Borough Council

MEETING MINUTES FOLCROFT BOROUGH COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING FEBRUARY 7, 2023 LOCATION: 1555 Elmwood Avenue, Folcroft PA 19032 President Papaleo called the meeting to order at 7:00pm. Mayor DiCicco led the flag salute and invocation. President Papaleo noted that an executive session was held directly prior to the meeting. Council President Papaleo, Councilmember Leigh Daly, Councilmember Tawana Grayson, Councilmember Malinda Isaac, Councilmember Lorna Fyffe, Councilmember Stephen Ropski, Councilmember Ike Wilson, Mayor Franny DiCicco, Solicitor James Gallagher, Secretary/Manager Andrew Hayman were present. There was no audience participation. Public Finance & Administration - Mr. Papaleo • Members considered a contribution of $125 to the Darby Creek Valley Association to sponsor their annual spring cleanup. Mr. Papaleo said this is done every year. Ms. Daly made the motion and Mr. Ropski seconded. The motion passed unanimously . Public Works - Ms. Grayson • No new business. Public Safety– Mr. Ropski • Mr. Ropski made a motion to ratify hiring Maximilian Malarky as a part-time Police Officer seconded by Ms. Daly. The motion passed unanimously. • Mr. Ropski made a motion to approve the December and January Fire Chief’s report. Ms. Daly seconded. The motion passed unanimously. • Members considered a quote for 19 body worn cameras and data storage for $62,895.00 Mr. Ropski made the motion and Ms. Daly seconded. Manager Hayman said that the funds would ultimately be reimbursed by a PCCD grant awarded in 2022 but the sale would be now to avoid increases in costs. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Papaleo said a new vehicle would be in shortly. Ms. Daly said that there had been no order. Mr. Papaleo said he did a vote by phone. Mr. Hayman said he would add this to the agenda for ratification and suggested a resolution approving the sale of an old vehicle. Public Health and Literacy - Ms. Fyffe Members considered appointing Crista Balanow to a two year Library Board vacancy Ms. Fyffe made the motion seconded by Mr. Ropski. The motion passed unanimously. Ms. Fyffe pointed out Ms. Balanow in the audience and thanked her for applying. Ms. Balanow asked what the next step would be. Ms. Fyffe said they would speak privately. Public Parks and Recreation – Ms. Daly Members discussed the committee meeting on Thursday, February 23 rd at 6:30pm to plan the Juneteenth celebration and the Easter Egg Hunt. Ms. Daly said that on Thursday February 23rd there would be a committee meeting to discuss Juneteenth and an easter egg hunt. Ms. Daly said she wanted to build on last year’s celebration to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Baker Incident and suggested doing something recognizing it this year. Ms. Daly suggested a zoom meeting as well. Municipal Ordinances and Code Enforcement – Mr. Wilson • No new business. Municipal Planning and Borough Beautification – Ms. Isaac • Ms. Isaac mentioned that the cleanup in April should be planned and requested assistance in coordinating with historic supporters. Ms. Daly said that Mr. Hayman could do this and has all of the contacts. Ms. Daly described the way these events have been done previously and did an overview of the setup for the day. Ms. Isaac said she is not good at making flyers. Ms. Fyffe suggested asking Mr. Caponi for assistance with this who was sitting in the audience. Ms. Isaac suggested meeting next week to discuss. New Building – Ms. Grayson • Members discussed a motion to approve general construction payment release number three in the amount of $321,103.24 Mr. Hayman said that there was a change order missing from the agenda and suggested council review, noting an initial, associated expense had been agreed to previously. Mr. Hayman apologized for not adding it to the agenda and suggested approving and ratifying at a later date. Mr. Van-Otoo explained what the additional engineering costs were associated with this work. Mr. Papaleo suggested the expense of $321.103.24 for the payment release and ratifying. Driveways and Parking Permits – Ms. Daly Members considered reducing annual parking pass fees to $30 for the remainder of the season Ms. Daly said that this was done last year as well and said that dropping the expense to $30 is just reducing the fee for people who need one for the end of the season. Ms. Daly made the motion seconded by Mr. Ropski. The motion passed unanimously. Ms. Grayson asked why it would be dropped. Ms. Daly said that this was done last year and this was just pro rating it consistent with last year. Ms. Isaac said this made sense. Ms. Daly said this just made things easier. Ms. Daly gave examples of reasons why this might be a reasonable thing to do. Ms. Daly said that it may be noted that work is still being done on the driveways but this is due to good weather with milling and base repair continuing. Ms. Daly said that by the end of this week 94% of the job should be complete. Ms. Daly said that it looks like the project will come in under budget. Mr. Van- Otoo said that more details about this would be provided next week. Old Business Ms. Daly asked where we were on the trash truck bid. Mr. Van-Otoo said he prepared the documents for review and said he sent it out this afternoon. Mr. Van-Otoo said once the solicitor looks at it, specifying bidding time and awarding process. New Business Ms. Grayson made a motion to approve a change order in the amount of $59,003.96 for conversion of the new building attic space to storage. Mr. Ropski seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Ms. Grayson said there has already been some interest in the community garden and that she will look to communicate with Mr. Payne for tree trimming at the garden, especially considering the new bucket truck which had been received. Ms. Grayson asked Mr. Van-Otoo if the new building is on track. Mr. Van-Otoo said that the construction company returned on January 23rd and that once paving is done the builders can start the main project on roughly May 16th. Mr. Van-Otoo said the final paving will be completed at the end. Ms. Grayson asked if the new schedule would push the project back. Mr. Van-Otoo said that the building could be delayed possibly. Mr. Hayman said that the project was still on schedule per the information provided. Mr. Ropski asked if there would be a penalty if there was a delay. Mr. Van-Otoo said possibly but that the weather was part of the delay as the site is very wet. Ms. Daly said that this seemed like a reasonable excuse for the day. Mr. Van-Otoo said that this payment release was for materials and construction. Adjournment