Borough Council

Sharon Hill Borough Legislative Meeting Minutes Thursday, May 19th, 2022 1. Call To Order/Pledge of Allegiance 7:00 PM 2. Roll Call by Borough Manager Ieasa Nichols: Edward Booker [excused], Sharon Booker, Sandra Holcombe, William Felder, Keith Martinez, Tanya Allen, Solicitor Joe McAlee, Rodney Hill [late], Mayor Hykeem Green, Borough Manager Ieasa Nichols, Chief Richard Herron, Celandra Rice-Adeloye [excused], Treasurer William Morgan 3. Public Comment Quenna Mabry / Connie Taylor Pratt of Sharon Hill – Voiced concerns about how H&H Waste management collects trash and whether the employees are accepting monies to take property ‘clean- outs.’. There were also concerns about street sweeping and debris at commercial properties. Requested more Code Enforcement. President Tanya Allen addressed the concerns encouraging constituents to continue the cleanup efforts from our Community Clean Up Day and advised that the borough brought these concerns to the attention of our waste management company and will continue to partner to create solutions. Mention was made that the borough hired a new Code Enforcement Officer. President Tanya Allen discussed the responsibilities of a constable versus a code enforcer. Encouraged constituents to use the online complaint forms and call the borough to report. Police Chief Herron informed that street sweeper tickets were not issued due to delay from company tickets are purchased from, the Borough Manager Ieasa Nichols offered to work with the Chief to get tickets for the borough. John Lafferty of Sharon Hill– Echoed the concerns about how trash is picked up by waste management. Thanked the borough for how the Highway Department is conducting the street sweeper and how well the streets are being cleaned. 4. Resolution #2022-018: Appointment of SHACC Commissioner to the Sharon Hill Arts and Cultural Commission Swearing in of Commissioner: Regina Lites was conducted by Mayor Hykeem Green. The resolution was read and by our solicitor. Advised of the commissioner’s four-year term which began effective May 19th, 2022, and terminates December 31st, 2025 Motion by Councilwoman Sharon Booker Seconded by Councilor Sandra Holcombe Motion passes 6 - 0 5. Approval of meeting minutes - The meeting minutes were approved by council Quote of the Meeting was read by President Tanya Allen  Moment of silence held for the victims of the recent Buffalo, New York shooting. Each victims’ name was read. 6. Committee Reports: • CPCID – President Tanya Allen - No new developments • Finance – Treasurer, William Morgan read report making note of the large deposits from the general fund and monies received from real estate transactions. Treasurer William Morgan requested motion to approve treasurer’s report Moved by Councilwoman Sharon Booker Seconded by Councilor William Felder Motion passes 6 – 0 The bills list was read, and discussion was made regarding the items added to the irregular payments list. Treasurer William Morgan apologized for not having a printed copy of the irregular bills list for constituents to view. Further explanation provided on the replacement of a police vehicle that was totaled February 2022. Additional discussion was made regarding the payment made to the FOP for the 2021 Police Union for Dues, Fox Rothchild [for legal services on the Police Policy Investigation and hold on the PA Department of Environmental protection check]. Treasurer William Morgan further explained funds paid through the Recreation Dept. and SHACC. President Tanya Allen had questions related to the most recent police dues. Advised payroll will now submit dues on a bi-weekly basis. Additional questions were asked by President Tanya Allen regarding the recent building lock up [abatement] that the Police requested. Councilwoman Sharon Booker suggested to the council put it out for bid to obtain a diverse group of vendors for abatements. Borough Manager Ieasa Nichols suggested Highway Department handle minor abatements. Councilor Rodney Hill states that he discussed some of these abatement issues with our current Code Enforcer who advised to consider the legal issues attached. Councilwoman Sharon Booker echoed his concerns. Borough manager Ieasa Nichols would like to reduce the ordinance height of grass from 12 inches to 10 inches. The solicitor was consulted. Councilwoman Sharon Booker discussed the SHACC payments would be returned as the vendor was sick. Treasurer William Morgan advised Councilwoman Sharon Booker to return the check to him to be voided. Motion to pass bills list Motion Councilor Sandra