HOME RULE BOROUGH OF EDINBORO
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
August 14, 2006
Call to Order:
The following Council members were present: Dr. Dennis Travis, Jean Davis, Greg Lucas, Robert Cogan, H. Robert Cannell, Mary Ann Horne and Mayor Allen. Also in attendance was Manager T. Jemetz; Zoning Officer David Zamierowski and Marie Lander, Assistant to the Manager. Guests present were Nancy Crawford, Jon Foulkrod, Marriella DiTommaso, Edinboro News; and T. Holmes.
Mayor Allen introduced the minutes from the regular Council meeting held July 10, 2006. Mary Ann Horne moved for approval minutes, and Jean Davis seconded. The minutes were approved by voice vote of 7-0.
AGENDA:
Mary Ann Horne moved the acceptance of the agenda noting that it was not posted as normally done. Jean Davis seconded the motion.
Dr. Dennis Travis moved to add three items to new business: first a letter from resident on Ash Street; second a letter from resident on Maple Drive; and third a recommendation on a follow up email to the Manager. Jean Davis seconded the motion and it passed by 7-0 voice vote.
Robert Cogan moved to add three items to new business: first regarding trees on Lakeside Drive; second on Pensions; and third on Beach closing. Jean Davis seconded the motion and it passed by 7-0 voice vote.
Motion to accept the agenda with additions, passed by 7-0 by voice vote.
Being none, Mayor Allen moved on to old business.
Committee Reports:
Finance Committee: Mary Ann Horne reported that the bills and purchase orders were reviewed today as well as July 24th. They will be meeting August 29th at noon to hear pension presenters.
Mary Ann Horne moved to authorize the Manager to give bonuses not to exceed $5,000 per year in total to employees to reward them for exceptional performance. Jean Davis seconded the motion and discussion followed. This bonus will not be part of the base salary or wage of any employee and would be public knowledge. Manager Jemetz stated this would be something for personnel to strive for. The motion passed by 7-0 voice vote.
Ordinance Review Committee: Jean Davis, Chair reported they needed a committee meeting and asked Dave Zamierowski to schedule it.
Mr. Cogan stated number 7 in the Solicitor’s letter concerning the Well Head Protection Ordinance was addressed to the same request he had to talk with the university on the well head. Mayor Allen directed the Manager to have the appropriate persons contacted at the university to see how this would affect them. Jean Davis stated that the Water Authority had discussed this prior and Butch Shafer had mentioned the university was using a room for the chemicals.
Robert Cannell asked about the Going out of Business ordinance and the business near him. He was informed the business was in Washington Township but the ordinance was reviewed by Attorney Marsh and would be reviewed by the committee.
Personnel Committee: Robert Cogan reminded Manager Jemetz that the committee was waiting for his self evaluation report. Dr. Travis reminded Mr. Cogan that he also needed the policy statement. Mr. Cogan stated he would get it finished.
Public Safety Committee: Greg Lucas stated that Benzie would be having teeth capped and root canal. Manager Jemetz stated they will put him under and do all four at once. The first time he is put under they will mold them and the second for the fitting. It will cost $2000 and we have $1703 in donations to date. It was costed out at $500-$1000 per tooth and Camboro was the lowest quote. Benzie will be in service for another 5-8 years and this is recommended since he may break another, if not capped. Mr. Cogan asked about guarantee if new ones break. Manager Jemetz stated that would be guaranteed for life of the dog. Mayor Allen stated he would donate $100 toward the K-9. Mr. Cannell reminded everyone that when they purchased the dog they had promised no public funds. Again he was reminded that they already had $1,703 in donations toward the $2,000 and Mr. Lucas stated he would get the balance somehow. Mayor Allen reminded everyone that this K-9 is an asset to the Borough since it helps the officer on duty with no other backup. The Manager is just informing us of his action to authorize this procedure.
Committee of the Whole: Mayor Allen informed Council that they met on July 31st to review the 2nd quarter finances and found everything on track and in solid financial footing. We still are unsure whether the exemption on the $52 EMS tax will be raised, this year it will allow us to pave Maple Drive. Dr. Travis asked the Manager about his goal to reduce personnel and roll back taxes. Manager Jemetz stated that they would have to review the infrastructure to decide if Council would put it into that or to give it back to residents as well as find out if the EMS will be rolled back.
