Monday, March 05, 2007

Nazareth Borough Council Business Meeting 03-05-07

The Nazareth Borough Council meeting on Monday, March 5, 2007 began at 7:00 p.m.

Councilman Samus was absent, all others were present.

Council President Dan Chiavaroli opened the meeting reiterating that Section 9 of the Council meeting rules will be enforced specifically items C & D.

Section 9 Rules of Public Participation has four lettered sections. A. is to ensure people's right to be provided an opportunity to address the Council, B is to require groups to have a designated speaker to avoid repetitious comments, C is to note that all remarks are to be addressed to the presiding officer, and D indicates that any offensive remarks can result in an individual being barred for the balance of the meeting.

There were three individual's who made comments:

  • Sidewalk safety in the borough, I've been on this for 10 years and I hope the law committee will consider an ordinance that can be as well done as possible so it can be enforced this spring.

  • I noted as two points of information, one that the school has an automated call system that the borough might be able to utilize for emergencies, and two that Upper Nazareth has budgeted for a new web site and if the borough was looking for a partner in development it might be a good opportunity.

  • Question regarding the status of 30 Belvidere in the future. Councilman Bowers noted that there has not yet been a discussion and wouldn't be until moved out. It was also noted that the public property committee will handle the issue initially, but it will be decided by Council. Councilwoman Werner stated they were open to ideas.

There was no communications report.

The minutes, treasurers report, bills, emergency management report, and zoning and code enforcement reports were approved while the ambulance report was not available.

There was no Economic Development Committee Report.

Law Committee:

  • Approved ordinance adopting the 2007 Bushkill Stormwater Management Plan.
  • Approved ordinance accepting and execution of the Nazareth Area Municipal Comprehensive Plan.
  • Approved a policy to post Borough Minutes on the Borough Web site. The motion proposes that minutes for the previous month will only be posted once approved the following month.
  • Transition Committee reports that received proposal on security, computer system switched to new building with little cost, and may be able to partition the office (not police) server for tenant use.
  • Northampton County Council is providing $15,000 for the skate park project. Asking for resolutions from surrounding municipalities to include a commitment amount. Will proceed with site work and phase one.

Ecology Committee:

  • Approved a resolution to upgrade a streetlight at intersection of Heckman Avenue and South Kohl Street.
  • Approved a motion to place ads seeking part-time help for the Borough's Yard Waste Facility.

Public Property:

  • Approved request for park use from Great Valley Council Girl Scouts, an Easter Egg Hunt (not conflicting with Fire Company's) by the One Child at a Time Foundation, and the Nazareth Soccer Club for use of the upper field on the west end in the spring.
  • Withdrew a motion in order to place one to approve the bid of $45,725 for the bandshell at the Park. During discussion it was noted that the budget was $44,000 and that no bids were originally received.
  • Motion to accept the tenets of the CDBG Grant calling for storm sewer repairs along East Prospect Street ($138,203). The total includes a borough contribution of $25,000.

Police Report:

  • Approved option A of the wording and content of the advertisement seeking a new police chief.
  • Motion to direct the Secretary to place an internet ad with the PA Police Chiefs Association seeking applicants at a cost of $400.00
  • Motion to make Whitfield Street from Center to North Streets passenger vehicle only, no trucks except local delivery.
  • Motion to approve lease of a new Dodge Durango SUV in 3 annual installment payments of $9,660.82 and after the third payment purchase the vehicle for $1.00.

Highway Report:

  • Approved low bids for misc. road materials and rental equipment pending approval of those bids by the engineer.
  • Motion to direct Secretary to place ads seeking summer help for highway dept. approved.
  • Approved a motion to revise prescription agreement to add single reimbursement. Secretary will notify in writing members of Association of the change.
  • Approved a motion to advertise for bid an emergency signal horn.

Fire Report:

  • There were 15 calls, 6 motor vehicle responses and one fire.

Finance Committee:

  • No report, the March finance meeting will be on 3/28 at 7:00 p.m. At the solicitor's office.

Mayor's Report

  • encouraged people to visit the new web site that is excellent, while still a work in progress.
  • Noted there were 34 crimes, 5 criminal, 30 citations, 15 car crashes investigated.

Council President noted there would be two executive sessions with no announcement to follow, one regarding personnel, one contract.

Meeting was adjourned.

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