Borough Council

MEETING MINUTES FOLCROFT BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 22, 2023 LOCATION: 1555 Elmwood Avenue, Folcroft PA 19032 President Papaleo called the meeting to order at 7:04pm and noted that an executive session was held prior to the meeting to discuss personnel related matters and a listening session in Phoenixville. Mayor DiCicco led the flag salute and invocation. Roll Call: Council President Papaleo was preset, 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. There was no audience participation. Engineer’s Report Mr. Nick Cross with Remington and Vernick is filling in for Edwin Van-Otoo introduced himself and presented his background. Mr. Cross said that there are two payment release due. Mr. Cross mentioned that PECO had downsized the number of electrical meters needed to allow the project to move forward. Mr. Cross said that the shared driveway project bonds are expected soon and then the project will be closed out. Mr. Cross said that the DEP reporting period closes on June 30th and there are two projects with grant funding entering design phase. Ms. Daly asked about the closure of the alleyway project noted that there are residents who are unhappy and that there are a few addresses that need to be sealed if they are asphalt to asphalt. Ms. Grayson asked about the status of the 7/11 property. Mr. Hayman said that there was a new owner although it was not originally clear that there is a new owner. Ms. Grayson said that the fence was down in some areas. Ms. Daly said she thought the fence was temporary and for construction. Ms. Grayson said that this was already part of a plan to stop the tire dump that was located. Public Finance & Administration - Mr. Papaleo • Ms. Daly made a motion to approve the bill list for the month of May, 2023. Ms. Grayson seconded. The motion passed unanimously. • Ms. Isaac made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s report for the month of May, 2023. Mr. Ropski seconded. The motion passed unanimously. • Ms. Grayson made a motion to approve the May 2nd 2023 and May 23rd 2023 seconded by Ms. Daly. The motion passed unanimously. • Ms. Daly made a motion to appoint Andrew Caponi as Assistant Borough Manager seconded by Mr. Ropski. The motion passed unanimously. Public Works - Ms. Grayson • Members discussed a quote for line repainting Ms. Grayson asked which six intersections are going to be repainted. Mr. Hayman said it was all locations where there is a crossing guard. Mr. Bair listed the intersections. Ms. Grayson made a motion to approve a quote from guidemark for $12,750 to repaint six crosswalks Mr. Papaleo asked the material that would be used. Ms. Grayson said it was a thermoplastic material that is more visible and would last longer. Ms. Daly seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Public Safety– Mr. Ropski • Mr. Ropski made a motion to approve the May 2023 Police report Mr. Papaleo asked about a spike in tickets written. Mr. Bair said that this was because of street sweeping and tickets going to citation. Mr. Bair said that in years past there would be occasional spikes as tickets go to citation. Mr. Bair said that every week he provides a list of tickets for the week. Mr. Hayman said this list is consistent. Ms. Isaac seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. • Mr. Ropski made a motion to approve the May 2023 Fire Chief’s report. Ms. Daly seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. • Mr. Ropski made a motion to approve the May 2023 Fire Marshal’s report. Ms. Grayson seconded the motion. • Mr. Ropski made a motion to appoint Francis Redding to the Civil Service Commission seconded by Ms. Isaac. Mr. Ropski – Yes Mr. Papaleo – Yes Ms. Fyffe – Yes Ms. Daly – Yes Mr. Redding – Abstain Ms. Isaac – Yes Ms. Grayson – Yes The motion passed with 6 in support and one abstention. Public Health and Literacy - Ms. Fyffe • Members considered quotes for repainting the clock tower and firehouse. Mr. Hayman explained that the $2,400 was for the clocktower out of the clocktower fund and the $8,800 for the firehouse would be out of the general fund. Ms. Daly and Ms. Grayson asked why. Mr. Ropski said he had recommended it. Mr. Papaleo said he would like the buildings to match. Ms. Daly said that the firehouse had not been supportive of the borough and Delcroft elementary and that the caterer had refused this. Mr. Ropski said he would refuse this. Ms. Daly noted that half of the parking lot used for events is owned by the Borough. Ms. Daly said she is fine supporting the fire company but said that she would not be as inclined if the feeling is not mutual. Ms. Daly felt that the caterer was not responsive or supportive. Mr. Papaleo asked what revenue was gained from the caterer. Mr. Ropski said he was not sure but that it was not much and only a percentage has been received, however the caterer is booked. Mr. Papaleo criticized the nature of the rental arrangement. Mr. Ropski clarified his understanding of the rental agreement. Ms. Grayson noted that she is aware of incidents where the location is not used because there is an exclusive agreement for food with the caterer. Ms. Daly said she understand that this is not great because it harms the firefighters. Mr. Ropski said that the caterer redid