Monday, October 02, 2006

Borough Council Meeting 10-2-06

A special meeting of the Borough Council preceded the regular meeting and was in regard to a change in zoning. Public comment was taken on the changes to which the only question was what is changing and why. Councilman Herbst, chairperson of the law committee, noted that the borough was adapting code to meet state regulations/guidelines.

Five minutes after the special session began the regular meeting opened. Councilman Kopach was absent and Councilman Stoudt presided as Council President Chiavaroli was in attendance after missing Thursday (he was expected to miss this meeting as well, but was in attendance, just not up to presiding).

The period of public comment included the following:

The petition of the Citizen's Committee was read and it was noted that there were 1166 signatures in favor of the petition to keep the government center out of the park and within budget.

A resident asked what could be done about teens gathering on South Green Street. The language was extremely vulgar and haven't had any success in getting them roused from the area. Mayor Keller suggested a private meeting with himself and the police chief.

Minutes were then approved, along with the Treasurer's report, approval of bills to be paid, the Emergency Management and Ambulance reports, and the zoning and code enforcement reports. These were all approved.

The Economic Development Committee - a motion was made to place an ad for the borough in the 2007, Historic Nazareth Guide at a cost of one hundred fifteen dollars and no cents. - Approved.

Councilperson Werner noted that the Main Street Program had 25 people at its last meeting and was looking for individuals to serve on committees. Wednesday, October 12th will be the next meeting of the group. She also noted that it was important for Council to be concerned about 30 Belvidere and that they couldn't let it go. They needed to support the history of the community to secure its future.

Councilperson Werner then made a motion to perpetuate open space of Hall Park in Memory of Veterans. Councilperson Stoudt stated needed to wait until ADA compliance was met on the building. Councilman Samus stated need to do it right and not drop a bomb on monday night. This ought to go to committee and be discussed at workshop. Werner noted that this was not a bomb shell, it'd been brought up many times and no one has taken action on it. Councilman Chiavarolli noted that it should be done right. Werner withdrew the motion.

Law Committee - motion made to vote on ordinance involving an amendment to Chapter 27 of Borough's Zoning ordinance regarding standards for healthcare facilities within the Borough. If approved Ordinance #724. - Approved.

Motion to advertise for an ordinance involving specifics for the use of "knox-boxes" (key-lock boxes) within the borough. - Approved. (I was unaware despite this phrase coming up for several meetings in regard to what this was. I was told tonight it is an ordinance that could require any building with an alarm system to have an outside key locked box that would have a key for the local police and/or fire to be able to turn the system off in the event the landlord was unavailable to do so).

The next motion was to puchase the commercial house property for $155,000.

Ecology-Lighting - provided a report on refuse from Councilman Samus. Motion to advertise for landscaping materials for the Gateway Project (intersection of South Main and Easton Road). Motion to approve Resolution No. 9-06-A to approve Met-Ed to upgrade an existing light at 19 Convent to a 100 watt sodium vapor luminaire (it was also noted that going forward all replacements will have this change). Motion to approve purchase of Lafayette Ambassador Bank Building followed. All were approved unanimously.

It was also noted that the soccer fields on west end should be seeded this fall.

Fire - made two motions, one to approve a $1,000 donation to Vigilance Hose Fire Company for costs associated with 2006 Fire Prevention Week. And to aprove a $1000 donation to the same for costs associated with the Halloween Parade to be held on October 21, 2006. Both approved.

Police - made a motion to pay $100 to be on the emergency weather report on Channel 69.

Highway - made several motions related to bids opened on Thursday including the approval of sale of a snowblower, roller, leaf vacuum, and snowplow for $55, $1201, $2500, and $112, respectively. All were approved.

Public Property - approved use of cabin at the park for rental on 10/28//06.

The Mayor reported that there were 36 criminal investigations, 19 criminal mischief, 1 burglary, 1 harassment, 2 drug, 1 loitering, 10 thefts, 1 trespass, 1 harassment by communication. There were also 17 traffic accidents and 22 traffic citations.

The old business as noted in Done & Done made Fred Dougherty the newest member of council on a 5-2 vote.

Finally, Councilman Dan Chivarolli requested that letters be sent to Lafayette Ambassador Bank and Nazareth Mutual thanking them for their assitance and support of the community.

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