040306 BoroughCouncil Meeting

The April meeting of the Nazareth Borough Council began with the opening of the sealed bids for miscellaneous road materials and rental equipment.

The meeting opened with public discussion (read about it here - sidewalks), and Councilman Mike Davis' request to open with a resolution supporting "Nazareth...2030" a Nazareth Area Multimunicipal Comprehensive Plan prepared for the Nazareth Area Council of Governments by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (read about it here) (read the plan here).

In addition to the approval of the comprehensive plan there were some significant items approved:

1. Approved to advertise an ordinance that if approved would created a Culture and Arts Commission.
   
2. Approved a revised resolution regarding the Main Street Program clarifying that the Borough contribution would not exceed 1/3 of the annual budget and could not be in excess of a total of $90,000 during the first five years. Councilwoman Cindy Werner also asked residents and interested people to attend the next Economic Development Committee Workshop on April 25th at 6:30 p.m. At this meeting the Main Street Program will be featured and the initial application will be reviewed.
3. A motion was approved to accept a bid from Tri-Boro Fence Company to enclose the yard waste recycling bins on G.W. Stoudt Boulevard. This was not significant, but some interesting discussion was also had regarding the use of the yard and the levying of fees to yard services and companies dumping clippings at the site. The site is intended for residents and once enclosed will have regulary operating hours and a staff of four part-time workers to monitor use and ensure only approved materials are dumped. At this time it is believed that residents and businesses from other areas have been using the site at added expense to the borough and its residents.
4. A motion was approved to authorize the Administrative Office Project Committee and the Police Facility Committee to proceed with architectural planning so that it can present Council with their recommendations on how to prodceed with Phase 2 of the Capital Projects Initiative.
   

Additionally:

1. The approval to rent porta-potties for the May 6, 2006 "Taste of Nazareth" event at the Whitefield House (read more here).
2. The establishment of a town historian was passed. An annual stipend of $250.00 and expenses as approved by the Economic Development Committee is for the purpose of answering common historical questions and promoting historical awareness of the community.
3. Law Committee had a resolution to accept the resignation of Nancy Shiffert-Herman who served on the Recreation Committee because she moved from the borough.
4. approved a resolution to recognize the accomplishment of the 2005-2006 Nazareth High School wrestling team which won the state wrestling tournament in Hershey in March. It marked the first team state championship for the school in any sport.
5. Law Committee, a resolution was approved for a fourteen day notice period prior to the enforcement officer proceeding with nuisance and property maintenance violations.
6. Fire, Police, and Ambulance reports were given. There were 44 crimes reported, 11 arrests, 104 traffic violations, and 19 accidents reported.
7. There were several requests for facility use including the Lehigh Valley Chapter Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge at the Nazareth Park on June 6, 2006 in the large pavilion.