the building and it now looks nice. Mr. Ropski said that the Borough would be required to pay to rent to use the hall. Ms. Daly said that the Borough pays rent to allow the fire trucks to be used in the hall. Mr. Hayman suggested that council could make a motion contingent upon the department paying for half. Mr. Papaleo asked for the building expenses. Mr. Ropski said that the electric bill for the fire alarm is expensive, alone. Mr. Papaleo said would it make sense for the Borough to take over the property and then lease to the department. Mr. Ropski said that the Borough owns the land but the members own the building itself. Ms. Daly asked how much the Borough pays per month. Ms. Petty said $1,500 per month. Mr. Papaleo said he was open to tabling. Ms. Daly said that it would be better to paint now, too. Mr. Papaleo said that September was the ideal time to paint. Mr. Ropski said that they already expected to have the building painted. Ms. Grayson said that this made her less likely to support it. Ms. Daly explained that the Borough wanted to paint it for everything to match. Ms. Grayson asked if the fire company could contribute anything prior to making this decision. Ms. Daly said she expected more revenue to come in. Mr. Ropski noted several matters that the fire company assists with. Ms. Isaac said she would like to paint it. Ms. Grayson said she would like to see if the firehouse could contribute something before making a deal. Mr. Redding asked if the Borough profits from this somehow. Ms. Daly said no. Mr. Ropski noted the cost and expenses associated with the fire company. Ms. Fyfe asked where funding comes from. Mr. Ropski listed the sources of revenue for the fire company. Mr. Papaleo said he understood Ms. Grayson’s point. Mayor DiCicco asked to have several members come in and speak to the Borough to come up with some type of compromise. Ms. Daly did say that they do put their lives on the line and $8,000 is nothing. Mr. Ropski made a motion to approve to a quote for $2,400 for clocktower to come out of the clocktower fund for repainting and $8,800 for repainting the fire company building from Palmer. MR. Ropski made a motion to approve seconded by Ms. Isaac. The motion passed with 6 in support and 1 opposed. Ms. Fyffe said that yoga was delayed for the month due to heat. Public Parks and Recreation – Ms. Daly • Members considered a quote for a 14 foot artificial Christmas tree with lighting for $6,325 from Holiday Outdoor Décor Ms. Daly said that this was suggested by Manager Hayman from the PSAB conference and showed pictures and examples of what the tree looks like along with the quote. Ms. Isaac asked if this interfered with fireworks. Ms. Daly said that it did not and noted that there were many contributions for fireworks this year. Ms. Daly asked if the clocktower fund could be used for this. Ms. Grayson said that these funds were left for the maintenance of the clocktower. Mr. Papaleo explained the background of the situation to Mr. Gallagher. Mr. Ropski said that the clocktower was connected to the library. Mr. Papaleo asked the balance. Ms. Stilwell said over $430,000. Mr. Gallagher said that he would take a look at it and that there might be limitations on what could be done. Mayor DiCicco asked if the clocktower can play holiday music. Ms. Daly said that it can and does. Mr. Papaleo said that the opinion at the time was that the decorations used at the clocktower were for the clocktower. Mr. Redding asked if this was the only thing that the money was spent on. Ms. Daly said that the addition built onto the library connecting it to the tower was paid for with clocktower funds. Mr. Gallagher said he would need to take a look into this but was unsure. Mr. Papaleo said that the deal for the tree was negotiated in Hershey. Mr. Hayman said that the picture included a photo of the star. Ms. Daly made a motion to approve a quote from Holiday Outdoor Décor for $6,325. Ms. Grayson seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Ms. Daly noted that Juneteenth happen and it did not have the best turnout ever. Ms. Daly said that she would give a credit for vendors who would like to come back for the next one and that there were plans to change hours or other matters. Ms. Daly said that the basketball tournament was fantastic and went really well and the sponsor of this event agreed to do it again for next year. Ms. Daly said she had some items to work out with vendors not providing what they said they would but this would be worked out. Ms. Daly said there needed to be some work to get this back to last year. Mr. Papaleo asked for a copy of the trust to be reviewed by Mr. Gallagher. Mr. Gallagher said he would review to consider whether a reimbursement would be possible. Mr. Gallagher said to continue work with the County health department. Ms. Daly said she would like a meeting with the County to discuss this. Mr. Gallagher said he always keeps a copy of the temporary food license application and he can help. Ms. Daly explained her frustration with the way the health department works. Mr. Gallagher said that bake sales were allowed. Mr. Ropski asked the cost of the temporary food license. Mr. Gallagher said $195. Mr. Ropski asked if the Borough can do this. Mr. Papaleo said he would like this