Nazareth Borough Council Workshop 11-2-06

The Nazareth Borough Council Workshop for November began at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 2, 2006 in Council Chambers (Church and Center Streets).

There was one bid received and opened at that time for the Gateway Project (a Shade Tree Commission Project) by Daniels Landscape. There was later (near the end of the meeting) a conversation related to the proper advertising of the project. Engineer Don Keller stated that the Borough had never advertised the project so he didn't know how the bid could have been received. There was also a question due to the amount of the bid in regard to the project projected cost and announcement/bidding requirements related to it.

There were 7 residents in attendance in addition to the Council, all of whom where there except for John Samus. And there were no representatives from the daily newspapers.

Public Comment included the following:

• Question regarding the status of the Borough web site. Mayor Keller stated that a teacher at the school said they had students who can set it up and manage it from their classroom. When asked about payment it was noted it would be a part of the curriculum. The Mayor also stated his first concern was having it available as a mass warning system.
• A question was asked in regard to the status of the new borough building. Council President Dan Chiavarolli stated there have been meetings once a week. The title change is expected before the end of the year. The bank would like 90 days to stay and transition out. Given this the expected move-in date is April of 2007.
• A comment was made regarding the fact that many people do not stop at stop signs and speeding is prevalent in the borough. Specifically noted that watched six cars roll through the stop sign on Franklin at Prospect Street. This comment got everyone talking including most of Council and those in attendance. It was additionally mentioned that Franklin is used as a shortcut. The North and Green Street intersection and Center and New Street intersections were also mentioned as particularly challenging for pedestrians as drivers simply don't stop. The addition of signs on the Circle and newly painted lines by Shafer were mentioned by myself as positive steps and a request was made to repaint and paint where none currently exist cross walks throughout the borough. Larry Stoudt and Chief Ruch stated they would drive through town and take note of possible improvements that can be made in regard to either enforcement or lines.
• A question regarding whether the borough had an ordinance for curbing pets was asked. The issue as nearly all agreed was that to enforce it you have to catch the person and that is the hardest part.
• It was noted that the Shade Tree Commission's fall planting was completed. On south Main Street nine trees were planted with help from the highway crew. There were also four or five replacements of trees that simply didn't take. A question from Councilman Herbst was in regard to who was responsible for the replacement and a follow-up of when did the tree become the property owners responsibility. It was stated that the Commission replaced them because they didn't take, but the ownership was a bit of a gray area. Mayor Keller asked if a tree could be looked at that was in bad shape near Phoenix and West Prospect.

That ended the public comment period. From an observational perspective, it was a return to normalcy following the contentious sessions of the summer. The period, as well as the meeting itself, was reminiscent of a New England town hall meeting. It was respectful, but conversational, and a nice return to how government ought to be.

The workshop opened with the police report made by Councilman Stoudt. He noted there was a check with PADOT on a stop sign placement and the ability to paint 'stop ahead' on roads. There were two requests for parties that were each declined because they included a band and there was a high probability of noise complaints. The school had requested a parade on Saturday, November 11, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. following the same route as the Halloween Parade for Veterans Day.

Public Property Committee reviewed a list of sites to review including the band shell. There was also a request for use of the basketball courts at the Borough Park.

Law Committee noted several motions would be made on Monday including:

• motion to advertise vacating meadow lane (?)
• motion to appoint Gary Asteak special counsel
• resolution for acquisition of the Main Street property
• resolution for eminent domain of 128 South Main Street.
• ordinance to delete the loading/unloading zone where the upholstery store had been on Belvidere Street.
• motion for a knox box (sp?) ordinance (essentially provides access to fire and police of security alarms).

Recreation Committee reviewed the year's programs at the Park.

Finance Committee will have a motion to accept the preliminary 2007 Budget, which has no tax increase. There will also be a motion to advertise the 2007 Budget to be on display for 10 days.

Fire Committee reported that a list of all extinguishers will be provided along with indications of which ones need to be replaced. It was also noted that the parade was very successful and over 400 students from Shafer and Holy Family visited the fire company during Fire Prevention Week. The Fire Chief was informed by the County 911 Center that they will not continue to provide overlay past January 2008, which means the Fire Company will need to replace its radios.

Ecology Committee noted that they were not where they want to be with recycling at this point, but were close. A conversation ensued regarding the collection yard. The workers (paid $8 per hour) were doing a very good job, were very helpful, and have kept it very clean. However, it has been costly. The Committee is watching the cost and will discuss how to best manage cost vs. service in the future.

Noted that a transmission on a tractor went and a new one will be needed. It was discussed and with money in the 2006 budget the best approach would seem to be to purchase a new tractor. A motion will be made and estimated cost is $9000.

Also look into sealing on roads in the coming weeks and noted that leaf collection was now taking place throughout the borough.

Secretary Paul Kokolous had several comments/notes including:

• Needs articles for the upcoming newsletter
• Sent a letter thanking all the candidates for the vacant Council seat.
• There was a disappointing response to the Commissions announcement with only one person applying for the Library and one for the Municipal Authority Commission.
• A grant will be filed for $10,000.
• The insurance has not changed and borough is still using the same rates with same coverage, so its not a bad thing.
• Will be sending all Councilmembers the COG (Council of Government) minutes until a rep is selected. One Councilperson noted they'd like to continue to receive them, to which it was noted that the COG has a new secretary who began providing minutes and they will continue to send them electronically.
• No tax hike in the budget, the meeting went very well, and there is something in the budget for everyone.

Council President Chiavarolli noted that he attended COG meeting and the discussion was focused on emergency management, composting, and fire department assistance for smaller companies that are struggling to get volunteers.

The Mayor noted that the mass warning system specs have been received and will go to public property committee.

The Police Chief noted that given the move in date of the new building, they are going to need to do something with the roof at the existing 30 Belvidere facility. The roof leaks and its into the office and on the copier. The response was to get it fixed.

The meeting closed with the announcement that there will be three executive sessions, two for Law Committee and one for Council President.