The Telford Borough Council meeting held this date was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Vice President Stanley Nyce with the following members in attendance: J. Allen Landis, Carolyn Crouthamel, Jeffrey Maxwell and John Harrell. Robert Baker and Scott Hillegass were absent. Also present were Mayor Jay Stover, Manager Mark D. Fournier, Recording Secretary Cathy Fried, Solicitor Mark E. Weand, Jr., Public Works Director Donald Beck, Police Chief Douglas Bickel, Engineer Patrick DiGangi and Rodney Hange of Telford Volunteer Fire Company. In the audience was borough resident Linda Morris.

The invocation was given by John Harrell, followed by the pledge of allegiance.

A Landis / Crouthamel motion was carried unanimously (5-0) approving the September 8, 2009 minutes.

TREASURER'S REPORT: No report.

MAYOR'S REPORT:

Mayor Jay Stover reported September was a busy month. He attended the Borough Council meeting, the Univest Bike Race, the Ambulance Service Annual Meeting, the North Penn Goodwill meeting, and the Library Board meeting. Mayor Stover asked if the Borough will be doing anything in memory of Police Officer Gary Hochstuhl who died on September 10th. Manager Mark Fournier said no, not at this time. Chief Bickel indicated a police memorial service was performed at his funeral. Stanley Nyce recognized Officer Gary Hochstuhl for his years of service and dedication to the Telford Borough Police Department saying he appreciated Gary's contribution to the community.

POLICE REPORT:

Attached are our service calls for the month of September.

In addition to routine, assigned shifts:

1. Lieutenant Floyd attended several meetings and trainings; see his report.
2. Officers provided traffic control for Univest's Grand Prix race.
3. Officers Fox, Minninger and Kim participated in several DUI Checkpoints and DUI Roving Patrols - see Officer Fox's report.
4. Part-time patrolmen have made themselves 100% available to cover Officer Hochstuhl's death until a replacement, full-time patrolman is hired.

Per Council's approval last month to hire a replacement patrolman, we would like to begin the process by advertising the open position (created by Officer Hochstuhl's death) in the October 7, 2009 edition of the Souderton Independent. A testing date of October 22, 2009 has been set by the Civil Service Commission.

In reference to the hiring process, please see the attached memo from the Civil Service Commission Chairman Robert L. Rahn.

FIRE REPORT: We received a written monthly report for the file.

LIBRARY REPORT: We received a written monthly report for the file.

Mayor Jay Stover reported the library is going through a trying time because the state budget provides a lesser amount of funding for the year 2010.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT:

BOROUGH Report for 10/5/09 Meeting:

1. Stover Park - We have now received all of the materials necessary to complete the lighting of Stover Park Softball Field. Swartley Bros. will begin installation of the wiring and controls during the month of October.

2. Mowing - Mowing of Borough buildings, parks and athletic fields is on-going as required.

3. Storm Drainage - Materials to replace the storm drainage at Hamilton Street and Reliance Road have been received. We will complete this project in October.

4. Street Sweeping - On-going as time allows.

5. Leaf Collection - We ordered a new aluminum leaf box to replace the old wooden one which could no longer be repaired. Also, we will be providing scheduled curb side leaf collection beginning in November.

6. 2010 Budget - I began developing budget costs as they pertain to public works items.

7. Reliance Road Paving - Paving of Reliance Road between Third Street and the R/R crossing is planned for the week of 10/ 5/09. This is a Souderton Borough project shared with TBA.

Public Works Director Donald Beck briefly reviewed a few of the items listed on the report. The Stover Park Lighting Project is waiting for Swartley Bros. to complete the wiring. Donald Beck reported the Telford Borough public works crew will be working with Souderton Borough public works to complete the paving of Reliance Road because of the change of sewer lines. Donald Beck reported that maintenance, repair, and preventative measures will be the focus for 2010.

Stanley Nyce asked if Telford Borough has been able to complete road work as planned. Donald Beck responded that rain has been a significant factor in not being able to accomplish everything that was planned for this year. Donald Beck also commented that Gary Yoder of the Parks & Recreation Department had difficulty keeping up with all the necessary mowing and weeding due to the excessive rainfall.

