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The Telford Borough Council meeting held this date was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by President Robert Baker with the following members in attendance: J. Allen Landis, Carolyn Crouthamel, Jeffrey Maxwell, John Harrell, Stanley Nyce and Scott Hillegass. Also present were Mayor Jay Stover, Manager Mark D. Fournier, Recording Secretary Cathy Fried, Solicitor Mark E. Weand, Jr., Public Works Director Donald Beck, Souderton Telford Main Streets Manager Pamela Coleman, James Ennis with the Montgomery County Planning Commission, and press reporters. In the audience were borough residents Linda Morris and Donald Fry.
The invocation was given by J. Allen Landis, followed by the pledge of allegiance.
A Crouthamel / Nyce motion was carried unanimously (7-0) approving the April 6, 2009 minutes.
TREASURER'S REPORT:
A Hillegass / Landis motion was carried unanimously (7-0) approving the April, 2009 Treasurer's Report.
Manager Mark Fournier reported that Real Estate Transfer Tax is again short of budget calculations.
MAYOR'S REPORT:
Mayor Jay Stover reported he attended the Telford Volunteer Fire Company meeting with U. S. Senator Arlen Specter at which time Senator Specter presented a check to the Fire Company. He also assisted the Ladies' Auxiliary with the hoagie sale. Mayor Stover reported the Library Board discussed the addition to the library building and have requested the architect to complete the plans for final approval. He also attended the annual YMCA Breakfast at the Pinecrest Country Club.
POLICE REPORT:
Attached are our service calls from February 21 through March 31, 2009.
Officer Minninger attended the monthly North Penn Tactical Team practice. Officer Fox participated in a DUI roving patrol. Officers Kim and McGinness participated in a Tobacco Compliance check. Lieutenant Floyd attended a MAGLOCLEN conference and mandatory update training (see his report for detail). I attended the monthly Montgomery County Police Chiefs meeting and Penn Foundation's meeting regarding their Community Treatment Team.
A letter of thanks and a recent news article are attached for you to peruse.
FIRE REPORT: No Report
LIBRARY REPORT: We received a written monthly report for the file.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT: We received a written monthly report for the file.
1. Centennial Park - During the past month we completed the installation of electric components and lighting for the pavilion. We are waiting for PPL to install the electric service to complete the electrical work. Also we installed the drinking fountain, concrete pads for the portable toilets and a storage shed, and prepared the players bench areas for stone.
Other items to be completed include grading and seeding around the pavilion, installation of benches and bicycle racks, and the installation of the wearing course along the walking paths.
2. Stover Park - On April 2nd, Line Specialties erected the new lights and poles at the Stover Park ball field. On April 3rd we experienced heavy rain and high wind conditions which caused three of the poles to lean. The contractor returned on April 27th and straightened the poles and installed concrete for stabilization. In May we will begin installing conduit for wiring for the new lights. After the new lights are operating we will remove the old lights, poles, and wires.
3. Mowing - Mowing of Borough buildings, parks and athletic fields is on-going as required.
4. Pothole Patching - We continue to repair potholes as required.
5. Street Sweeping - On-going as required.
6. Reliance Road / Washington Street - Culvert - The replacement of the culvert at Reliance Road and Washington Street is scheduled to begin at the end of April. Passerini & Sons, Inc. is the contractor.
Public Works Director Donald Beck highlighted a few items listed on his report. He reported the public works crew has been working on Centennial Park and is near completion. Donald Beck is waiting for PPL Electric to install electric service to the pavilion area. The public works crew has installed concrete slabs for benches. The new light poles have been installed at Jacob & Mary Stover Park; however, the light poles shifted because of high winds and the contractor has corrected the problem. The old lights will be removed after the conduit has been installed for the new lighting. The paving of Reliance Road between Third Street and the Railroad tracks will be completed after the end of the current school year.
MANAGER'S REPORT: We received a written monthly report for the file.
- Reviewed various building / zoning permit applications and land development plans with the Zoning Officer and the Solicitor.
- Attended various meetings with regard to Borough Council and Telford Borough Authority.
- Met with the Engineer and Public Works Director regarding new handicap ramp regulations and design.
- Attended the Partnership TMA monthly board meeting.
- Attended the Indian Valley Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee meeting.
- Coordinated the advertising and appropriate review of the revised Telford Borough Zoning Ordinance.
