Thanks to Becky Butz for forwarding to me her notes from the meeting:
Absent from the meeting were Councilmen Herbst and Samus and engineer Donald Keller. Council Bowers arrived at 8 p.m.
Before the meeting official started, bids were opened and info was disclosed on various highway materials.
Community Corner:
- a Bushkill Township resident, whose Mother lives in Nazareth and uses the Post Office regularly, asked about a handicapped parking space at the Post Office; this was approved at the last council meeting. It will be at the NW corner of the circle on the south side of the Post Office.
- it was reported that the Main Street Manager Program is making progress. It will be renamed the Downtown Nazareth Program so that everyone recognizes that it is not only for Main Street. Volunteers are needed for the Board of Directors and anyone on Council was invited to apply.
- question whether the new Chinese Restaurant on Main Street went through the zoning process; answer yes. How many parking spaces are available for the restaurant? none.
- request for clarification in the minutes of the last meeting under the police report - permission sought for "special council" for the police - what does that mean? Larry Stoudt responded that it was a personnel matter going to court.
- questioned why a snow emergency wasn't called on 2/14? There wasn't that much snow, but the layer of ice impeded the snow removal. Mayor Keller responded that he normally doesn't call an emergency until it hits 12 inches. He thought the highway dept did a good job of removing the snow. (He doesn't live in my neighborhood!)
- question asked why there was no garbage collection on Wednesday - Stoudt said because of the weather on Monday.
- question if a new pedestrian crossing sign was ordered for the circle. Acting Chief Alan Koch said , yes. Suggestion that the sign at the west intersection of Center St be moved to the Post Office on N. Main Street because there is more congestion there until the new sign arrived.
- question about the $28,000 bill from Furst Architect for work done last summer. "It's being worked on" was the reply.
Workshop Musings: Secretary Paul Kokolus reported that the "franchise fees" were received from RCN and Service Electric. The total was over $73,000 and it goes into the general fund.
Council President Dan Chiavarolli went over the "Rules of Public Participation" at the Council meetings. It seems there was a problem last month. The rules have been in place for some time, but perhaps not adhered to consistently. That will change. The rules will be strictly followed. Copies were available for tonight's attendees. Also, anyone wishing to speak will be asked to stand at the podium.
Kokolus reported on the search for a new Police Chief. The procedure is to advertise, receive applications, then to hire consultants to help in the hiring process. He has also researched a survey of salaries across the state.
Councilman Herbst was absent because he was giving a presentation at the Northampton County Council meeting on the Skate Park. The engineer will draw specs for this project.
Stoudt reported 2 new police officers were hired. They'll start as soon as their uniforms arrive.
Councilwoman Werner - no report; Councilman Matz - no report
Councilman Fred Daugherty - Fire - made applications for fire commissioner grants; seeking bids for new fire siren system
Councilman Mike Kopach - Highway - problems with the street sweeper; applications for summer help
Councilman Bowers - Public Property - get estimates on the renovations of the bandshell at the park
Werner questioned who will "govern" the skate park - hours, rules, etc. Skate Park committee, law committee???? Must be determined soon. The park manager can not do it. Must have good communication and a good working relationship with the Police
Daugherty - Ecology - advertise for PT help for yard waste. Essroc will have the soccer field done as soon as the weather breaks - end of May.
Carl Strye - Fire Dept - discussion on details of carnival.
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