Borough Council

MEETING MINUTES FOLCROFT BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING MAY 23, 2023 LOCATION: 1555 Elmwood Avenue, Folcroft PA 19032 President Papaleo called the meeting to order at 7:04pm President Papaleo noted that an executive session ha d been held directly before the meeting. Mayor DiCicco led the flag salute and invocation. Roll Call (Council President Papaleo was present, Councilmember Leigh Daly was present, Councilmember Tawana Grayson was present, Councilmember Malinda Isaac was present, Councilmember Lorna Fyffe was present, Councilmember Stephen Ropski was present, Councilmember Frank Redding was present, Mayor Franny DiCicco was present, Solicitor James Gallagher was present, Secretary/Manager Andrew Hayman was present. Audience Participation Mr. Richard Kesser said the ambulance contract for Folcroft Borough is under control and is good for three years so he does not believe there will be any concerns for three years and mentioned that he needs owners cards for the fire truck and asked for space to park vehicles on weekends – construction trucks – when they are finished work on the weekend. Mr. Papaleo said he believed they were leaving trucks on inconvenient spots. Ms. Daly said she believed there could be damage due to vehicles parked on asphalt. Mr. Van-Otoo said there would be no damage as this is the base course and it could be repaired. Ms. Tynisha Davis said she wanted to bring up some issues with the toilet damage which she said she had addressed to Mr. Hayman and said she wanted Manager Hayman explained that the toilet clogging issue was noted in his report and that it was primarily attributed to scaling in the lines and potentially the flow of the toilets currently in place, although the trap was also bad. Manager Hayman said he hoped with some assistance from the Borough this could be resolved as cheaply and efficiently as possible. Ms. Davis said that last time the toilet flooded it was not a permanent but it has happened again. Mr. Papaleo said that this was not the library boards responsibility to maintain. Manager Hayman said that this was a misunderstanding and that while the library was responsible for inside maintenance a major item like this could be addressed by the Borough. Engineer’s Report Mr. Van-Otoo said he has provided his engineer’s report and that building work began on the 15 th and that PECO is claiming that they were not notified about the project until May and that he is unsure whom is responsible for the mixup – PECO or the contract. Mr. Van-Otoo said that the contractor says he is willing to do anything that they are willing to do. Ms. Grayson said that the current builder can only provide the two samples for flooring provided but after the call today Mr. Caponi is going to reach out to the architect to see if he can get new samples noting that there were two different versions one of which was a $180,000 increase. Ms. Grayson said it would be worth discussing after the meeting. Mr. Papaleo said one version looked like a wrestling map. Ms. Grayson with the options now Council would have to go with the large increase. Ms. Daly said that this is why council didn’t go with this because they want a facility that can actually be used. Ms. Grayson this looks like a version of the delcroft floor. Ms. Daly observed the samples and gave her thoughts. Ms. Grayson said she did not know what floor was in the current gym but said that it might be the original floor but is in great shape. Ms. Daly said that this is a no brainer. Ms. Grayson said that Mr. Caponi would reach out to the architect to see if there is an in between version of flooring. Ms. Grayson asked Mr. Van-Otoo to confirm whether the architect is going to work with PECO. Mr. Van- Otoo said that he was and there would be some alternatives after the meeting. Ms. Grayson asked the drop dead date to start the electric. Mr. Van-Otoo said he didn’t hae the schedule yet which he had just asked for forgiveness from PECO. Mr. Hayman said that he had already asked this from PECO and PECO had refused. Ms. Daly asked to explain what this means. Mr. Van-Otoo explained that normally there is only one transformer for each piece of land and that they would not allow two different transformers. Ms. Daly asked the downfall. Mr. Van-Otoo said that the contactor might need an extension. Ms. Grayson asked who’s fault this is noting delays in work this weekend. Mr. Van-Otoo said that the designer claims to have submitted the change to PECO. Mr. Van-Otoo said he did not want to focus on that part too much because he wants to get the project going. Mr. Redding