A Committee of the Whole Planning & Priorities meeting was held July 24th and another is scheduled for August 28th at 6:30 p.m. Jean Davis stated that this may not be the correct way to do it, but is a great way to sit down together informally and discuss various items. Mayor Allen stated this is a good way to prepare for the 2007 budget.
Solicitor Marsh was not present but sent response to Mr. Cogan’s questions at the July 10th meeting.
He also sent correspondence on the Verizon case. Mary Ann Horne moved and Robert Cogan seconded to authorize the appropriate signatures on the Verizon general release and release from any and all damages resulting from their damaging the sewage collection line located on Route 6N East in the Borough of Edinboro. The motion passed by 7-0 voice vote.
Manager Jemetz stated he was sorry he maybe groggy since Marie and himself were up and left Edinboro at 6 a.m. this morning for a mandatory PennVest training in Greensburg, PA.
The draft recommendations from the Pennsylvania Economy League (PEL) were in Council’s packets for review and recommendations and not for public discussion until we receive the final copy. Discussion followed and the Manager agreed to send copies electronically to Council to review.
Meadville Street project is almost complete. They have one manhole left to install on Wednesday and then Thursday they will pave.
Maple Drive is in the paving stage.
QES has ordered the galvanized stabilizers.
Phase V downtown is waiting for the easements to be tweaked.
Pensions meeting for August 29th, but the union has asked to reschedule. We have been making progress and the funds are progressing with the move we have already made.
August 15th Town & Gown is at the University the July meeting was at the Borough Building. The University has authorized giving the Borough an old 90KW generator for our building and the water department.
Beach has been closed because of high bacteria counts.
Mayor Allen informed Council that the Manager had notified residents on Maple Drive and thanked them for their patience. This last Friday, he hand delivered another letter regarding the paving. This has been a long project and the Manager has been there daily as well as at the project on Meadville Street. He has effectively communicated for the Borough during these times.
Mayor Allen informed the Manager he had four calls over the weekend regarding the closed beach from renters out of town. Dr. Travis asked that the symptoms of e-coli poisoning be put on the website for residents such as eye/ear infections, etc.
Mayor Allen introduced the bills for payment. Mary Ann Horne moved for approval of the submitted bills for July 24, 2006 totaling $ 102,619.76. Jean Davis seconded.
Robert Cannell asked about the air condition repair in the Justice office. Manager Jemetz stated that the air conditioning unit needed cleared. The Justice Office receives no charge for use of our building. Mr. Cannell asked about the $4.13 noted for flat tire paid to Officer Donahue. He then stated he would pay it. Motion passed by 7-0 voice vote.
Mayor Allen introduced the bills for payment today. Mary Ann Horne moved for approval of the submitted bills for August 14 and August 7 & 9th totaling $ 248,179.01. Jean Davis seconded.
Robert Cogan asked about the Westmoreland COG. Mary Ann Horne informed him that this is what management uses for purchase of vehicles and equipment.
Dr. Travis asked about the Waste Management invoice. He wondered about the size of the trucks and damage to our roads. Manager Jemetz stated that we are under a contract and he would make sure we have the next contract bided two ways to see if we can get smaller trucks. Motion passed by 7-0 voice vote.
Robert Cannell moved to accept payroll ending July 29, 2006 and paid August 4, 2006 totaling $50,339.42. Mary Ann Horne seconded and the motion passed by 7-0 voice vote.
Robert Cannell moved to accept payroll ending July 15, 2006 and paid July 21, 2006 totaling $51,340.29. Jean Davis seconded and the motion passed by 7-0 voice vote.
Police Reports:
H. Robert Cannell commended the Manager for another successful month. He noted that the bike patrol was on the front page of “News” and Mayor Allen thanked the reporter present for the nice article.
Code Enforcement/Planning/Zoning:
Report was available for review, noting that Mel Daughenbaugh had stated working part time inspecting rental units.
Mary Ann Horne moved to accept the mylars on Ander Park Estates on Hillcrest Drive and authorize appropriate members to sign them. The motion was seconded by Jean Davis and passed by 6-0-1 vote. It was noted that Greg Lucas abstained due to conflict of interest and business reasons.
Discussion followed on rental units, vision for the future, rezoning areas. It was agreed to brainstorm during the Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled on how to improve demographics.
Public Works & Water System
Reports were not available for review.