MANAGER'S REPORT:

• 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.
• Completed an inspection of the Centennial Park project.
• Coordinated a meeting with the Lutheran Community engineers and their staff with our engineer and staff to discuss water and sewer design and general planning issues.
• Accepted an award in Philadelphia from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission Classic Towns of Greater Philadelphia Program.
• Met with our insurance agents regarding insurance renewal.
• Attended the Partnership TMA monthly board meeting.
• Attended the Montgomery County Borough's Association monthly meeting.
• Attended the Bucks County Consortium monthly meeting.
• Budget preparation.

Manager Mark Fournier responded to questions asked at the previous meeting. Questions were asked regarding 178 W. Reliance Road and 206 Crestview Avenue resulting from Use & Occupancy inspections of properties where repairs were made without the proper permitting.

BUILDING OFFICIAL'S REPORT: We received a written monthly report for the file.

Mayor Jay Stover asked if resident Merlin Rosenberger has responded to correspondence sent by Building Inspector Joseph Cutri regarding excessive growth of weeds and grass. Police Chief Douglas Bickel reported this is an on-going issue for this property.

SOLICITOR'S REPORT:

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) Indian Valley Public Library Zoning Application. Following public hearing on September 9, 2009, the Telford Borough Zoning Hearing Board voted unanimously to grant a variance from setback requirements pertaining to a proposed expansion at premises situate 100 E. Church Avenue. The Written Opinion and Order of the Zoning Hearing Board has been received and reviewed by the Solicitor to assure propriety of all aspects. Accordingly, this represents a completed item and will be deleted from further report. (C) There are no pending zoning applications at this time.

2. ASSESSMENT APPEALS. The Solicitor has received no contact with regard to the Warren Lumber & Millwork, Inc. appeal which remains pending.

3. REVITALIZATION. All aspects and issues pertaining to the Souderton/Telford Main Street Program are reviewed with the Manager as they arise.

4. BUDGET. Budget aspects are subjected to continued discussion with the Manager.

5. SKLAR ACCIDENT CLAIM. As previously referenced, Motions to enforce the agreed upon settlement have been filed with the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas. Subsequently, the Court directed plaintiff to file a written response on or before October 27, 2009. Failing objection, the Court will enter an order directing the plaintiff to sign the release.

6. CENTENNIAL PARK IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT. As referenced, CKS submitted a proposal on August 28, 2009 to the contractor for resolution of the ground cover issue. Via correspondence dated September 10, 2009, S&H Landscaping Contractor advised that its contractual obligation has been completed, thereby requesting submission of the retainage in full. The correspondence was accompanied by enclosures intended to document the position advanced by the contractor. A response must be formulated for submission.

7. CHIPLEY CLAIM NOTICE. There has been no response to IRM attorney correspondence dated August 20, 2009 denying liability.

8. CURBSIDE COLLECTION OF LEAF WASTE. There has been no response from the Northern Montgomery County Recycling Commission following submission of documents. Therefore, this item will be deleted from further report.

9. LANDIS SUPERMARKET. The traffic signals at the County Line and Church Road intersection require improvement. However, assumption of cost has not been resolved.

10. INDIAN VALLEY LIBRARY COMMISSION: There has been no Solicitor contact since last report.

11. BUCKS COUNTY WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN: The Bucks County Solid Waste Management Plan Revision remains pending with the Manager and Solicitor.

12. PA DEP NPDES STORMWATER PERMIT REQUIREMENTS. The Manager, Engineer and Solicitor continue to monitor all aspects of the PA-DEP draft NPDES Phase II Stormwater Permit Program Modifications by reason of the potential significance to the Borough. CKS continues to provide reports on meeting attendance.

13. LUTHERAN COMMUNITY AT TELFORD. A supplemental plan presentation pertaining to Phase I by the Lutheran Community requires scheduling with the Borough Planning Commission. In the interim, engineering revisions are being made to the initial plan.

