Monday, November 06, 2006

Nazareth Borough Council Meeting 11-06-06

On Monday, November 6, 2006 the Nazareth Borough Council met at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber (Center and Church Streets). All members were present except John Samus, 18 people were in attendance and media from the Morning Call and Express-Times were in attendance as well.

Following the public comment (read post here) the business meeting began (pardon some of my misses here as I arrived too late to get an agenda so everything is based on my notes and my own handwriting isn't always easy even for me;-). Also, all motions, ordinances, etc were approved (so I stopped typing it in after a while).

The emergency report and ambulance report (700 activities in September including 96 als, 83 base, 10 standby, 7 accidents, and 117 transports) were made. Councilman Herbst asked if a report could be provided that included monthly what the cost vs. profit was. Solicitor stated no, that is not public record.

Economic Development Committee is reviewing summer program, rec committee, nothing new. Did have a motion to provide $300.00 to Nazareth Heritage Commitee for decorating downtown for holidays (approved) and 12/9/06 Nazareth Heritage for use of Chamber for walking tour (approved).

Law committee had several motions:
  • resolution 11-06 to Jin Zhouding for 20 years of business operation in the borough. (approved).
  • Motion to advertise vacating Meadow Lane (approved).
  • Motion to approve 11-06-a calling for borough to exercise eminent domain of South Main Street property (approved).
  • Motion to approve 11-06-b calling for purchase of 128 S. Main Street (approved).
  • Ordinance to vote on specifics of Knox box (approved).
  • Condemnation of 134-36 South Main Street (approved).
  • Agreement of sale purchase property from lafayette bank allowing lease of drive through and offices (approved).
  • Ordinance to remove loading zone on Belvidere (in front of former upholstery store) replacing it with 2 hour meters (approved).
  • Vote to approve Gary Asteak as special counsel (approved).
  • motion to approve 11-06-c honoring our lady of sacred heart council of Knights of Columbus for 50 years of service.
  • approve pay to an individual/company for plowing under borough leaves collected.
  • Motion to approve 11-06-d (approved).
Police report noted 40 incidents, 23 criminals, 30 traffic arrests, 14 accidents, 12 criminal mischiefs, 1 DUI, 1 Harassment, 1 terroristic threat, 2 burglaries, 12 thefts, 1 trespassing, 1 harassment by communications, 8 false reports (all on Wood Street).

  • Motion to approve Veterans Day parade following same route as Halloween parade.
  • Motion to remove five minute zone infront of Koehlers Pharmacy.
  • Approve 2007 animal service spca.
  • Approve highway report (approved) with discussion regarding street sweeper in light of leaves. Questions included those on closing one side of street (no parking) for leaf and street cleaning.
  • Move to purchase new Ford Tractor.

Public Property Committee:

  • motion to approve use for 12/7/06 of cirlce for tree lighting ceremony.
  • motion for soccer club to use the basketball courts in November (approved) with question concerning use of park that closes at sunset. Question then became who pays for lights, where can they park etc. It was noted that there will be 3 instances and its over.
Finance committee will next meet on 11/29 at 7:30 p.m. in solicitors' office.

  • Move to approve donation to Nazareth Community Chorus.
  • Move to approve 2007 Borough Operating Budget.
  • Move to direct secretary to advertise 2007 budget.
  • Motion to approve a Veterans Affair request to refund taxes paid by a borough resident who met all requirements (2 years, 389.84 and 389.84).

There was no solicitor, engineer, or police chief report.

New Business was a comment by Councilman Jack Herbst to clarify his comments about the soccer team and park. He stated that he had no issue with the soccer group, but was making a point in regard to closing the park at sunset. I'm against that. Someone tonight said to park outside and walk in. We have a lighted facility and its ok for groups, but late night sledding or individuals can't use it. I'm against the motion that we close the park at sunset. I have to ask has it stopped? Have the problems ended because of the motion? Is there less graffiti, less problems?

Police Chief Ruch stated don't know, can't say.

Motion to adjourn, approved.

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