Borough Council

COLLEGEVILLE BOROUGH ZOOM MEETING MINUTES MAY 5, 2021 The meeting was called to order at 7PM by Council President Cathy Kernen ROLL CALL: Council President Cathy Kernen, Council VP Shannon Spencer, Pro Tem Gary Hoffmann, Marion McKinney, Craig Farr, Kathy Costello and Mayor Aidsand Wright-Riggins. Council Member Valarie Beckius was not in attendance. ALSO PRESENT: Solicitor Dan Grieser, Engineer Dave Leh, Police Chief Bart Bucher, Manager Tamara Twardowski and Administrative Assistant Suzanne Robertson. MOTION to approve the minutes from the April 7 meeting by Ms. McKinney with a second by Mr. Hoffmann MOTION carries 6-0 COMMITTEE REPORTS TREASURER: Ms. Twardowski reported that payroll and automatic payments were $189,366.18 and deposits were $96,133.74 for April. Year to date, we have the following figures: • Real estate taxes are up $78K • Transfer taxes up $27K • Local service tax down $2K • Earned Income Tax up $28K • Permit fees are down $12K • Liquid fuels down $10K She noted that salaries, benefits, legal & engineering fees, snow and trash are about the same as last year. We are on target with our budget at this time. Mr. Hoffmann asked about the Veteran’s Memorial Fund of $11K and if there are any projects we can do with those funds to more honor our veterans. Ms. Twardowski said she will look into some projects and all the permitted uses for the money. MOTION to approve the checks and treasurer’s report by Ms. McKinney with a second by Ms. Costello MOTION carries 6-0 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Ms. Kernen noted that at their last meeting they had the executive director for Mansfield, CT and he explained how they created a downtown from nothing at the University of Connecticut. Now, ten years later, there is a thriving town with over 60 businesses. She also reported that there was another meeting with Tom Crawford, the owner of the Perkiomen Bridge Hotel, and Rebecca Swanson from the Montgomery County Redevelopment Authority. She has granted Mr. Crawford a six month extension on his $1M grant from the state. She also noted that Ms. Swanson has other opportunities she can offer Mr. Crawford. COMMUNICATIONS: Ms. Spencer reported that she worked on the statement released by the borough and the Mayor regarding the Police incident that occurred on April 9th between a hate group and a Ursinus student. That statement is available on our website and the Borough’s Facebook page. She noted that the May newsletter is almost finished and will go out in the next day or so. CPVRPC: Ms. Costello read Ms. Beckius’ report: The committee met and continued to discuss the regional trail map, the web map and the brochure. She noted that our new Freeland Square project is considered to have regional significance. It has been reported that 52 homes sold in Collegeville Borough in 2020 and that the median home price was $368,550.00 which is down $11,450.00 from 2019. While homes overall in Montgomery County were up $25K. Priority goals for the year were discussed. CTMA/PUBLIC WORKS: Ms. McKinney reported that they discussed moving funds and diversifying their investments. They are investigating safe options. The Mayor asked if minority/women owned banks have been considered. Mr. Farr asked for his recommendation and will look into it. Ms. McKinney said at Public Works they discussed the timing of the wells. She explained that there is an issue with the radio frequency (another entity using our signal) that is causing PW to monitor the wells manually, which is costing man hours. They are working with the FCC to fix the problem. LPVRSA: The following report was submitted by Terrie Stagliano: 53 EDUs were approved. 3 Release of Chapter 94 Consistency Letters Awarded Synagro Central, LLC with a 3 year term for Beneficial Use and/or Biosolids and Disposal of grit Screenings in the amount of $52.00 per wet ton of Class B Biosolids and $175.00 per wet ton of grit screening. Middle Creek Interceptor Information: % Complete: 61.3% Work Completed: $18,369,145.55 Percentage Completed: 45.8% Pipe crew continues of 60" pipe installation at south end of project near Reber Road. Will complete causeway liner installation this month. Restoration of easement area at north end of project. 27 manholes of 59 needed and 8033 LF of pipe of 16,827 has been installed. Weather has caused many delays. LPVRSA eagle consultant is continuing to monitor work impacts on eagles nest. There has been bypass pumping in operation and has been able to handle high flow events. Contractor updated schedule, indicating they will work 50% of Saturdays to meet our contract completion date. We will be meeting with Allan Myers this week to stress the need for a completion date no later than September 2022. The original completion date was June 2021. Numerous maintenance and repairs at the plant. PARKS: Ms. Costello reported that the cleanup of all three parks is complete (thanks to the volunteers!) and that all the “Young Lungs at Play” signs have been hung. She is working with Ms. Twardowski to make repairs and improvements to the playground. She has been contacted by another Eagle Scout for a project and she is researching that. She noted that there is a meeting on Monday night with residents of Third Ave regarding some concerns at the baseball field. PERSONNEL: Ms. Kernen said she is looking for candidates to be on the new Historic Commission and the Human Relations Commission. She will have a description on the website and in the newsletter. Interested persons please apply! STREETS, PUBLIC SAFETY & LIGHTING: Mr. Farr reported that letters will be going out to the residents on Park Ave that will illustrate the proposed positioning of the speed pillows. Before they are applied, there is a plan to do traffic counts on Park and 5th Aves. He noted that the fire inspections are moving along and that the shopping centers and Collegeville Station are complete. He has asked Ms. Twardowski to look at other municipalities and how they handle rental inspections and he is planning to send out information to residents about fixing their sidewalks. