contract reasonable and fair deal

Committee Reports:

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

· Community Yard Sale – April 30^th, sign up with Wendy who will publish a map a day or two before the event.

· Farmers Market – April 30th

· Baseball started in the park last week, their small parade went well

· May 22 – Memorial day Parade

· Circus in the park June 16^th Sponsored by Parkesburg Lion’s Club. Two shows at 5 PM and 7:30 PM

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

The zoning committee has finished work on the zoning ordinance; all the edits have been made. The changes have been reviewed by county and planning committee. Copies of the ordinance are available in Borough Hall. Tentative hearing date is scheduled on 6/20, the same evening as June’s borough Council meeting. There is the chance that council could also review and approve the ordinance the ordinance that evening. Once the ordinance is approved the borough will place it online.

We are working with PennDOT for upgrades to train station. PennDOT transportation sector and railroad companies are upgrading Thorndale, Downingtown, Exton and Parkesburg stations. We’ll be seeing a lot of changes including high level platform, fencing from one end of the borough to the other. The intention is for Parkesburg to be the transportation hub of western Chester County. These improvements will be paid for by the state and federal government. No matching funds from the borough will be required. The wheels are already turning. Some of the improvements have already been made. PennDOT will work with council and residents to develop the final plan. SEPTA is on target to come to Parkesburg in the next couple of years as well.

The same people helping us on the train station are assisting us on West Bridge Street project. Hopefully we’ll get the support we haven’t seen in the past. The state will spend $14 million dollars across all four stations.

Streets & Property............................................................................ Melinda Keen

Pothole time. The borough will use a street saw to cut the street and patch the holes.

Sidewalks are the resident’s responsibility. The borough is looking at options to help residents better maintain sidewalks using state and county funds.

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

Good shape to get started on West State Street project

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

· Chief’s contract will be reviewed

· Fire Company consolidation committee meets Tuesday night

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

No report

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

Rich Irwin has been very active with the county. Working on an emergency evacuation plan for the town. Also attending a seminar on how to manage a train emergency.

Public Comments

Ken Knickerbocker voice his support for the mayor’s statement

Council Comments

Adjournment

Scheduled Public Meetings:

Committee Time Date Location

· Parks & Recreation, 6:00 p.m., Monday, May 2, 2011 Borough Hall

· Progress, 6:30 p.m., Monday, May 2, 2011 Borough Hall

· Streets & Property, 7:00 p.m., Monday, May 2, 2011 Borough Hall

· Finance, 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 12, 2011 Borough Hall

· Fire & Police, 6:00 p.m., Thursday, May 12, 2011 Borough Hall

· PABA, 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 4, 2011 Borough Hall