Council Business Meeting 10-1-07

The Business Meeting of the Nazareth Borough Council began at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 1, 2007. Councilwoman Werner was not in attendance.

There was comment from the floor in regard to parking on Green Street. The individual noted that parking is almost impossible as a result of apartment unit residents from Main Street who park on Green. He did meet with Chief and two cars that had been long-term parked were moved, but have now returned in another location. The person has four properties he is working on in this area and if he can't get parking in front or off-street it is a problem.

Council President Chiavaroli noted that if he wants a driveway and off street parking he should go through the zoning officer. The officer can grant or deny the request, if denied he can go through zoning hearing board.

Council approved the minutes from 9/4, treasurer's report, bills to be paid ($248,911.72), the August reports of Emergency Management and Ambulance, and the Zoning and Code Enforcement Reports.

• A motion was approved to hire Todd VanNortwick and Jeanette Hartzell as Co-Directors of the 2008 Summer Recreation Program.
• A motion was approved as Resolution 10-07 recognizing Eugene Brass on his 105th Birthday.
• A motion was approved to advertise an opening on the Borough Recrecation Commission to fill the unexpired term of Elton "Sam" Werkheiser through 12/31/08.
• A motion was approved to advertise for an amendment to an ordinance which would institute the Local Services Tax to replace the Emergency Services Tax which requires a $52.00 annual tax for anyone employed within the borough.

The final motion noted above is simply changing the name and instead of having a first pay withdrawal of the entire amount, equal portions will be deducted from each pay check. This was required for the borough to do. It was also noted that anyone whose annual salary is under $12,000 will be exempt.

The August and September Ecology reports were given and there was some discussion related to the material hauled from the waste yard on the west end of town. In short materials dropped off their, leaves, clippings, etc., are not put in a landfill, but are hauled by Waste Management to a location in Bethlehem and composted. The hauling cost is included in the contract with the borough. If want to look at alternatives to this in the future, the borough will need to write a bid that has the base contract plus an option to haul yard waste.

It was also noted the next Citizens Advisory Meeting with Essroc will be held on Wednesday, November 14, 2007.

• Motion was approved for use of the parking lot at the Park on 10/8 by NASD.
• Motion was approved for a "No Parking on School Days" zone in front of Holy Family Church as ordinance #737.
• Motion was approved to request PA DCED to provide technical assistance for a Police Management Study and authorize the President of Council to execute a letter of intent.
• Motion was approved for a handicapped parking zone at 632 South Spruce Street.
• Motion was approved to place a stop sign on Convent Avenue in both North and South directions making it a four way stop as Ordinance #738.
• Motion was approved for an annual vigil to be held at the Circle (within roadway so there are no obstructions).
• Motion was approved to hold annual Trick or Treat night on Wednesday, October 31, 2007 from 6-8 p.m.

The fire report by Councilman Daugherty also noted the Halloween parade would be held on 10/20 and the rain date was 10/21. There were 22 fire calls in September and on 10/8 there will be an open house at the fire company from 7 to 9:00 p.m. for fire prevention week.

Councilman Matz had a series of motions related to Tax Collection. Renee Pfeiffer, the elected tax collector has resigned from all collection except for Real Estate, for which she was elected (the other collections are in essence 'optional'). As a result, the Borough examined the option of contracting for EIT and Local Services Tax. H.A. Berkheimer, who also collects for NASD (earlier this spring the NASD during its budget precedings lowered the rate it would pay its tax collectors) was the best option as their collection commission was 2.5% compared to the 5% previously paid. The contract was set up for renewal to coincide with the election of the Tax Collector so the Borough can revisit the issue at that time. Each of four motions was approved as 10-07-a, 10-07-B, 10-07-C, and 10-07-D.

Councilman Matz also recognized the time and effort of Paul Kokolus during this process.

• Motions were approved to provide $1000.00 to the Fire Company for the Parade and $1000.00 to the Fire Company for Fire Prevention Week.

The Mayor noted there were 51 crimes investigated, 9 criminal arrests, 55 traffic violations and 21 accidents. He had no further report.

There was no report from the Solicitor or Engineer. There was some discussion related to the event at Nazareth Borough Park on Sunday. Apparently there was a significant shift from the group's initial request and actual event that resulted in some issues on the day of the event. It was recommended that next year a specific 'promoter' be named by the organization and that this individual will be responsible talk through the entire event in order to ensure its safe conduct (ie fire police to assist people if lot fills, etc). The event was jointly held and WCTO, Cat Country 96.1 provided considerable coverage for the St. Jude's Children Hospital Fundraiser. On their station it was noted they expect to get final figures in this week but the expectation is that approximately $10,000 was raised during the event.