Community Development/Project Coordination:
A recap of a meeting held with the Manager and Assistant to the Manager gave an update on all open project items was available for review by Council.
Community Liaisons:
Environmental Shade Tree Advisory Committee: Mary Ann Horne informed Council that they met last week and discussed grants. They would apply to become a Tree City USA as well as grants for trimming trees. She wanted to thank Dave Zamierowski for bringing plans to their meeting on new development so they could go over them.
Erie County Planning Liaison: Robert Cannell reported he was out of town for the August 10th meeting. He found out that there was an opening on the Board of Directors because someone did not attend the meetings regularly. He thought this was the only way to have a chance for getting grants for the Borough was to be on the Board. Mayor Allen recommended that he write a letter informing them if he was interested in being on the board.
EVFD Board Liaison: Robert Cogan reported that he attended the August 6th meeting. Costs of dispatching service have jumped 10% from last year. They have made a formal agreement with EUP to use students for EMS and fire fighting with use of a Home Land Security Grant. It was noted that they were still looking for volunteers.
Washington Township: Jean Davis reported that she attended the meeting and a couple of our residents asked questions regarding the Lake. The Edinboro News had an article on the meeting. Also the Washington Township Officials had a concern about LERTA and would be attending the school board meeting Wednesday August 16th.
Authority: Jean Davis reported they met tonight. The Water Authority discussed Maple Drive replacement of water connections while the street was open and that the security alarms planned were completed at the wells. The Municipal Authority talked about the restricted funds they applied for reimbursement in December 2005 and still did not have payment. Jean Davis moved to authorize the Manager to sent letters to Rep. John Evans and Senator Jane Earll with a copy to DEP and appropriate authorities requesting help in getting our reimbursements. Robert Cogan seconded the motion and it passed by 7-0 voice vote.
Other Old Business:
NIMS training was held June 5th and Council is still awaiting the certifications.
COMMUNICATIONS:
A letter was received from Michael F. DeRiggi regarding refuse/recycling pickups. Mr. Cogan said he thought it should be answered. After much discussion it was agreed that the ordinance was in order and was working as planned.
Notice of new management in the Edinboro Food Pantry was in the packets. Jean Davis noted that they have taken a step forward and are cleaning and removing freezers and refrigerators that are not needed to save on electricity.
A request for street light on Pineview Drive by Tim & Sharon Sullivan was discussed and turned over to the Streets, Buildings & Grounds Committee for review. Dr. Travis stated he would also review the High Street light at that time. He also asked about light pollution in some location and he was informed that they had removed some streetlights when asked in the past.
DCED New PA Local Government Training Partnership information was available for review.
A letter from Richard & Aimee Rodak regarding building heights on Lakeside Drive was in the packets. Mayor Allen asked the Code Enforcement Officer if the building met requirement. Mr. Zamierowski reported that they went before the Zoning Hearing Board and conformed. Mr. Zamierowski stated he never denied a permit but sent people to the Zoning Hearing Board for setbacks and building codes. This property has a building permit and was in total compliance. Robert Cogan stated that a scenic protection overlay with staggered heights and grandfathering in other buildings would solve that problem. Dave Zamierowski stated that we have only 50 lots left not built and we are just about built out and to start a scenic protection district is a little late. We currently have a 30’ height max restriction.
.
NEW BUSINESS:
Dr. Travis reported he had a letter from Ash Street regarding street lights and would take it to the Building, Streets, & Grounds Committee to get their input.
Dr. Travis reported he had a letter from Maple Drive requesting an ordinance to permit delivery trucks only signage on Maple Drive. This item will also go the Building, Streets, & Grounds Committee for review.
Dr Travis wished to discuss Manager’s response on July 31st to his email about the vision and mission statement. Greg Lucas stated this is good for discussion at the Committee of the Whole meeting.
Robert Cogan stated he had a request from Ms. Gwynn regarding trees on Lakeside. Trees also block view of Lake and there are two in Billings Park, one with branches over the walkway and the second in the middle of the park that children are climbing on. Manager Jemetz stated he would have the Public Works crew look into the trees in question.
Robert Cogan spoke on Pension Liabilities. He stated that issuance of Pension Obligation Bonds should be looked at preliminarily for feasibility of solving the problem with unfunded liabilities. We need to look into pension obligation bonds. He asked if the manager could make a couple calls, one to Rich Sherbondy of PNC, and the other to Mockenhaupt Associates about paying off the pension liability with bonds.
