Council Meeting 05-07-07

The May Business meeting of the Nazareth Borough Council began with a presentation by Ken Trionfo of the Northampton Community College, whop brought four models from their temporary South Main Street Studio. He noted that this class was the last required of students before they graduate from NCC and go on to a four year school. The Studio encourages understanding how a building come to fruition including government, financing, politics, etc.

There was:

1. Hardware Store facade change.
2. 30 Belvidere as community theatre.
3. Chamber Council with ADA compliant bathrooms.
4. Circle conversion to a “Memorial Plaza”.
5. New Government Center plus a 30,000 square foot office building whose facade resembles the homes across the street. Between an expanded New Government Center on South Main Street complete with public off street area and the office building would be a five story parking garage, effectively hidden, that could accommodate up to 500 cars.

These were student projects, ideas, that were aspirational and inspirational.

Public Comment followed beginning about 7:25 p.m.

• Mike Kemmerer of Nazareth News Agency noted that he'd heard people had questions and were concerned about his business and he'd like to answer them if anyone on Council had them. He could take any questions or would be happy to meet with anyone at his shop. Similar to what was discussed about downtowns, I'm supporting life in downtown. I understand that it is a little different, but it is good, and if there are questions I'd like to answer them.

• Councilman Herbst noted that he and many others on Council have been there. He noted the excellent entertainment, fabulous performers, musical, and political events that have been held there. Herbst noted it is different because it doesn't shut down at 6 p.m. It provides a valuable function to our community.

• Concern that Dutch n' Such received permission to install a fan unit and tenants in an adjoining building are moving out because of the noise and smell. Doesn't believe it should have been approved.

• Resident noted how glad she was to see the News Agency's Java Lounge and Dutch n' Such open. Both are non-smoking and after dinner at Dutch n' Such we like to have coffee, relax and enjoy the music at the Java Lounge. I hope to see more and more offerings like this.

• Upper Nazareth resident asked how he could track down a street performer's permit. He is a magician and psychic entertainer and would like to be able to legally perform and put a hat out in Nazareth at events.

• On Thursday Councilman Samus brought up vandalism at the park and others agreed something had to be done. What will you do? Will it be tonight? Or wait until we have a new chief? It is time to go out and hire part-time help or a security firm.

• What happened to the Furst Architecture bill? [It was noted the bill was still being negotiated]

• Is it true the skate park will only have five people using it at one time?

• Herbst replied and explained that five use it, but they rotate in and out frequently so that 30 or more are active on a regular basis, but for safety five can go at one time for short periods of time so it is a fluid exchange of a large number of users.

• I followed noting it was my question on Thursday and reporting of it that resulted in the last question and that I tried to explain it, but apparently didn't do a good enough job. In following up on Thursday's conversation and the earlier comments about life on the sidewalks and those about the skate park and borough park, that the Council, who has been very conscientious with our tax dollars, ought to consider hiring a new officer dedicated to the Park, school, and special events. This officer would not replace or relieve current duties but supplement and add to the coverage in these areas.

• Has any consideration been given to the entrance area of the park with new skate park? [noted that if it became a problem it would be addressed]

• The Board Agenda notes a consultant will be hired for the police chief, can you explain the timetable/process? [All in favor of moving forward as quickly as possible, weeks not months]

Council Reports

Recreation had a motion to add 3% wage to the Pool Manager, which was approved in the budget, and was approved.

Law Committee, Jack Herbst, who thanked crew for work done in the spring above and beyond what they normally do. There were also five motions approved from the committee:

1. To approve the stop light at South Broad Street and East Walnut with $50,000 paid by Chrin Incorporated. There will be 8 parking meters removed and several trees to accommodate the light.
2. Advertise an ordinance amending Chapter One, Police Pension Plans involving pension benefits to surviving spouses and children.
3. Motion to accept the low bid of American Ramp Company of $60,066 for the 3 Stair option for the construction of the Nazareth Skate Park.
4. Motion to accept the low bid of $7125 of Anchor Fence for vinyl covered fencing for the proposed Skate Park.
5. Motion to authorize the Economic Development Committee to set dates and times of operation for the rental tenants of the Park Refreshment Stand. (done according to the Solicitor based on conversation from Thursday's meeting about Kool Treats)

Ecology Committee presented the refuse and recycling report. The council accepted the new hook-ups for sewer authority in the absence of a manager. The Nazareth Advisory Committee will be meeting with Essroc at Council Chambers on Wednesday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m. A 3^rd person will be hired at the yard. It was noted that the Kramer units were approved and a cell tower 120-150 feet high was going to be placed.

Public Property approve the use of the Park parking lot for a shuttle bus drop-off point for the Holy Family Church Picnic from July 27 to July 29, 2007, and a motion for Cat Country 96 to hold a charity event to benefit the St. Jude's Hospital at the Park on September 30.

Police Committee had several motions:

1. Motion to approve request of American Legion Post 415 to hold a Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 28, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. In the event of bad weather, the event will be held at 11 a.m. In the HS gym.
2. Motion to approve a donation of $50.00 to American Legion Post 415 to subsidize cost of the parade.
3. Approve request of Saint John's UCC for the closure of Prospect Street on May 19, 2007 from 3 until 7 p.m. For a “Fifties Drive-In Night.”
4. Motion to vote on an ordinance restricting truck traffic on Whitefield Street between Center and North Streets. If approved, ordinance #734.
5. Motion to approve Joseph Trella as the Borough's consultant and interviewer in the matter of the selection of a new police chief at the rate of $150.00 per hour.
6. Request to make convent Street on Saturday night of Holy Family Festival as one way.

Highway committee made a motion to advertise to sell the Michigan Clark front end loader and to instruct the Engineer to perform preliminary engineering and surveying studies for the proposed storm water work to be done on East Prospect Street in conjunction with the CDBG Grant the Borough will receive.

Fire Report noted there were 14 calls in April.

Finance Committee made a motion to approve payment of $25,000 to complete the Prospect/Green Streets Project.

Mayor's Report. Mayor noted that based on the issues raised Thursday regarding the High School area, a full-time officer will be back on duty tomorrow. The interim Chief will increase officers in area of schools at bell times. He spoke with a supervisor from Upper Nazareth and relayed the conversation and concern regarding the school area and hoped Upper would do the same in regard to extra coverage at bell times. A meeting will be held with Police Chair (Larry Stoudt) and Chief. At which point Councilwoman Werner suggested inviting the park manager who has significant insight to contribute. Councilman Samus asked what time frame? He later asked that times beyond dusk be considered. Mayor also commended interim Chief Koch for the work he has done under difficult circumstances.

Old Business, it was asked if the residents along Park Street were notified in writing of the major work that will be done to the street. Would be checked on.

Herbst asked Councilman Bowers if the painting noted on Thursday at the baseball field would be split with the School District, he noted he did not know and would check.

Herbst also asked about having two officers in one car as he saw over the weekend. It was noted that a memo/policy from Chief Ruch noted that when gas prices approached $3.00 per gallon the two officers on duty would ride together.

With that the meeting was adjourned.