Holcombe Seconded Councilor Rodney Hill Passed 6-0 • Library – Library Director Richard Ashby [absent] – Report read by President Tanya Allen focusing on the upcoming library anniversary in September. • Public Safety – The fire department reports were read by Vice President Keith Martinez. In addition, he discussed the upcoming 4th of July Celebration to be held on Saturday, July 2nd which he is requesting volunteers and monetary donations. He also requested assistance from the ARPA funding. Councilor Rodney Hill offered to assist with the 4th of July Celebration. • SHAAC – Councilwoman Sharon Booker congratulated the newly appointed commissioner. Discussed the success of the Pilates classes which will be extended four weeks. Remined constituents to continue supporting the flea market. • Public Health/Multiple Municipality – Councilor Edward Booker: The public health report was read by President Tanya Allen. Its focus is primarily on the public health portion regarding the safety of food donations received by the borough. He is continuing his efforts to connect the borough to local food pantries. Mayor Hykeem Green is making efforts to partner with Philabundance and discussed how food donations were previously distributed. Moving forward, Mayor Hykeem Green would like to create a committee for food distribution in the summer months. President Tanya Allen implored the community youths to volunteer. Councilor William Felder would like the council to consider finding a recreation building to give away food donations and have a space for youth and senior citizens activities. President Tanya Allen agreed, and Councilor William Felder suggested calling the complex a multipurpose building to expand our reach to be more inclusive. Councilor Sharon Booker suggested we reach out to President of County Council member Monica Taylor for additional public health resources. • Recreation / Community Engagement – Councilor Rodney Hill discussed the success of the Family Fun Day and how the councilors, the fire department and police department assisted in his efforts. There were approximately 300 participants. He thanked Vice President Keith Martinez for opening the high school as the event was moved indoors due to inclement weather. Councilor Rodney Hill also thanked Councilwoman Sandra Holcombe for her management of their prize table. He mentioned those who made large donations to Fun Day. Councilor Rodney Hill is putting together more initiatives to engage the young adults within the community. The council discussed the creation of a youth committee. • Parks and Properties – Councilor Sandra Holcombe advised that on May 2nd the basketball courts were opened and are open daily until dusk. The fence was repaired at the basketball court. She offered congratulations to Councilwoman Sharon Booker and thanked her for a referral which helped her to begin building a partnership with various youth counselors. During the Community Cleanup Day, a half of a truck was filled with trash. Councilor Sandra Holcombe listed by name those individuals who helped immensely. Judge Tammi Forbes and State Representative Dave Delloso were both present to volunteer. Councilwoman Sharon Booker congratulated Councilor Sandra Holcombe on a successful event. Vice President Keith Martinez commanded the youth on currently keeping the basketball courts clean. Councilor Sandra Holcombe and Borough Manager Ieasa Nichols also thanked the Highway Department for their participation in the Community Cleanup Day. President Tanya Allen also made mention of the successful e-Waste collection.  • Public Works – Councilor William Felder read the Code Official report. Councilor Rodney Hill inquired where funds collected for street sweeper tickets are allocated. Borough Manager Ieasa Nichols advised those funds go towards the borough. Councilor William Felder made mention that there were no police following the street sweeper and no notices placed on vehicles. Councilor William Felder read an open letter addressed to the borough council which requested more transparency with financials, and personnel policies. President Tanya Allen requested the Borough Manager Ieasa Nichols provide copies of the letter to each council member; advised to correct one statement regarding the changes to the library board of directors which was conducted properly via vote. 7. Officials’ Reports Mayor Green – Read the police report provided by Chief Richard Herron. Councilwoman Sharon Booker inquired if domestic violence has increased or decreased. Chief Herron advised domestic violence has