asked if the work needed to still be done. Mr. Van-Otoo said this work had been done but he was looking to save money for the work. Mr. Van-Otoo said the shared driveways project is completed and he will talk to the contractor about completeness for the project. Mr. Van-Otoo said the residential solid waste documents are ready. Mr. Van-Otoo said that he was looking through the scope of work for grant applications so he can move forward on these projects. Mr. Van-Otoo said that he is working with DEP to coordinate an occupation meeting to get back on the same page since DEP permits for some projects were not applied for and he will keep members aware of this. Mr. Van-Otoo said that the 7/11 property has cut the grass and the property looks nice now. Mr. Van- otoo said that the owner would like to have a meeting with the Borough about the next steps for this property. Mr. Van-Otoo mentioned that in the past the Borough mentioned that they could be interested in the parcel. Mr. Papaleo said that there was an executive session prior to the meeting to discuss personnel and litigation. Public Finance & Administration - Mr. Papaleo • A motion to approve the bill list for the month of April, 2023 was made by Ms. Daly and seconded by Ms. Fyffe. The motion passed unanimously. • A motion to approve the Treasurer’s report for the month of April, 2023 was made by Ms. Grayson and seconded by Mr. Ropski. The motion passed unanimously. • A motion to approve the April 4th and April 18th 2023 Meeting Minutes was made by Ms. Fyffe and seconded by Ms. Isaac. The motion passed unanimously. • Members considered a loan transfer through Del Val Mr. Caponi said that the load for the new municipal complex funds are transferred to a new account with a better interest rate with staggered investments for a better return. Interest staggered from 90 day to 120 days with enough funds for liquidity to pay bills. Mr. Papaleo asked if this was Mr. Caponi. Mr. Caponi said that it was. Mr. Caponi said that this was $6,000 to $12,000 per month in interest with the loans up to September being substantial. Mr. Papaleo asked about stowing money in capital improvements and asked if this could be done as well. Mr. Caponi said that he has spoken to the treasurer about doing this with the treasurer who is doing an analysis. A motion to approve the loan transfer for Delval was made by Ms. Daly and seconded by Mr. Ropski. The motion passed unanimously. Public Works - Ms. Grayson • Members considered approving Highway Department summer help at $15 per hr – 32 hours a week June through September. Ms. Grayson said a lot of different boroughs in the area do this and it is to bring in one person for work from June 1st to October 1st at $15 for 32 hours per week as it is part time. Ms. Grayson said it would be part time position only. Mr. Papaleo asked if this would be a student. Ms. Grayson said it could be anyone including a college student. Ms. Grayson made the motion seconded by Ms. Daly. The motion passed unanimously. • Consider purchase of a used snow plow no to exceed $3,600 from LFF account Ms. Daly said that the moment Council purchases this there will be no more snow. Ms. Daly said she does not even get snow days as a teacher anymore as they go virtual. Mr. Papaleo asked if its just the plow. Mr. Hayman explained the situation. Ms. Grayson made the motion seconded by Ms. Daly. The motion passed unanimously. Public Safety– Mr. Ropski • Motion to approve the April 2023 Police report Ropski – Daly. Unanimous. • Mr. Ropski made a motion to approve the April 2023 Fire Chief’s report. Ms. Daly seconded. The motion passed unanimously. • Mr. Ropski made a motion to approve the April 2023 Fire Marshal’s report. Ms. Fyffe seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Ropski – Fyffe. • Members considered tabled motion to appoint Lorna Fyffe to the Civil Service Commission Made by Mr. Ropski and seconded by Ms. Daly. Roll Call Vote: Ropski – Yes Papaleo – Yes Fyffe – Abstain Daly – Yes Isaac – Yes Redding - Yes Grayson – Yes The motion passed with 6 in favor and one abstention. • Mr. Ropski made a motion to consider tabled motion to appoint Crista Balanow to the Civil Service Commission. Ms. Daly seconded. A roll call vote was held. Ropski – yes Papaleo – yes Fyffe – yes Daly – Yes Isaac – yes Redding – yes Grayson - No The motion passed with 6 in favor and one opposed. • Members considered the appointment of a third member to the Civil Service Commission. Ms. Daly said members are going to consider a third person. Mr. Redding said he was interested as this involves hiring and he has a background