Manager Mark Fournier reported he is in the process of forming a committee to develop a 7 year revitalization plan. He attended the Northern Montgomery Recycling Commission luncheon on May 1st. The recycling award was given to Tiger printing for their efforts in recycling paper, aluminum and ink. He further reported that Line Specialties installed the light poles at Jacob & Mary Stover Park; however, high winds caused the poles to lean. This resulted in further drilling to correct the problem. The contract did include a rock clause to provide for additional charge in the event of problems with drilling. Therefore, Line Specialties has submitted a change order to cover the additional costs in the amount of $4,035.
A Nyce / Crouthamel motion was carried unanimously (7-0) to accept the change order for payment to Line Specialties in the amount of $4,035 bringing the total to $23,665.
BUILDING OFFICIAL'S REPORT: We received a written monthly report for the file.
SOLICITOR'S REPORT: We received a written monthly report for the file.
1. ZONING. (A) The Solicitor continues to confer with Mark Fournier to discuss pending building, zoning and inspection matters. All material is reviewed by the Solicitor on receipt for advice submission. (B) Rock Community Church Zoning Application. There remains no update with regard to sale of this property. (C) Joseph Nitterour Zoning Application. As previously reported, the property use will become conforming upon adoption of the new Zoning Ordinance. (D) There are no pending zoning applications at this time.
2. ASSESSMENT APPEALS. (A) MetPro Corp. At the last council meeting, the Solicitor was authorized to sign a Settlement Stipulation negotiated between MetPro and the School District which includes Telford Borough. The Stipulation intended for court filing has not been circulated at this point for signature by the Solicitor. (B) Warren Lumber & Millwork, Inc. There remains no activity to report. (C) Lutheran Community at Telford. Since the PILOT Agreement has been fully executed, this item will be deleted from further report.
3. REVITALIZATION. Souderton/Telford Main Street Program aspects remain under continued discussion with the Manager.
4. BUDGET. Budget-related matters continue to be discussed with the Manager for Solicitor input.
5. SKLAR ACCIDENT CLAIM. Since last report, the Solicitor has reviewed case termination aspects. However, final resolution has not been reached. The depositions scheduled for April 15, 2009 were postponed. Plaintiff's counsel appears to be having difficulty in obtaining his client's signature on the documents required to complete settlement.
6. CENTENNIAL PARK IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT. The Manager and Engineer are addressing Project closeout detail, which includes the ground cover issue. The restrictive covenant aspect remains pending.
7. DELBAR TRACT SUBDIVISION. An executed copy of the Grant & Bill of Sale for Sidewalk, Curb, Stormwater Facilities and Other Improvements has been submitted to the Solicitor for record retention. The Roadway Deed of Dedication has been returned and requires acceptance by council. A motion has been prepared by the Solicitor. Following approval at the next council meeting, the Solicitor will attend to the required Bucks County recording.
8. CABLE FRANCHISE. As referenced, the franchise agreements with Comcast and Verizon have been signed. The follow-up detail as reviewed by the Solicitor has been completed. Accordingly, this item will be deleted from further report.
9. CHIPLEY CLAIM NOTICE. The Solicitor remains in contact with Thomas X. McAndrew, Jr., Esquire, legal counsel for IRM/PIRMA. All material and comments have been provided for consideration. There is no determinative activity to report at this time.
10. CURBSIDE COLLECTION OF LEAF WASTE. Ordinance No. 368 requires amendment to address handling, collection and disposal of leaf waste.
11. LANDIS SUPERMARKET. The Solicitor continues to confer with the Manager and Engineer to address Traffic Signal Improvement at the County Line and Church Road intersection. No affirmative determination has been reached.
12. INDIAN VALLEY LIBRARY COMMISSION: There remains no update with regard to the proposed Intermunicipal Agreement and adopting Ordinance, although the Solicitor has reviewed related material submitted by the Manager for advice submission.
13. BUCKS COUNTY WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN: There is no update with regard to the Bucks County Municipal Solid Waste Management Plan Revision.
14. ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT: The final draft of Chapter 27 Zoning, as completed by the Montgomery County Planners has been reviewed by the Solicitor, with comment provided to Robert Baker. Comment from other participants has also been reviewed by the Solicitor. It is deemed appropriate by the Solicitor for Council to direct advertisement. A public hearing will be required prior to adoption.
15. GENERAL OBLIGATION NOTE SERIES 2009: The Solicitor has reviewed and approved all documents required for settlement on the General Obligation Note Series 2009. The Solicitor has provided a legal opinion as note counsel and a separate legal opinion as Solicitor for Telford Borough. The approval of the Department of Community and Economic Development of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was received timely. Accordingly, settlement occurred on April 30, 2009, as projected. A bound volume of the Closing Documents has been provided to the Solicitor and Manager by Concord Public Finance. Accordingly, this represents a completed transaction.
