Nazareth Borough Council Workshop 03-29-07

The Nazareth Borough Council Workshop meeting took place on Thursday, March 29, 2007 beginning at 7:00 p.m. with the opening of bids for the Multi-Tonal Siren System. Two bids were received one in the amount of $16,700 and the other in the amount of $36,516.

Community Corner began with Joe Biernat asking the status of truck traffic that was previously addressed at Council and between himself and former Police Chief Ruch. The specific issue was large industrial trucks traveling north on Broad Street and turning west on Prospect by the St. John's Lutheran Church. The request was to make the street a no truck traffic, however, Councilman Stoudt noted if it was restricted to local delivery, the trucks were making a local delivery and it wouldn't help. Councilman Herbst suggested a weight limit. Stoudt noted that there was a discussion with Essroc and the information from that meeting was forwarded by Essroc to its Logistics and Procurement division, but the Borough has not heard back from them. It was decided that the Police and Law Committees would both review the weigh limit suggestion.

Along the lines of traffic, Council Chairman Dan Chiavaroli noted that Broad Street and 248 southbound has become a big problem largely as a result of the light not having a left turn signal. PADOT is responsible for this intersection.

I addressed the Council to find out what plans were underway for repainting crosswalks in the borough, specifically in the areas of downtown where we are trying to encourage pedestrian traffic for the shops and businesses. It was noted that painting takes place in spring usually after the street sweeper has gone through several times. I also asked about the issue of enforcement and if the Mayor could possibly include in his police report if citations in the area of speeding, running stop signs, and other hazards increased from the month before or not to demonstrate to residents that the borough is serious in this regard.

With about nine people in attendance, that was all from community corner.

Two letters were received by the borough one announcing the opening of a new DHL facility (off route 100 in the west end of the Lehigh Valley) and the other regarding an Armed Services Rally in Allentown from 11:30 to 3:00 p.m. on 3/31.

Chiavaroli noted there would be an executive session on contractual matters.

Councilman Kopach reported:

• There would be 'no dumping' stickers placed on the storm sewer drains to remind residents that these drains flow into our stream water and dumping into them is hazardous (not to mention illegal).
• The Spring Brook Terrace would be getting new curbing and residents were being sent letters with one years notice.
• New Front End Loader is now in operation.

Councilman Daugherty noted that Egg Hunt is on April 1 and there will be a motion to close the pool at 5:00 p.m. during the carnival for safety reasons. The concern is with the traffic going in and out of the park and the feeling was that closing the pool would reduce this traffic. Councilwoman Werner noted typically a dozen people use the pool at that time of day who cannot during the day and she didn't believe it would make a difference.

Daugherty also provided the Ecology report as Councilman Samus was absent noting the storm sewer project and the borough will be seeking a software consultant to help the borough identify a software package that can serve multiple billing purposes (garbage, sewer, maybe taxes, etc).

Councilman Matz noted he would need an executive session for personnel.

Werner noted that the recreation committee received a $10,000 grant from the PA DCED and that the tentative sign-up sheet for the multi-sport program during the summer was for review by the members of council.

Herbst provided the transition and law reports:

• No meeting of the Transition committee Friday, March 30, but will resume each friday next week.
• Complimented Keith and the Highway Crew for the work they were doing at the new Government Center. The holding cell and booking area is nearly complete and they will next work on the upstairs officers area.
• The bank anticipates moving out 5/15/07 and given progress Borough move-in is expected first week of July.
• The committee hopes to have an open house during Nazareth Day.
• They will need a new server and software.
• Transition is under budget ($27,000 budgeted and anticipate being under $20,000)
• Small discussion on Nazareth Downtown Association office space. It will have an outside phone line, Council will install need to determine if NDA or Borough will pay monthly charge.
• Invited the Fire Department or Committee to attend next Law Meeting to discuss concept of billing for services.
• Executive Session for Personnel.
• Like to make a motion for Monday recognizing the accomplishments of the wrestling team winning the school's first team state championship this year and for Tim Darling who became the school's first ever 4x regional and 3x state champion.

Councilman Bowers provided the Public Property report:

• Band shell is progressing as was previously discussed.
• Essroc field was too wet to do any work, but they are considering stone for the lot.
• Discussing lighting for 134 South Main Street.
• Received a request to partially fence Kiwanis Park.
• The cost to replace/repair(wasn't sure) the slide at the pool was $24,800.

Stoudt provided the police committee noting needed an executive session for personnel and contracts.

Mayor Keller noted that a $5,000 grant was received from DCED through Rep. Grucela for the Siren System.

Dennis Huth provided the engineer's report noting:

• report will be given on Monday (to close out the month)
• Skate park is looking at paving and fencing.
• Zoning report will be Monday as well.
• Planning Commission is looking at zoning code and will review throughout 2007 and return to Council recommended changed at year end.
• Lighting will need to be added at new government center.
• Band shell construction has begun.
• Short discussion of the Essroc soccer field in the west end of the borough.

Herbst noted that the Skate Park is expected to cost $10,000 for fencing and $56,000 for equipment and has received commitments as follows:

• $35,000 from the Borough (this was the impact fees that had to be spent on recreation)
• $3,500 from Tatamy
• $15,000 from Northampton County
• $15,000 from Upper Nazareth
• $10,000 from Bushkill
• $1,000 from Brian's Professional Cleaning.
  

The COG (Council of Governments) agreement is being circulated to the municipalities for signatures.

At this point I did ask if I could raise one more question as I'd forgotten about it before hand and I was. The question was in regard to the recent report that Upper Nazareth was requesting to meet with the Borough in regard to merging the police departments. Stoudt noted that that was the purpose of his executive session. He felt there were issues that needed to be discussed with the Board in advance of doing so with the public.

The Council then held its multiple executive sessions.