Borough Council Meeting - March 3, 2008

Meeting started on time with a few comments from the public, all of which I missed because I got in about ten minutes late from another meeting.

As I understand it, Tina from the Chamber addressed the importance of reducing barriers for new business. On Thursday, similar concerns were raised by members of the Nazareth Downtown Association.

Minutes, Treasurers Report, bills to be paid, Emergency Management Report, Ambulance, Zoning and Code Enforcement Reports were all made and accepted.

Economic Development Committee:

• approved motion to officially endorse the 175th Anniversary of the CF Martin Company
• approved motion to allow placement of banners in the Borough announcing the 175th Anniversary of the CF Martin Company
• approved use of West Prospect Street for an Adult Soap Box Derby (details in a future post) on May 3, 2008
• approved motion to have a "Meet the Chief" open house on April 5, 2008 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. in Council Chambers
• approved Resolution 3-08 honoring the 2008 Nazareth Area Chamber of Commerce "Award of Excellence" honoree, Buzzi Unicem Cement Company (formerly Hercules Cement)
• approved rates for the 2008 Pool (multiple rates including daily, weekend, after four, and season passes for juniors, seniors, family)

Law Committee:

• approved motion to advertise for an Ordinance involving Nazareth COG Mutual Aid Agreement
• approved motion to advertise for an Ordinance changing portions of the Borough's Realty Transfer Tax
• approved a motion to increase the budget of the Civil Service Commission to $7,500.00
• approve a motion to rehire Todd VanNortwick and Jeanette Hartzell as directors of the Borough's Summer Recreation Program. Both to receive a 3% increase and will be paid $5,150.00 annually.
• approved a motion to institute a Ten Year Sidewalk Review and to designate the Borough's Highway Committee to oversee the workings of the "Review"

One Law Committee motion failed to get a second and was not acted on - approve the $18,940 dollar bid for the fencing at the proposed dog park.

Fire Committee approved a motion to register the Borough of Nazareth with the Knox Company for future "Lock Box" capability and eventual installation of the necessary equipment.

Public Property

• motion approved for use of Council Chambers on March 6 by the Nazareth Borough Culture and Arts Commission
• motion approved for Great Valley Girl Scouts to use the Park from June 23 to 27 for their annual Summer Day Camp
• motion approved for Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley to use the Park on Sunday September 21 as starting point for the "Rally through the Valley" motorcycle run
• motion approved to accept the proposal of Guitar Villa for equipment and installation of a sound system for the Council Chambers ($1980.00)
• motion approved to give the left-over furniture at the Borough Building (left by the bank) to the Arts Commission

Police Committee

• approved a motion to terminate the previously approved and scheduled Sergeant's Test
• approved a motion to direct the Secretary to inform the Civil Service Commission that they are canceling the Sergeant's test.
• approved a motion to hire Frederick Lahovski Jr as a part-time police officer
• approved the closing of Belvidere Street from Main to Broad on Friday, July 18 for the 'Block Party'
• approved a motion to close Main Street on October 5, 2008 from 1 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. from the Circle south for the 2nd Quarters for Military Families event
• approved a motion to hire Joseph Trella as a consultant to the Civil Service Commission ($150.00 per hour)

Highway

• approved a motion to accept low bids for misc. road materials and rental equipment
• approved a motion to direct the Secretary to place ads for summer help for the Highway Department

Ecology

• approved a motion to rehire Kerry Frey and Rudy Amberger as yard waste attendants for 2008 season at hourly rate of $8.00 not to exceed 20 hours per week
• approved a motion for Resolution No. 3-08-A providing for the upgrade of one street light to a 250 watt sodium vapor luminaire at Easton Road and South Green Street

Mayor noted that they are in the process of updating the police report and only had to report at this meeting that there were 239 calls in February.

Borough Engineer noted that zoning and planning is looking at creating an overlay section in the General Commercial District to relax parking requirements for new business.

Under new business it was noted that Council persons Maurek and Donello would switch with Maurek representing Council on Library and Donello on COG.

Next meeting on 3/13