Solicitor Mark Weand reported he has not been contacted regarding the Rock Community Church property. He has received the recorded Easements and the Grant and Bill of Sale for the Delbar Tract.
A Hillegass / Crouthamel motion was carried unanimously (7-0) approving acceptance of the Telford Investment Associates dedication as of April 21, 2009 and directing the Solicitor to record the Roadway Deed of Dedication for the Delbar Tract, as executed by all parties, with the Bucks County Recorder of Deeds.
Solicitor Mark Weand reported he reviewed and approved all documents required for settlement of the refinancing of the Revitalization Loan. Settlement was completed on April 30th. Mark Weand commended Concord Public Finance for their efforts.
Council member Stanley Nyce questioned Mark Weand for the status of the amendment to Ordinance 368 concerning the spring collection of leaf and yard waste. Mark Weand responded this matter will be addressed in the near future. He also
reported the Sklar Accident Claim has not been resolved as of this date.
ENGINEER'S REPORT: We received a written monthly report for the file.
COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE:
Souderton Telford Main Streets Manager Pamela Coleman informed Borough Council that Telford Borough is the recipient of the PA Townie Award and the Heritage Partnership Award for their revitalization efforts in the community, particularly the Telford Marketplace project.
FINANCE AND ADMINSTRATIVE COMMITTEE: Mr. Hillegass
A-1 A Hillegass / Crouthamel motion was carried unanimously (7-0) approving the payment of bills in the amount of $285,628.77 for the month of April.
A-2 Fee Resolution Adoption - Jacob and Mary Stover Park Field Lights.
A brief discussion was regarding the increase in fees for lighting at Stover Park and adding an escrow charge for trash removal to ensure the ball fields are left in good condition.
A Hillegass / Crouthamel motion was carried unanimously (7-0) approving the increase of lighting fees to $20/single game, $50/double header, and the addition of $300/seasonal, and $250/tournament escrow to cover the cost of Telford Borough workers cleaning up after events.
A-3 Indian Valley Library Commission Intermunicipal Agreement.
A discussion was held regarding the Indian Valley Library Intermunicipal Agreement. Mark Fournier reported he has concerns about the agreement as drafted because the Agreement indicates the Commission will have the power to set the millage rates that municipalities will be required to charge their residents for the municipalities' contribution to library funding. Mayor Jay Stover responded this was not the intent of the Agreement. Council member John Harrell commented that further clarification is needed and asked if this agreement is to formalize the method used in the past. Mark Weand will contact Douglass Gifford, Esq. to discuss the Agreement.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMITTEE: Mr. Maxwell
PZ-1 Zoning Ordinance Presentation
Mark Fournier introduced James Ennis of the Montgomery County Planning Commission who has been working with Joseph Nixon, also with the Montgomery County Planning Commission. James Ennis presented the final draft of the new Zoning Ordinance. He defined each zone as listed and explained any changes that were made to each particular zone. Richard O'Brien commented that a zoning ordinance is a living document and should be expected to be changed and amended in the future as becomes necessary. Scott Hillegass commended the Committee for their efforts and hard work. Mark Weand presented an outline of the procedure to be followed for advertising and for adoption of the Zoning Ordinance.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE: Mr. Nyce
Stanley Nyce attended the Northern Montgomery Recycling Commission luncheon on May 1st where entities of the Commission were recognized. Tiger Printed received the recycling award for Telford Borough. The luncheon was attended by Representative Robert Godshall. Stanley Nyce again commented that recyclables have dropped in value.
PUBLIC WORKS / BUILDINGS & PLANT COMMITTEE: Mr. Landis
Mark Fournier reported the air conditioning unit had to be replaced for the Police building. He also reported the public works crew is making repairs at the Community Building.
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE: Mr. Harrell
PS-1 Telford Volunteer Fire Company Requests.
A Harrell / Crouthamel motion was carried unanimously (7-0) to approve Telford Volunteer Fire Company's requests to attend the emergency services appreciate church services at Silverdale Brethren Church on April 19th and Little Zion Church in Franconia Township on April 26th with apparatus; the Denis Leary Comedy Show at Tower Theater in Philadelphia for the opportunity to meet Denis, star of the "Rescue Me" television show and display TVFC's new Ladder Truck which was used in the show.
DEVELOPMENT & CULTURE COMMITTEE: Ms. Crouthamel
Mark Fournier reported he is in the process of inviting various Telford residents and members of the business community to participate in the development of the 7 year revitalization plan.
OTHER BUSINESS: none
The meeting was adjourned at 8:51 p.m. by a Nyce / Crouthamel motion.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mark D. Fournier
Secretary
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