Borough Council

COLLEGEVILLE BOROUGH COUNCIL ZOOM MEETING JUNE 2, 2021 The meeting was called to order by Council President Kernen at 7PM. IN ATTENDANCE: Pres Cathy Kernen, VP Shannon Spencer, PPT Gary Hoffmann, Council Member Marion McKinney, Council Member Craig Farr, Council Member Kathy Costello, Council Member Valarie Beckius and Mayor Aidsand Wright-Riggins ALSO IN ATTENDANCE: Solicitor Dan Grieser, Engineer Dave Leh, Police Chief Bart Bucher, Manager Tamara Twardowski and Assistant Suzanne Robertson MOTION to approve the Minutes from the May 2021 meeting by Ms. McKinney with a second by Ms. Spencer MOTION carries 7-0 Consideration of Resolution 2021-12 to approve the ATM project at Redner’s Shopping Center. Paul Prince, attorney for the management group of the shopping center, brought an appeal for approval. He noted that, over the years, his client has been a good neighbor to the Borough and that they need this tenant to continue to be successful here. Matt McHugh address many of the issues that led the Planning Commission to deny the project. Mr. Grieser noted that this is minor Land Development and that the points brought up by the PC were preferences only and not violations of our code. Mr. McHugh agreed to enhancements of more green space. MOTION to approve Ordinance 2021-12 by Ms. McKinney with a second by Mr. Hoffmann. MOTION carries 5-2 (Farr & Spencer against) Consideration of Resolution 2021-13, the Preliminary Final Land Development Application for the flag lot at 360 Eighth Ave. Mr. Grieser explained this is a minor subdivision that was approved by the Planning Commission and given a waiver by the ZHB. MOTION to approve Resolution 2021-13 by Ms. McKinney with a second by Ms. Spencer MOTION carries 7-0 COMMITTEE REPORTS BUDGET & FINANCE: Ms. Twardowski reported that our general fund has $1,192,803.85. She is seeking approval of check numbers 4909-4942, payroll and ACH transfers in the amount of $178,671.64 for the month. She noted that our revenues are up 1.9% since last year and our expenses are down 17% from last year. Ms. Twardowski said that she and the finance committee will be presenting a mid-year budget report at the next meeting. She advised that the rescue application will be submitted tomorrow and that it looks like we will be able to use these funds to repair the culvert, which is good news! MOTION to approve the checks and Treasurer’s report by Ms. McKinney with a second by Mr. Hoffmann MOTION carries 7-0 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Ms. Kernen reported that their meeting was on May 24th. They discussed what Main Street should look like. There have been several new businesses open in the borough: Fred Astaire Dance Studio, The Dental Spot, The American Shaman, Lash Lounge, Father & Son Locksmith and Collegeville Pharmacy. She reported that DaVinci’s has sold to a Japanese Hibachi style steakhouse that hopes to open in June and Yoga Six plans to open in August. She is in early talks with an artisan brewery. The Keenans are looking for two restaurants to lease the Key Bank building. Ms. Kernen said the committee will be reaching out to residents this fall to begin a process of community engagement to share plans for Main Street and learn what the building owners, businesses and residents would like. COMMUNICATIONS: Ms. Spencer reported that the newsletter will be going out this week. She also mentioned that she is working with our website provider to be able to post more pictures and slideshows on the website. LPVRSA: No report CPVRPC: Ms. Beckius reported that the committee discussed zoning amendments, additional bike racks, a multi-regional greenway plan, turn lanes at Rts 113 & 29 and Lower Frederick’s comprehensive plan. CTMA/PUBLIC WORKS: Ms. McKinney said they had short meetings in which they paid bills and discussed diversifying their investments. They discussed when in person meetings will resume and will revisit at the July ZOOM meeting. PARKS: Ms. Costello noted there will be a committee meeting on June 8th at 7PM via ZOOM at which time she will discuss the ball field with 3rd Ave residents. She reported that Mr. Gehringer from Ursinus will be painting the scout cabin and that in the fall he hopes to reconfigure the ballfield to lessen the amount of foul balls that leave the field. Mulch was delivered to the playground and broken equipment will be replaced soon. Instructions will be posted at the new gaga pit so kids will know how to play. There was a discussion about the ballfield rental fees and the types of teams we want at the park. This will all be reviewed before next season. PERSONNEL: Ms. Kernen said that she and the Mayor are working on recruiting members for the Human Resources commission and that discussions are continuing about the Historic Commission. STREETS, PUBLIC SAFETY & LIGHTING: Mr. Farr said there are concerns from residents of Collegeville Crossing regarding the Rt. 29 & Freeland Dr. intersection. Residents would like to have a left turn signal installed on Rt. 29 South as traffic backs up there. They have had no acknowledgement from PennDOT about their issues. The next meeting will be held on June 7. Mr. Farr urged residents to come and give their opinions regarding the speed pillows on Park Avenue. Mr. Hoffmann asked Mr. Leh if he has had complaints about the flow of traffic getting through the intersection at Rt 29 & Main St. Mr. Hoffmann noted that several residents have complained to him about it. Mr. Leh said that he has not and that he has received confirmation from PennDOT that the signals are all working together. He said he will confirm and advise. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS ENGINEER: Mr. Leh reported that the Collegeville Car Wash was back to Planning Commission with a new plan and will go next to the Zoning Hearing Board. The demolition at the future Freeland Square location is almost complete. WB Homes will begin construction soon. Mr. Leh said that he reached out to PennDOT to get the schedule for the paving on Main St and Second Ave. He was told that the project is going out to bid at the end of the month and they will advise a timeframe (sometime between this summer and June of 2022) once a contractor has been chosen. SOLICITOR: Mr. Grieser reported that Act 15 is what allows us to meet virtually. On May 20th it was extended for ninety days. Once the declaration is over (Governor can cancel at any time), borough code will require us to resume in person meetings. We must have a quorum. Mr. Hoffmann asked if we have the equipment necessary to have our in person meetings broadcast so people can watch from home. Ms. Twardowski said she is working with our IT person to make sure that we do. Mr. Grieser recommended that we table the Historic Ordinance and the Sign Ordinance until July when we have more information. He said that we can expect more Assessment Appeals since commercial property values are down. MANAGER: Ms. Twardowski noted that the new draft sign ordinance that Mr. Grieser spoke about is in the shared folder if anyone wants to begin reviewing. The 2020 Audit is also loaded there. She advised that she met with the planners, representatives from Ursinus and Core Development and President Kernen regarding the Main Street revitalization project. She said they are also looking at considering properties that are not owned by the college to see how they could fit in to new plans. POLICE: Chief Bucher noted that the department needs to order a new police vehicle. The oldest in the fleet’s transmission died this week. FIRE: Mr. Penuel reported there were 20 calls for the month and over 283 volunteer hours of service. MOTION to approve Resolution 2021-14, the PennDOT special event permit to close Main Street for the Antique Car Show on August 15 by Ms. McKinney with a second by Mr. Farr MOTION carries 7-0 MAYOR: No report MOTION to approve the Administrative and Committee reports by Ms. McKinney with a second by Mr. Farr MOTION carries 7-0 PUBLIC COMMENT: None MEETING ADJOURNED 8:52PM