in labor and employment he also has various other areas of experience in this matter including teaching labor and employment law at Delaware County Community College. Mr. Papaleo said that it would need to be named to the agenda at the next meeting. Mr. Papaleo asked if there were any objections to the next meeting. Mr. Rospki said no. Public Health and Literacy - Ms. Fyffe • Ms. Fyffe said that they had discussed the toilet issues previously but noted that there will be a magic show on June 21st at 6:00pm. Ms. Daly asked for a copy of the flyer to send to Delcroft Elementary school Public Parks and Recreation – Ms. Daly • Members discussed Juneteenth Ms. Daly said the second annual Juneteenth celebration is upon us and vendors, food trucks and other items provided. Ms. Daly listed the sponsors for municipal events. Ms. Daly asked for anyone that knows any vendors to join with fees ranging from $25 to $50 for vendors and mentioned last year’s successful activities. • Members discussed supporting/sponsoring the summer basketball league with a donation of $1,000 Ms. Daly said that Ms. Grayson has been running the basketball league and that kids were engaged which she believed was helpful for the community. Ms. Daly said she has discussed how expensive the fees are and that the intent was to keep costs down for kids in the community. Ms. Daly said that she believed this was an available donation. Mr. Papaleo said it didn’t have to come out of the recreation budget and asked if this was enough. Ms. Grayson said it would cost about $1,500 for the season. Mr. Papaleo asked if the $2,000 was allowable. Mr. Gallagher said this was not diminimis since it was being doubled. Ms. Grayson said she is seeing positive community interactions as a result of this also from neighboring communities. Ms. Grayson noted team wins and said that this is the talk of the town. Ms. Daly said she went to several games and that the kids are enthusiastic and that support people in the community are needed and thanked Ms. Grayson for her work. Ms. Daly made a motion to sponsor summer basketball for $1000. Ms. Isaac seconded. Unanimous. Municipal Ordinances and Code Enforcement – Mr. Redding • Mr. Redding had no new business. Municipal Planning and Borough Beautification – Ms. Isaac • Ms. Isaac said she came up with a plan to have a garden contest for all of Folcroft not just including the community garden but also at home. Ms. Isaac said that she would like the garden contest starting June 1st and ending June 20th. Mr. Papaleo said that a garden matures in late August or early September and that his feedback would be that this be from June through August so there’s enough time to prepare. Ms. Daly suggested labor day weekend. Ms. Grayson asked if this was a garden or landscaping. Ms. Isaac said flowers or vegetables. Mr. Papaleo suggested categories. Ms. Isaac said that starting on the 21st she would like two other people to check out houses. Ms. Daly said to be sure that it isn’t an even number of people so there isn’t a tie. Ms. Isaac said she wanted five people to go around and look at gardens. Ms. Fyffe said she believed that advertising it would spur competition. Ms. Grayson said she was supportive of this but said that some seniors aren’t online and wouldn’t see that and some of these residents could still be included. Ms. Grayson suggested each person has a zone to review these properties as well. Ms. Isaac. Ms. Petty confirmed that people would not need to register which Mr. Papaleo also asked and suggested that this must be advertised. Ms. Isaac said that the best gardens would be awarded on labor day weekend. Ms. Isaac said there would be three winners with prizes ranging from $100 for first place $50 for second and $25 for third. Ms. Fyffe suggested a plaque. Ms. Grayson said she cares more about trophies than money. Mr. Gallagher suggested ribbons. Mr. Papaleo asked if Ms. Isaac was open to categories. Ms. Isaac said that she was – best landscape, best vegetable and best flower garden. Ms. Daly said vegetable would be hard as these are in the back yard generally and noted examples. Ms. Grayson said it depends on what is being grown and provided examples of different plants that can be grown. Ms. Petty mentioned there are apartments who have potted plants. Ms. Daly suggested picking five people to be judges to sit down and come up with parameters and go from there. Mr. Papaleo said that this would not be a quorum if it was councilmembers so long as they are not discussing business as discussed by Mr. Gallagher. Ms. Isaac asked Mr. Hayman to have a robocall sent out to find