The lack of power and diminishing sunlight brought an adjournment of sorts to the public comment period in order for Council to have its workshop session.
The session opened acknowledging that with no power, there could be no presentation of the revised New Government Center plan. It was noted that in the event power was not restored, then the presentation would be made on Monday (as it eventually was set for Monday, August 7, at 6:00 p.m.).
At 7:00 p.m. the opening of bids for the two police cars and a piece of equipment from 1964 (a roller I believe) were conducted. One of the two police cards received a bid of $2,551.00 while the other received no bids. The piece of equipment received a single bid of $277.00.
Council President Dan Chiavaroli noted that he received two letters from State Representative Richard Grucela. The first acknowledging receipt of the borough's letter supporting the cable tax that comes back to municipalities (the state was considering elimination of the existing tax), and the second a letter announcing the recycling program for municipalities.
An abbreviated public comment took place (read about it here, along with its post workshop completion) and then came the session:
Councilman Stoudt began noting requests for handicapped parking spots, that the mayor and police chief were discussing with the school district the placement of an officer at the intersection of E. Center and Liberty to assist with traffic. There was also a discussion with Upper Nazareth regarding the borough providing assistance to Upper Nazareth during football games if requested.
Councilman Kopach questioned if the bike patrol was being used any more. Chief Ruch stated that they have certified riders, however, they have not been out.
Councilman Bowers noted a letter was received from Vigilance Fire Company #1 regarding next year's carnival. In it the weather and fact that school remained in session hurt attendance and a later date was being requested for next year. The challenge for the later date was the opening of the borough pool and baseball at the park. A response was hoped to have by Monday, however, given the parties involved it seemed their might be some difficulty in doing this.
Councilman Samus stated that Essroc has told him that the soccer fields will be worked on in august to grade them to regulation size and seeding will take place in September for spring use. Chiavaroli noted this is the 2nd or 3rd time Council's been given a "solid" date.
Samus also noted that he happened to see a klinker truck and follwed it from prospect to green and had to travel at 45 mph to keep up. He noted given the weight of the freight he personally believed it to be overweight and that he took the plate number and reported the vehicle to police. A discussion ensued including Kopach, Herbst, and Samus regarding potential routes.
Finally Samus noted that they are determining the cost of doing their own billing for garbage, what software needs to be purchased, etc., and expect it to be lower than contracting the service.
Councilman Herbst noted that there will be a motion to vacate, requiring measurements from the engineer sections of South Green Street at Monday's meeting.
Herbst also noted that the Skate Park Meeting held on 7/31/06 included many individuals from a broad area and the bulk of the discussion revolved around insurance concerns. Specifically, how municipal immunity factored into this type of activity. Solicitor Pierce stated that if there is an accident resulting from equipment or conditions known to be substandard or improper, then yes. Herbst noted that he wanted to make a motion to allocate $30,000 to go forward with this project.
The Mayor questioned if any interest came from other municipal leaders/municipalities willing to share the liability.
There is another meeting planned for Tuesday, August 8 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Councilwoman Werner noted that only two members of Economic Development Committee made it to the latest meeting. They reviewed the rec program, discussed what was happening, and some ways to improve it. The committee will consider increasing the participant age from 12 to 13. Werner noted that two letters were received, both very favorable of the program and she read the final paragraph of each.
Finally, Werner suggested two options regarding the new Government Center that cam to her attention. The first was from Nazareth Mutual,which Chiavaroli followed up on and stated they had property on South Main Street and were at this time open to suggestion/working with the borough on anything from a partnership to a sale. The other was too premature to discuss, but she could say that it was another Nazareth business that made an offer and wanted to discuss options.
The comment by Werner opened the door for Chiavaroli to clarify to everyone why full disclosure was not being made at this point in time. In short it was exploratory and premature to say anything more. It was not the borough's intention of giving the perception that something more or less was being considered by naming names. There was more talk needed.
At that point Councilman Davis stated that these were the big reasons why we don't ahve wide open public meetings.
Chiavaroli concluded by saying that if action was to be taken it would be brought before the Council.
Councilman Matz provided the financial committee report noting that the annual renewal of insurance was taking place and also that any department or committee should now be considering its budget for next year as the process will get underway in September.
Herbst asked if there was any estimated costs relating to the insurance and Secretary Kokolus clarified that it was an issue related to coverage of the wheelchair transports as opposed to price.
Davis stated that as discussed briefly earlier, the bandstage at the park was sent back to the winning bidder for a revised quote now that the roof was being added to the existing structure.
Also, work was being done to the three upper bridges at the Park, he was looking forward to the Skate Park plans as he believed there was real potential, welcome signs should be touched up/painted where needed, and that the grandstand at the park needed some paint and touch-up work.
Davis clarified that the presentation will be made on Monday at 6:00 p.m. and that no motion will be made. It is the committee giving their proposal to the Council. Nothing more.
Councilman Kopach stated that the east side streets milling had begun and paving will begin on Monday.
He also added that in considering options the Lackawana Train Station on South Main Street ought to be considered as it was recently renovated and has ample parking within the Main Street area. Chiavaroli noted that he was welcome to follow-up, however, not too long ago Dan had contacted Essroc about the site for the Nazareth Food Bank and was told it was being used for storage.
Mayor Keller stated that he was proposing to the technology committee to have a person maintain and update the website, possibly a student, who would handle 8 hours per week. He also noted that the borough signs should have the web site location added to them.
Werner noted that Ross Nunamaker's NewsOverCoffee (yes, this very site, thank you!) provided extensive coverage of the community including the meetings, calendars, and so much more.
The Mayor stated he wanted the person to manage putting up material from all committees and coordinating with chairpersons to keep everything current.
Chiavaroli noted that an executive session for a contractual matter was required, the Mayor had one for a personnel matter.
The Secretary, Paul Kokolus noted that a rough copy of the Borough Newsletter was available for everyone, it went to the printer 10 days ago and should be distributed shortly.
Paul also noted that the web site has been a technical challenge for the borough and that while the calendar is easy the rest tends to get tough. He too mentioned myself in having corresponded via email regarding some potential options for the borough.
The Solicitor requested an executive session for potential litigation.
The police chief questioned the concerts on the 19th and was told they were approved by the Rec Program, but that the same individual coordinating these with the Rec Program was going to attend the next Economic Development Committee Meeting to discuss future events.
With this, the Council Workshop Session returned to public comment over a then very darkened room as even the emergency lights had grown tired and peetered out.
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