on the agenda for the next meeting. Ms. Grayson said a temporary event permit is needed and this is each time. Mayor DiCicco said that in Philadelphia a temporary food license and permit are needed. Ms. Daly said she believed it would only be $33 each time because the Borough is tax exempt. Municipal Ordinances and Code Enforcement – Mr. Redding • Mr. Redding had no new business Municipal Planning and Borough Beautification – Ms. Isaac • Ms. Isaac said that the first meeting of the beautification committee is going to be on Monday Saturday at 7:00pm and that she would like to prepare a robocall. Mr. Hayman said he would prepare one. Ms. Isaac presented her preferred wording. Members discussed the parameters of a garden contest. New Building – Ms. Grayson • Members considered payment release number 4 in the amount of $300,160 for the new municipal complex construction. Ms. Grayson made the motion seconded by Ms. Daly. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Papaleo noted that a majority of councilmembers met at the Phoenixville community center to take a look at the original flooring material of the gym and had decided to go with the current material, requiring no action or change as this was already in the plan. Ms. Grayson said she even tested the material with water and to avoid slipping and learned the lifespan of it as well. Ms. Grayson said that she did agree to this deal contingent upon purchasing a floor cleaning machine as part of the deal to use weekly to preserve the lifespan of the floor, which would cost about $10,000. Ms. Grayson noted that pickleball is a big moneymaker in the gym and that different colored tapes identify the different games that can be played on the floor. Ms. Isaac asked if there could be adult teams as well. Ms. Grayson said this was the case and said there were never enough locations for this. Mr. Papaleo asked if there was a commitment from members of council to purchase a machine. Mr. Papaleo said there was no action at the time. Mr. Papaleo said that Ms. Daly and Isaac were the only members not in attendance. Mr. Redding said the ordered bleachers are going to be compatible with the floor. Ms. Grayson said that they would be. Driveways and Parking Permits – Ms. Daly • Ms. Daly had no new business to discuss. Police Chief’s Report Chief Bair said calls are up to 3,400 on pace for 7,000 for the year which is abnormal. Mr. Bair said that he purchased something from crime watch from police funding including qr codes for crime to be posted around town to send messages to the Borough. Mr. Bair said that the cameras at Montgomery park are being used and video was used to identify juveniles knocking over the porta potties before Juneteenth. Mr. Bair said these cameras are good but cannot easily see faces and are blurry. Mr. Bair noted that a stolen car was dropped off at the Montgomery Park boat ramp and the thieves walked onto the taylor drive alleyway to escape. Mr. Bair said that anti crime is not really out there right now with more officers on the street with some officers moved around for the timebeing. Mr. Bair said he still does some work reimbursed by the County. Mr. Bair said that three juveniles were detailed last week and two the week prior were caught violating the ordinance including an incident where there were 30 children on Taylor Drive. Ms. Grayson asked the age of the curfew. Mr. Bair said anyone under 18 must go in before 9:00pm and that this is used especially aggressively right when school gets out as this is sometime a problem, though it can be selective if someone is out running an errand or not causing issues. Ms. Isaac asked about the type of situation. Mr. Papaleo said that if there is a legitimate reason there is no issue. Ms. Grayson asked about specific incidents as she has basketball practice. Mr. Bair explained that this is not something that is done immediately and questions are asked first, noting specific incidents. Mr. Bair noted that there are some individuals banned from specific stores because of bad behavior. Mr. Bair said the police academy ended and he has two applications that came through for part time positions. Solicitor’s Report Mr. Gallagher had no report additional to the executive session. Finance Director’s Report Ms. Stilwell said she did not have anything but that it may be advisable to Borough Manager’s Report Manager Hayman presented a monthly report on code enforcement, highway department updates, parking enforcement and other matters in the community. Old Business There was no old business. New Business Mayor DiCicco said that on Folcroft Ave there is an old, white ford van that doesn’t belong to any of the residents and asked if Chief Bair to look into it. Mr. Bair said that Mayor DiCicco said that she did not need to wait weeks she could just report it. Ms. Isaac said she has lots of cars double parking on her street with their flashers on and asked what to do about this. Ms. Daly suggested calling the police. Mr. Papaleo said he is annoyed about this. Mr. Bair suggested dialing 911 or reporting it via crimewatch. Mr. Bair asked if there are exceptions to the noise ordinance as there are complaints about the pool. Mr. Ropski made a motion to adjourn at 8:21pm seconded by Ms. Daly. The motion passed unanimously.