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS ENGINEER: Mr. Leh reported that he has sent a notice of award and associated agreement paperwork to the contractor for execution. However, work will most likely not commence until at least June as the CTMA Water Line Project on Clamer Ave must first be completed. He also noted that a minor land development application has been received for a drive-up ATM to be constructed within the existing parking area of the Marketplace at Collegeville Shopping Center, The plan was reviewed at the April 15th Planning Commission meeting. The Planning Commission recommended denial of the plan mainly due to circulation issues. The applicant has requested an extension until June for Borough Council’s consideration of the plan. SOLICITOR: Mr. Grieser noted that the governor has lifted all COVID restrictions except for the mask mandate. The disaster emergency order expires May 20th. If the Governor doesn’t extend the disaster declaration, the Borough can leave its disaster declaration and continue meeting via zoom or go back to meeting in person. Borough code requires if in person, that there be at least four members present. The new property maintenance code was advertised and needs to be voted on this evening. Ms. Spencer had a question about page 3, Section E with regards to who determines what weeds are. Mr. Grieser said the code official would make the determination. Ms. Twardowski said that she is not so much concerned with the type of weed, but more about the height of the weeds/grass. This is not meant to go after decorative grasses and cultivated wildflowers, etc. This is meant to be used on properties with lawns and yards that are not being maintained. We hope to use this only for extreme cases. Ms. Spencer asked for some changes to be made by removing “destroy” and making it “remove”. Ms. Spencer also asked if the screen requirement was for all properties or just rentals. The response was that it is for rentals. MOTION to approve the Maintenance Code with new language by Ms. McKinney with a second by Ms. Spencer MOTION carries 6-0 Mr. Grieser explained the process for the new Historic Property Ordinance. If Council decides to move forward, it will go to our Planning Commission, the Montgomery County Planning Commission, owner notification and property posting before coming back to Council for a vote. Ms. Kernen noted that only five properties have been identified at this point: The Perkiomen Bridge, The Perkiomen Bridge Hotel and three buildings owned by Ursinus College. There will be a Historic Commission that will be tasked with identifying more. MOTION to approve advertising the Historic Ordinance by Ms. McKinney with a second by Ms. Spencer MOTION carries 6-0 The last thing Mr. Grieser reported is that the sign ordinance is still with the Planning Commission and he is awaiting their comments at the next PC meeting. MANAGER: Ms. Twardowski brought an issue to Council regarding some dead trees adjacent to a property on First Ave. Mr. Hastings assessed them and agreed that they are close to dead and thinks they should come down. Ms. McKinney feels it better to be proactive with regards to issues of dead/dying trees that could cause damage. Mr. Grieser asked for a motion to approve the removal of these trees and granting the manager authority to handle this situation going forward at her discretion. MOTION to approve by Ms. McKinney with a second by Mr. Hoffmann MOTION carries 6-0 Ms. Twardowski noted that there are several more ash trees in that area that may be due to come down and that perhaps at budget time we account for them. There is not a line item in the budget for open space. Ms. Twardowski stated that she is getting quotes from insurance agencies to see if she can save any money and also reviewing the year to date budget to see if the American Rescue funds can be used to pay ourselves back for expenses or losses during COVID. At the Planning Commission meeting this month they discuss the ATM project at the Redner’s shopping center and also the front patio expansion at the Collegeville Diner. They are heading to the ZHB looking for relief from the setbacks. The Collegeville Car Wash is also looking to do some improvements. POLICE: Chief Bucher noted three special details held during the month to point out aggressive driving. 41 cars were stopped and the infractions were explained to the motorists. Drug Takeback Day was April 24th and 97 pounds of prescription drugs were collected. Along with the 54 pounds collected in the lobby kiosk, 151 pounds were returned. The Chief noted a public arrest that took place at Ursinus on April 9th. He thanked Ms. Spencer for her work on the borough statement. He thanked the Mayor for his guidance, Mr. Grieser for his legal advice and Ms. McKinney for coming forward as a witness. He also thanked Ms. Twardowski and Ms. Robertson for their support. Chief Bucher asked for support to pass an ordinance in support of the borough officer’s to use radar to track speeding. MOTION to approve Ordinance 2021-11 in support of House Bill 606 and Senate Bill 419 for the use of radar by Ms. McKinney with a second by Mr. Hoffmann MOTION carries 6-0 FIRE: Craig Penuel reported 34 calls this month and 301 man hours of service. He said they have decided to move forward with the Car Show on August 15 and will be asking for approval to close the road from 7AM – 5PM. Ms. Twardowski said the closure needs to be handled through resolution and she will have it ready for the June meeting. Chief Bucher said that will be enough time to get approval from PennDOT. MAYOR: Mayor Wright-Riggins noted many meetings and discussions with Council Members, Ursinus administration, Resident Advisors and students regarding the incident on April 9th. He is pleased with the relationship with Ursinus. He noted the success of the Rotary Stream Clean Up on Saturday, April 10. He also noted two Proclamations this month. One for Bells Across Pennsylvania and the other making May William’s Syndrome month. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding ways to best handle stressful situations like the event on April 9, 2021. MOTION to approve the Administrative and Committee reports by Ms. McKinney with a second by Ms. Spencer MOTION carries 6-0 Ms. Kernen said she is happy to hear the Car Show is coming back this year and also noted the Movies on the Lawn has been approved by Ursinus. On July 16 and August 16, there will be family movies shown on the lawn at Ursinus with food trucks available. More info to follow. Ms. Twardowski noted one concert scheduled so far on August 19-Trout Fishing in America. MEETING ADJOURNED AT 9:13PM