Borough Council

BANGOR BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT 197 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, BANGOR, PA MINUTES July 10, 2017 7:00PM CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE TO FLAG ROLL CALL Members Present: Michael J. Bilotta James W. Kresge Robert J. Rhodes, Jr. Barry G. Schweitzer Robert W. Engle Jane E. Gorman Robert Goffredo, Sr. Others Present: Joseph H. Capozzolo, Mayor Nathaniel J. Dysard, Borough Manager David J. Ceraul, Esq., Solicitor Sascha Gutierrez, Junior Council Member Brian Gembarski, Junior Council Member Absent: Bonnie J. LaBar Mayor Capozzolo awarded Junior Council Member Brian Gembarski with the Certificate of Recognition for serving as a Junior Council Member. Gembarski thanked all his fellow members on Borough Council for the opportunity to see local politics and he would like to continue this in his future. PUBLIC COMMENT 1. Leila Ross (129 Messinger Street) voiced her concern about the stormwater issue that created holes in her yard during the recent rain event. Ross took pictures of the holes in her yard and gave them to Borough Council. She also mentioned the overgrown grass at 137 Messinger Street. Manager Dysard stated that he is working with Codes Enforcement and he is actively pursuing the issue to make sure the grass is maintained. Manager Dysard commented that he is continuing to have meetings with PennVest to discuss the Messinger Street culvert funding options. ACTION ITEMS 1. Jim Patti was present from Liberty Fire Company to discuss the LSA grant project. Patti had a meeting with the Liberty Fire Company members and they voted to not apply for phase two of the project this year but want to continue with phase one. 2. Manager Dysard discussed the Northampton County CIPP Grant Application with Borough Council. Dysard reported that the aged trash and recycling receptacles downtown are significantly deteriorated. He would like to replace the receptacles with one’s decorated in art. In partnership with Bangor Bloom or another organization the new containers would be decorated with public art. The Borough has secured $5,000 in funding from Slate Belt Rising. Dysard is requesting Council to approve a $10,000 application for the County CIPP grant. The Borough match would be $5,000  for this project. A MOTION was made by Schweitzer, seconded by Rhodes to authorize submitting the application for the CIPP grant. All were in favor, MOTION carried. 3. Manager Dysard received the invoice from Bracalente Construction for $43,120.00 for the 2017 Bangor Borough Road Program. A MOTION was made by Schweitzer, seconded by Goffredo to approve payment for $43,120.00. All were in favor, MOTION carried. COUNCIL COMMENTS 1. Council Member Schweitzer asked for an update on 26-28 Market Street (property that was damaged by fire.) Manager Dysard stated that the owner has pulled permits and he has about a month (according to the court order) to replace the roof. 2. Council Member Gorman updated Borough Council on the Park Board events. She stated that Movie Night at the Park was successful with approximately 120 people attending. Splash Dance at Bangor Pool is the next event held on July 14th from 7:30 P.M.-9:30 P.M. Gorman asked for volunteers for the Luau at Bangor Park event on July 21st and Octoberfest. 3. Mayor Capozzolo commented that he observed that there has been a decrease in the mulch trucks going down North Main Street. He also mentioned the recent accident involving the train on South Main Street. The Mayor was at the scene along with the fire chiefs and they discussed the potential problem if a fire were to break out at 2nd ward because the train was blocking the area. He said second ward was alerted and they have a plan in place. This is also important due to the Messinger Street Bridge being closed. 4. Council Member Bilotta attended the Block Party and he feels it was a success. Manager Dysard said the feedback was positive from the residents and business owners. Bilotta said that Council President Kresge kept his promise and was in the dunk tank. 5. Manager Dysard advised Council that a portion of the roof at the Administrative office is being replaced because there was a leak. 6. Solicitor Ceraul asked everyone to stay after the meeting to have cake for Junior Council Member Brian Gembarski. 7. Council President Kresge said it’s been a busy week in Bangor. The fire and police did an excellent job with the train accident. The events and appearance downtown have been outstanding with positive feedback. He commented that Borked PC and The OneWay Church have been remodeled on Broadway and looks beautiful. ADJOURNMENT A MOTION to adjourn was made by Rhodes, seconded by Gorman. All were in favor. MOTION carried. The Bangor Borough Council Meeting adjourned at 7:33 P.M. Respectfully Submitted, Tracy Palmer, Administrative Secretary