Nazareth Borough Council Workshop 8-31-06

August 31, 2006 Nazareth Borough Council Workshop followed the period of public comment and began about 8:00 p.m. There were approx. 25 people in attendance in addition to Council and Borough personnel.

Council President Chiavarolli announced there would be two executive sessions for discussion no announcement is expected.

Councilman Kopach noted that the paving and crosswalk painting was finished around the area of Shafer Elementary. Some work on Pine Street and at Kramer Ball park wil be done. Re-advertise for roller and leaf pik-up. South Green Street center line was discusssed. Dmage to firehouse roof from a storm that needs to be repaired. Councilman Herbst asked about milling, it was stated that the milling machine is rented and paving is borough's.

Councilman Davis noted library sent a letter saing the budget committee recommended to library board each municipality use earned income and per capita set to amount needed by libary budget. This was in essence what borough had previously approved but a figure was updated and the amount will be $77,093.09. $73,000 was approved in July. Lower Nazareth has passed and aproved a resolution and it is recommended Nazareth do so as well.

Public property committee at the suggestion of Councilwoman Werner, toured properties to identify needs for next year for budget. Don and Keith took notes and laid out plans. We then had another meeting to formulate a budget request. Top four items are: historic light expansion, nee to restore bridge at park, complete the band area, exterior upgrade at the library.

Councilman Kopach - Old sign needs help, Councilmen Stoudt and Bowers - looking at getting a new one. Councilman Davis - debating the wording of sign last couple of years.

Councilman Matz - Park pool attendance anticipate a 8-10,000 profit once final expenses are out. This includes the recreation program. This is a little lower than last year, but still good.

Health insurance increases of 65,000 and 45,000 last two yaers, it appears we will have a decrease of 36,000 in 2007.

There will be three motions on Tuesday, accept the 2007 police pension budget, the 2007 non-uniformed pension, and liability insurance a one year extension.

Councilwoman Werner - looking at hiring a rec program director in the fall not spring, because they don't have enough time to plan now. Also discussed having a program financier to support the rec director. Thinking about 100 month and 4% anything over target amount raised. Does anyone have any suggestions or comments?

Solicitor Pierce - incentives are difficult in public arena, it is like giving bonuses for issuing more tickets.

Council President Chiavaroli - Could make it one person since giving them extra time?

Werner - Current person I'd like to have back, is not interested in fund raising.

Bowers - Who did it last year?

Werner - Emily

Bowers - what is the total cost broken down. I want to know what making, make it, how you are going to do this.

Kokolus - It is a salaried position.

Bowers - so what did she do?

Werner - Everything. She called, scheduled, raised money. We had good acts, but would like even bigger ones next year.

Bowers - I'm trying to understand what you are preparing, what the cost is.

Davis - Shouldn't we discuss this with budget and personnel?

Werner - How can start in October if do that? Also discussed feasibility of taking back the refreshment stand. The arts and culture commission had five applicants, historian had one. I also want to clarify that the Arts and Culture Commission would be under the direction of Council to work with, not against, the Main Street Inititiative.

Pierce - just want to point out that I was watching PCN and Harrisburg's mayor said the most important thing they have is their arts and culture commission.

Councilman Herbst - received from planning commission new definitions so we'll have those for October. Per request from emergency personnel lock boxes on certain buildings. Need to consider vacating the Green Street tract. Recreation, Bill Gold has resigned from the rec board and as director of recreation.

Suggested to have a resolution recognizing Bill's contribution, which is believed to be 30 years in duration.

Skate board group met and came up with preliminary design plans, been in contact with 2 municipalities that are interested and businesses that are interested in supporting it. Next meeting will be Wednesday, 7 p.m., September 6).

Councilman Samus - looking at doing our own billing for garbage (sewer is a different bill). The company that was doing it was bought out, exploing it, cost, software, etc. Will have a motion to bill property owners not tenants. No applications were received for Shade Tree Commission.

On September 9 at Sullivan Train there will be a hazardous waste collection. No fee, but need an appointment call 610.559.3200 ext. 0.

DEP annual report on samples from ESSROC and results are ok.

Question what borough gets charged per bill, it is .25 per bill, was .15 last year, there are about 2000.

Councilman Bowers - occupancy permit at sewer authority building. Motion to pay $250 fire/police at Nazraeth Day. The tower truck and chief are going to Pen Argyl parade.

Councilman Stoudt - request from Bangor to have officer Koch provide weapon certification, echk insurance will be provided by them. Nazareth will pay Koch, but Bangor must reimburse Nazareth.

Lots of complaints about truck traffic on prospect from Broad to the essro plant. Only way to control it is no truck signs, but going to get there somehow. Want to have a meeting with truck companies and essroc to discuss why they can't use route 33 to get to 248 when going to stockertown.

Tuesday, 2 motions for crossing guards.

The Wades Golden Retriever and Rescue Sanctuary would like to use the park. Bring their dogs in for training session. We did have them on call to help find a child, didn't use them, but they could be of benefit.

Mayor Keller - Spring scare with Turbidity in water found no way to notify people. Had need to get a system. EMS, police, fire chief and myself discussed system that would meet all needs. Bethlehem Township just got one, visited it, examined costs, and the role it would play within a full solution. Will have more information next month on the project.

Will not be at Tuesday's meeting.

Kokolus - got the check covers utilities, got DARE grant money, FEMA work is completed at park and $53,000 grant seems good. Meeting is Tuesday, not Monday, at 7:00 p.m.

Chiavaroli - Dr. Hoch sent a letter that I will have to read.

Pierce need an executive session for potential and impending litigation.

Samus - resident parents who put signs on curb saying children at play and kids play in the street. Parents were talked to and don't see a problem with this. Since paved Bank Street its become regular, with them in middle of street.

Chiavaroli - will make the recommendation regarding the proposals at Tuesday's meeting since tonight is a workshop not a business meeting.