Robert Cogan also spoke on the beach closings. The beaches have been closed 8-10 days and the Borough tests every day except weekends because it is still high over 235 colonies per 100ml. Manager Jemetz stated that it has been any where from 500-2000 and we can not open the beach until it returns down to 120. The rain tonight maybe good but too much will not be good. Mr. Cogan went on to talk about EPA standards and that he had read the NRDC report and public health reports on the EPA rule making on the dangers. He stated that the public health statistics on disease did not justify closing beaches on the EPA standards. The EPA standards correspond to an illness rate of only 0.8% of swimmers wing in water with 235 colony forming E.Coli bacteria. If we do not have public beaches open reliably it will hurt tourism and Lakeside property values. He felt the Borough needed to see what legal status we had to leave the beaches open.
Manager Jemetz stated we are addressing children who may swallow water and not healthy adults. We care about the community and our children and by the rules of the Department of Health we will keep the beaches closed since it is our integrity and responsibility to keep our residents safe.
Jean Davis stated that the Township meeting plans were completed with DEP with a timeline for 2007 and plant done in 2008. This seems to be a long time. Manager Jemetz reported he spoke to Mr. Gilson of DEP and he said he was trying to get people energized to review the documents by September for the November Pennvest loan Board meeting.
Mr. Cogan asked Mayor Foulkrod, Washington Township, after the School Board meeting on Wednesday and they would make a decision on LERTA or if they delay further, will it take much longer for the Township to apply for funds to start their sewer plant. Jon Foulkrod, Washington Township liaison, stated that the 537 Plan was specific and no matter what happens Wednesday they will keep to their deadlines. The cost to rate holders may be defrayed, if we get LERTA and lower loan rates but no delay in the project. Mr. Foulkrod stated they were applying for a PennVest Grant and PennWorks loan.
Nancy Crawford, claimed that the plan is that they hope for LERTA for the economic factor for PennVest loans which she felt did not make any sense.
Joh Foulkrod stated that economics wins over sewers every time. Every politician takes credit for jobs. He stated he was not saying it was right but it is the way it is and they need to play it that way.
Robert Cogan moved for adjournment, and the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 P.M.
ATTEST:
_______________________________ _____________________________
Manager T. Jemetz Mayor Clifford “Kip” Allen
HIGHLIGHTS
August 14, 2006
· Payment of bills
· Payroll
· Minutes
· Authorized Manager to give bonuses up to $5,000 total per year for exceptional performance.
· Authorize acceptance of mylars of Ander Park Estates and authorize signing
POSTPONED
· Resolution 8-2006 –Policy special events
·
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
· Ordinance Review –
· Building, Streets & Grounds Committee – street light requests; Estes request for Maple Drive
· Personnel Committee – Review/interview applicant for Planning/Zoning Commission
· August 28th 6:30 Committee of the Whole
· July 29th noon – Pension presenters – Finance Committee
MANAGER INSTRUCTED TO:
1. Send letter to Jane Earll & John Evans regarding Restricted Funds reimbursement and copy to DEP & appropriate authorities
2. Have appropriate persons contacted at university to see how the well head ordinance may affect them.
3. Donations for Benzie’s teeth needed – $1703 available need $2000
4. Self evaluation report from TJ to Personnel Committee
5. Robert Cannell to meet with Marie & TJ to discuss finance
6. Dave Z to schedule Ordinance Review Committee after he has input on Wellhead Ordinance from University.
7. Schedule Streets, Buildings, & Grounds meeting regarding Streetlights.
8. Put DEP outline of symptoms from E-coli poisoning on website
9. Consider different size trash/recycling truck next contract
10. Set meeting for Personnel Committee
11. Trees Lakeside at Billings Park – Gwen states branches over walkway & one in middle of park children are climbing on.
HOME RULE BOROUGH OF EDINBORO COUNCIL MEETING
August 14, 2006
Regular Meeting – 7 PM
I. Call to Order of the Regular Council Meeting by Mayor Clifford “Kip” Allen
II. Roll Call: Bob Cogan ____, H. Robert Cannell ______, Jean Davis ____, Mary Ann Horne ____, Greg Lucas ________, Dennis Travis ____, Mayor Clifford “Kip” Allen __ , Manager Taras Jemetz ___, Solicitor Marsh _____, Dave Zamierowski, Zoning Officer____; and Marie Lander, Assistant to the Manager___.
