060506 Council Meeting

Following the recognition and public comment, the meeting business got underway.

Approval of the Meeting Minutes and Reports opened the meeting.

It was noted during Conrad Bowers' report on the Emergency Management that 8 hours were spent dealing with the water issue (read earlier report), no injury or evacuation was required and all 6000 residents in the borough were affected.

John Samus' Ambulance Report noted an increase in 2006 over 2005 from 800 calls and 100 transports to 1200 calls and 1200 transports. The steep increase a result of receiving the Gracedale contract. He also noted if qualified individuals were interested in serving on Ambulance squad they could contact him.

The Zoning and Code Enforcement report was given and approved.

The Economic Development Committee had several requests for approval including:

• one day passes to an exchange group from Germany for passes at the pool
• hiring of three part time staff for summer
• use on 6/30/06 of a field at park for Lacrosse camp as part of summer youth program.
• approval for use of a DJ at a park pavilion on 7/30.

It was also noted during this report that Michael Davis approached some individuals at the COG meeting regarding a Skate Park and did not receive any interest.

Jack Herbsts' law report included a change of the July meeting from 7/3/06 to 7/10/06 due to the holiday, but noted the workshop will remain on 6/29. Also passed a resolution supporting the continuation of the Cable Franchise and Fees, which is being reviewed by Federal and State Officials. The Fees are a revenue stream for the local municipalities and would be repealed based on some pending legislation.

John Samus' Ecology and Lighting Committee received approval for John to meet with Ray Orwig to discuss the lighting. They will do this with guidance from the electric company.

Conrad Bowers' Fire Report included a note that the Hazard Mitigation Plan was released and a copy would be on hand at 30 Belvidere.

Larry Stoudt provided the Police Report noting that an officer was approved following his one year probation and a 1 hour parking sign 8am to 4pm M-F was approved.

The Highway Report by Michael Kopach was approved.

Michael Davis presented the Public Property Report noting a request he received late for a group "Martin Guitar Forum" to use park on August 5 & 6 including the softball field. It was tabled for more information. Use of the Circle by the Chamber on 7/15 was approved.

Davis also presented the proposal to move the building project forward and it was approved with Herbst and Kovach dissenting and Werner absent. (Read More).

Mayor Keller noted that he was concerned about our Borough as it related to emergency preparedness, but also believed that the county needs to be involved.

He also gave the police incident report noting there were 23 vehicle crashes and 94 traffic violations. There were also 36 criminal acts including 17 theft, 8 mischief, 3 harassment by communication, 2 disorderly conduct, 1 harassment, 1 assault, 1 sex offense, and 1 terroristic threat.

He also noted that the rededication of the Canon will take place at noon on July 4th honoring Civil War veterans from Nazareth who served and for whom the canon was originally placed.

Solicitor had nothing to report.

Police Chief Ruch sought guidance on the implementation of the Borough's dumpster ordinance which goes into effect on June 6. This followed a 180 day period provided for property owners to become compliant. A series of notifications were issued to these individuals. Chief Ruch noted in a two block drive around he found a dozen that were most probably out of compliance. The fine is $180.00 per day per violation.

A resolution was presented by Jack Herbst and approved by Council to enforce the ordinance effective immediately.