decreased. Mayor Hykeem Green read the traffic study reports which shown the following: Site Study #1: 200 Block of Sharon Avenue - Over 20,000 vehicles analyzed. It is suggested that police presence be increased. Site Study #2: 900 block of Elmwood Avenue - Based on the study, it was suggested that speed bumps be installed. Site Study #3: 200 Block of Laurel Road – Based on the study, recommended actions more police presence, more signage and speed bumps be installed. Mayor Hykeem Green reminded constituents to follow the speed limits posted as additional studies are being conducted for safety as students will soon be on summer break. Youth Organizations – This is the first year of spring football. Mayor Hykeem Green mentioned a major medical issue that occurred during a recent practice. He advised the previous 501c3 status afforded the youth program the monies to purchase a defibrillator. Unfortunately, the 501c3 status was lost. Councilwoman Sharon Booker advised that council reach out to the solicitor on the steps necessary to regain the 501c3 status. Borough Manager Ieasa Nichols suggested the Ramblers become a P.A.L. [Police Athletic League] Organization and have staff/volunteers trained in CPR. Vice President Keith Martinez inquired about ARPA funds that may possibly be attributed to the program. Borough Manager Ieasa Nichols advised those funds are no longer available as they were designated already. Police Chief Herron offered to get pricing on updated defibrillators for both the police and the youth organization. Councilor Rodney Hill offered assistance with finding defibrillators. Borough Engineer - Susan Lynch of Lighthouse Engineers stood in for Kevin Matson who had a scheduling conflict. No new report provided. Councilwoman Sharon Booker inquired about her credentials which she provided verbally. Borough Manager spoke of the recommendation for the 2021 CBDG sanitary sewer project. She thanked the council and administrative staff for their well wishes and support during her brief absence due a motor vehicle accident. Provided a report on our digital sign. Advised that the borough purchased a modem and that the sign should be operable by the upcoming Saturday. It will provide WIFI as well. Discussed the efforts to partner closely with the Delco Office of Services which will establish programs like Silver Sneakers. The report was provided on the Liquid Fuels as our deadline is June 30th. Advised that we lost the funds for 2018. However, we are on target to obtain the 2020 funding. Discussed our traffic calming efforts and partnership with PennDOT on Sharon Avenue as it is a state highway. We were unable to obtain the speed bumps due to supply chain issues. We will continue the traffic studies to determine the dimension and number of speed bumps. Councilor Rodney Hill inquired about the CBDG grant approval process. Susan Lynch of Lighthouse Engineering provided a basic timeline of events that are required which can take a few weeks with hopes to gain funding by September. Councilor William Felder hard inquiries on Commercial U&O inspections as it relates to a specific merchant. These issues were addressed by the Borough Manager Ieasa Nichols educating on the inspection process and our Solicitor Joe McAlee. Chief Herron advised that there will be additional training of the Police officers on diversity and autism. Solicitor Joe McAlee: No new reports. President Tanya Allen asked for a motion to move to a summer schedule for July and August motioned to pass a summer schedule of one meeting per month on the 3rd Thursday at 7 PM. Moved by Vice President Keith Martinez Seconded by Councilor Sandra Holcombe Motion passes 6 - 0 New Business: Solicitor Joe McAlee presented both Resolutions. Resolution #2022-016: Appointment of a Building Code Official - Christopher McSween Moved by Councilwoman Sharon Booker Seconded Councilor Rodney Hill Motion passes 6 - 0 Resolution #2022-017: Appointment of Zoning Officer - Christopher McSween  Councilwoman Sharon Booker inquired if Christopher McSween has all certifications required to act as the Zoning Officer. Borough Manager Ieasa Nichols advised that McSween meets the requirements. It was stated that he can conduct all inspections except electrical. Moved by Councilor Sandra Holcombe Seconded Vice President Keith Martinez Motion passes 6 - 0 8. Adjournment at 9:30 PM The next Council Meeting is Thursday, July 15, 2022 Keep up with Sharon Hill Borough events and issues on the borough: Website: www.sharonhillboro.com Facebook: BoroughofSharonHill Twitter: @infosharonhill1