Friday, August 03, 2007

Borough Council Workshop 8-02-07

The Nazareth Borough Council Workshop meeting got underway at 7:00 and after an hour and five minutes of public comment (see previous post) the committee reports were presented.

Highway, Councilman Kopach: No report, however, did want to note that in walking around town, particularly in the area of Whitefield House he noticed a lot of dog waste. Thought it might be a good idea to include in next newsletter a mention of curbing your pets. When asked it was noted that fines for not doing so could be up to $500.00 but are at the discretion of the District Magistrate.

Fire, Councilman Daugherty: Bids on radios are out, Halloween Parade 10/20, pole for Alert system installed.

Finance, Councilman Matz: Monday architectural fees 2006 arrangement will be announced. Next meeting is 8/29 at 7 p.m. in the Solicitor's office.

Economic Development (Councilwoman Werner absent) Councilman Herbst: discussed budget and some items for referral to public property.

Law, Herbst: per public comment, will look at parking provisions. Will also need executive session for contracts.

Ecology: Councilman Samus: computer billing system, met Monday with Tom at Hi-Tech and the cost of hardware, software, installation, and extra expenses will total just over $36,000. Also at Sewer they have many paper maps, would like to see if it can be done electronically.

A discussion regarding the computer system ensued. Councilman Bowers questioned current billing. It was though we had 2000 garbage bills and 5000 sewer bills and the system will save us $2500 per year, but that it will also give us more opportunities like producing the newsletter in house. It was also noted that the new server for the system will be located at 134 South Main Street and that the cost would be shared in some capacity with the municipal authority.

A longer discussion took place regarding the agreement between the borough and Lafayette Bank related to garbage (2-3 bags to 6 bags depending on who happened by) at the new borough building.

Public Property, Bowers: no report.

Police, Councilman Stoudt: make a motion to buy 3 more pedestrian signs. Two for Broad Street, 1 Schoeneck for events at the Borough Park. Also a request for a handicap parking spot at 137 South Broad Street. A four way stop request was made at Center and Convent for Holy Family School. Merchant's Bank requested parking relief from the meters for customers on Saturday only. Discussion regarding a bag to go over the meter or signs indicating parking was free for 15 minutes compliments of Merchant's Bank, who would have to pay for the meter time.

Question regarding tree branch at the Post Office that blocks the handicapped parking sign and a request to trim it.

Stoudt also noted that Monday night an announcement on the Chief would be made and that two executive sessions would be needed for contract and personnel.

Council President Chiavaroli read a letter from the scout who placed the inlet markers on the sewer grates throughout town (between 200-300 as I recall) and the boy noted that already nine had been pried off.

Mayor Keller revisted the Spring Street Tavern situation and recommended residents call the non-emergency number 610.330.2200 any time there is a disturbance as the more calls and visits by police the better a case can be made against the establishment by the LCB.

Secretary/Treasurer Paul Kokolus reviewed the Workshop Musings handout he provided to Council and the public. He also noted the Borough EIT collector is resigning, however (and not sure if I got this 100% correct) was continuing in her capacity to collect property tax.

Solicitor: no report.

Engineer: Alert Pole was installed, alert system to be installed week of 8/6, zoning report submitted, planning commission did not meet in July, lighting at 134 South Main Street being installed, the E. Prospect designs were 90% complete, the North Street 'Children at Play' signs met the criteria.

Also noted (per an issue I raised previously) that no change will take place on South Main Street in a southbound direction where the left lane is left only and the right lane is right or straight, but has a right only arrow. The engineer and PADOT agreed no change should be made. The request was made because a car going straight to Mara's couldn't move during the right turn arrow and driver's behind were getting very upset at those in front.

It was also noted that the Sunoco Station at 191 and 248 next to Mara's will be undergoing a complete change with entire station being leveled and a new one built.

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