14. FIRE COMPANY SIREN. There has been no reference to the Solicitor subsequent to the presentation on July 6, 2009.

15. CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION. In conjunction with counsel approval to hire a new patrolman, the Civil Service Commission met and drafted certain revisions to the current rules and regulations. These revisions have been reviewed by the Solicitor and discussed with Chief Douglas E. Bickel and department staff personnel. A resolution has been approved and signed by the Civil Service Commission. Resolution approval is required by the Telford Borough Council. The Solicitor is of the opinion that approval by council at its October 5, 2009 meeting would be appropriate as all additions and deletions are compliant with law. Since a tentative testing date has been scheduled, the advertisement process must be initiated immediately following councilmatic action.

Solicitor Mark Weand reported the Indian Valley Public Library application for zoning variance was approved by the Zoning Hearing Board. He also reported a response by plaintiff is due by October 27th with regard to the Sklar accident claim.

ENGINEER'S REPORT:

Engineer Patrick DiGangi reported the NPDES Phase II requirements have been postponed for 1 year. Council member John Harrell questioned why the effective period has been postponed 1 year. Council member Stanley Nyce commented that a few local townships expressed their opinions as a group in the same manner that Telford Borough Authority addressed TMDL's as part of a group. This may have had an impact on the postponement.

Patrick DiGangi also reported the plans for Lutheran Community at Telford are moving along. The plans may possibly be presented to the Planning Commission this month. Mayor Jay Stover commented that other approvals are necessary before the project will begin. A brief discussion was held regarding the impact the expansion will have on traffic in that area.

COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE: none

FINANCE AND ADMINSTRATIVE COMMITTEE: Mr. Hillegass

A-1 The approval for the payment of bills for the month of September 2009 will be brought to the November meeting.

A-2 Resolution changing civil service rules and regulations.

A brief discussion was held with regard to beginning the process of hiring a full-time police officer. Police Chief reported the advertisement will be in the newspaper on Wednesday, October 7th. He also provided a synopsis of the changes to the Rules and Regulations suggested by the Civil Service Commission.

A Landis / Crouthamel motion was carried unanimously (5-0) to adopt the changes to the Rules and Regulations upon recommendation of the Civil Service Commission.

PLANNING & ZONING COMMITTEE: Mr. Maxwell

PZ-1 Joint Souderton-Telford Community Revitalization Task Force - Meeting date October 13, 3:30 p.m. at the Main Streets office.

A joint meeting has been scheduled for October 13th as the kick-off meeting. Both communities will be attending this meeting; however, future meetings will involve each individual municipality.

DEVELOPMENT & CULTURE COMMITTEE: Ms. Crouthamel

DC-1 Classic Towns Report

Mark Fournier distributed the Souderton-Telford Classic Towns of Greater Philadelphia brochures. He, as well as Main Streets Manager Pamela Coleman and representatives of Souderton Borough, attended the reception in Philadelphia. Mark Fournier also displayed the Classic Towns plaque he received on behalf of Telford Borough. Donald Beck remarked Telford Borough was referred to as a member of Classic Towns on KYW radio.

DC-2 2009 Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Community Greening Award

Carolyn Crouthamel reported the reception for this award will be held on Sunday, November 8th. Mark Fournier commented he is not aware of who nominated Telford Borough for the Community Greening Award. This award is in recognition of the flowers and landscaping work done in the community. Mark Fournier commended Gary Yoder and Donald Beck for their hard work and efforts to maintain the appearance and amenities of Telford Borough.

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE: Mr. Nyce

E-1 Stanley Nyce reported the Commission continues to work on submissions for the year 2007. He also commented the 15 year banquet will be held next spring.

PUBLIC WORKS / BUILDINGS & PLANT COMMITTEE: Mr. Landis

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE: Mr. Harrell

OTHER BUSINESS: none

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

The Council entered into executive session at 8:20 p.m. to discuss personnel matters.

The Council exited executive session at 9:11 p.m. No action taken.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:12 p.m. by a Crouthamel / Landis motion.

Respectfully Submitted,
Mark D. Fournier
Secretary