judges for the contest. Ms. Isaac said she would like to do monthly meetings at 7:00pm Monday night to discuss how to beautify the Borough. Ms. Daly said that this should be included in the robocall and should be made clear from the beginning. New Building – Ms. Grayson Ms. Grayson said the builder claimed that the work would be done in 9 months but hoped that it would be done sooner than this. Ms. Grayson said that the foundation is 100% complete for the borough hall and the community center foundation will be done in a few days, the masonry work is starting on the Borough building and because of the PECO situation the plumbing will be done now and the electrical work will be done later. Ms. Grayson said there is a payment in here which covers the electrical and asked if this was paid. Mr. Van-Otoo said this is for site lighting. Ms. Grayson explained that this is for site work. • Members considered payment release number 9 in the amount of $285,668.80 Ms. Grayson made the motion and Ms. Daly seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Ms. Grayson thanked Mr. Caponi for his hard work. Driveways and Parking Permits – Ms. Daly • Members discussed the ongoing issues with parked in the alleyway obstructing traffic Ms. Daly said there are some ongoing issues with vehicles parked blocking behind their alleyways at least in part and that firetrucks might not be able to get through. Ms. Daly said the worst issues are the area of Kent Rd and Taylor Drive. Ms. Daly said that Mr. Bair said there isn’t much that could be done previously. Ms. Daly said that this is passable for a car but not a truck when prompted by Mr. Papaleo. Ms. Daly said that people are avoiding their permits and this is the way. Mr. Gallagher said he had received the photos from Ms. Daly and that there were many things wrong. Mr. Gallagher noted the issues and said that notably there is no stopping or standing on streets in the Borough. Ms. Daly said she had been told by the Chief that this was not true. Mr. Gallagher said that this is considered a street under the Borough code and that there is no stopping or standing. Mr. Papaleo said that he wanted to make sure that this was something that could be enforced if signage was not clear. Ms. Daly said that the resident who owns the property would probably have no problem with a sign in their yard. Mr. Gallagher said that this was already in the code and this was not an issue but signage could be fine. Mr. Hayman provided suggested language to Mr. Gallagher for posting. Mr. Gallagher said it was appropriate. Mr. Papaleo said this should not be an issue as parking permits are affordable. Ms. Daly asked that the police enforce it. Mr. Redding asked if the Borough had an ordinance about abandoned vehicles on private property. Ms. Daly said that they did. Mr. Hayman explained the process as he understands it. Police Chief’s Report Chief Bair was not present. Solicitor’s Report Solicitor Gallagher had no business. Finance Director’s Report Borough Manager’s Report Old Business Mr. Papaleo said that it was discussed in the executive session that there was pending litigation. Mr. Papaleo explained the situation to residents and members of the community and said that he hoped that the bids were lower. Ms. Grayson said they could go higher. Mr. Ropski agreed but said that he believed this had to be done. Ms. Grayson said it was worth rebidding the project again to avoid any issues. Mr. Gallagher confirmed that the way the contract is worded the project would be bid for three years. Mr. Gallagher said that this was exclusive to the way the contract is worded currently. Ms. Grayson said that with the way the economy is the prices will only go up. Ms. Daly asked if there would be any reprocussions. Mr. Gallagher said that the Borough can unilaterally reject all bids before signing the contract with no explanation. Mr. Gallagher and Mr. Van-Otoo suggested rebidding it. Mr. Redding said that he think’s the Borough is limited to rejecting the bids A motion to reject all bids for trash collection previously considered on May 2nd was made by Ms. Grayson and seconded by Mr. Ropski. The motion was passed unanimously. New Business A motion to authorize the engineer and solicitor to craft a new request for bids for trash collection. Ms. Grayson made the motion seconded by Ms. Daly. Mr. Hayman noted that this order was only to draft bids and it did not authorize the engineer to post the bids, which would require final review by Council. Ms. Daly made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:18pm seconded by Ms. Grayson. Th emotion passed unanimously.