III. Approval of Minutes
· Regularly Scheduled Meeting on July 10, 2006
Action: Motion to approve minutes
IV Approve AGENDA
a. Action: Motion to approve agenda
V. Public Participation – Comments on Agenda Items
·
1. Finance Committee/Pension Committee/ Negotiation Committee –Mary Ann Horne Chair-
a) Met July 24 & August 14th 3:30 p.m.
b) Pension presenters August 29th 12 noon
2. Ordinance Review Committee – Jean Davis Chair
a) Codification – General Code (Penns Valley)- met with Editor 8/8/06
b) Grease Ordinance
c) Commercial district
d) Well head protection ordinance-solicitor comments
e) Going out of Business Ordinance
3. Personnel Committee – Robert Cogan Chair
4. Recreation/Lake/Environment – Bob Cannell
5. Public Safety – Greg Lucas
6. Street, Buildings, and Grounds- Dennis Travis Chair
7. Committee of the Whole
a) 2nd quarter review of finances – met July 31st
b) Planning & Priorities- list – Met July 24th
B. Solicitor's Report:
1. Answer to Mr. Cogan’s questions at July 10th meeting – FYI
2. Verizon – Authorize signing of release.
C. Management's Report:
1. Manager Jemetz Report
· Letter to Meadville St. Residents – FYI
2. Finance
a) Authorization to approve bills paid July 24, 2006
Action: Motion to approve bills totaling $_102,619.76______
Authorization to approve bills paid August 7 & 9th, 2006
Action: Motion to approve bills totaling $_______
Authorization to approve bills paid August 14, 2006
Action: Motion to approve bills totaling $ ___________
b) Authorization to approve payroll ending July 29, 2006 paid August 4, 2006 totaling $ 50,339.42
Authorization to approve payroll ending July 15, 2006 paid July 21, 2006 totaling $ 51,340.29
3. Personnel
4 Public Safety
a) Emergency Management
b) Emergency Medical Service (EMS)
c) EVFD
d) Police
i) Monthly Report
ii) K-9 report – FYI
iii) Emergycare dispatch service – FYI
iv) Training – FYI
e.) Employee Safety Committee
5. Code Enforcement/Planning/Zoning
a) Opening Planning Commission – advertised – FYI
b) New part time inspector – Mel Daughenbaugh started 8/8/06
c) Monthly Report
6. Public Works
a) Sanitation
b) Building & Property
c) Streets/Storm Sewers/Signals/Signs
d) Park & Recreation
e) Lake
f) Dam
g) Recycling Leaves
7. Wastewater Collection & Treatment
8. Water System
9. Community Development/Project Coordination
a) Notes from 8/4/06 - FYI
D. Community Liaisons
1. Public Relations/Cable TV –Kip Allen
2. Chamber of Commerce - Bob Cogan
3. Environmental Shade Tree Advisory Committee – Mary Ann Horne
4. Erie County Borough –Kip Allen – Annual Joint Picnic
5. Erie County Planning Liaison – Bob Cannell- Meeting August 10, 2006
6. EVFD Board Liaison – Bob Cogan
7. PLCM Campus Community – Bob Cannell
8. PLCM Local Group – Dennis Travis
9. Washington Township Liaison - Jean Davis
10. Authority –Jean Davis
11. EUP Administration - Kip Allen
12. Watershed Association - Mary Ann Horne
E. OTHER OLD BUSINESS:
1. NIMS TRAINING June 5th – awaiting certification
A. Michael F. DeRiggi – regarding Refuse/Recycling pickups
B. Edinboro Food Pantry – FYI
C. Request for street light Pineview Drive by Tim & Sharon Sullivan
D. DCED- new PA Local Government Training Partnership – FYI
E. Richard & Aimee Rodak – regarding building on Lakeside
F. Washington Township Sewer Authority & response – FYI
G. Penn Prime Performer Award - FYI
H.
IX. Public Participation non agenda item matters:
a)
X Adjournment
2006 EDINBORO BOROUGH COUNCIL
7:00 p.m.
August 14, September 11,
September 25, October 9, October 23, November 13, November 27, December 11 and
DECEMBER 18 @ 4:30 PM
©Copyright August 2006