HOME RULE BOROUGH OF EDINBORO
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
February 25, 2008
Call to Order:
The following Council members were present: Jean Davis, H. Robert Cannell, Greg Lucas, and Mary Ann Horne. Members absent where Clifford “Kip” Allen; Michael Amidon; and Dennis Travis. Also in attendance was T. Jemetz, Manager; and Marie Lander, Assistant to the Manager. Guests included Shawn Snarey, Sean Johnson, Jessica Dewey, Sharon Carpenter, and Meg Moeslein, Edinboro News.
Mayor Horne introduced the minutes from the regular Council meeting held February 11, 2008. Jean Davis moved for approval of the minutes. Greg Lucas seconded, and the minutes were approved by a voice vote of 4-0.
Being no one present requesting to speak the Mayor moved on to old business.
Committee Reports:
Finance Committee: Jean Davis reported that they met today to review invoices and purchase orders and found no bills out of the ordinary.
Jean Davis moved approval of the bills to be paid February 25, 2008 totaling $106,199.31 and Robert Cannell seconded. The motion passed by 4-0 voice vote.
Michael Amidon arrived at 7:05 p.m.
Jean Davis moved approval of the payroll ending February 9th that was paid February 15, 2008 totaling $52,357.04. The motion was seconded by Greg Lucas and passed by 5-0 voice vote.
Jean Davis informed Council that the Auditors would be here at 6 p.m. on March 24th to go over the audit before our regular scheduled council meeting.
Ordinance Review Committee: Jean Davis reported in Clifford Allen’s absence that they met to review outstanding ordinances. If there was no objections from Council, the amendments to the Zoning Ordinance should be written up into ordinance format and given to the solicitor for review. Manager Jemetz stated that he would make sure the Solicitor had the information.
Personnel Committee: Robert Cannell reported they met on February 18, 2008 to interview for the Design Review/Building/ Housing review Board. They had two candidates who were both interesting in being involved in the community. Mary Ann Horne moved to appoint Brenda Cannell to the Design Review/Building/Housing Review Board for a term ending Feb 1, 2011. Michael Amidon seconded the motion and it passed by a 4-0-1 vote, with Robert Cannell abstaining since it was his wife.
Robert Cannell moved to appoint Richard Crilley to the Zoning Hearing Board as an alternate filling an unexpired vacant term ending February 10, 2009. Greg Lucas seconded the motion and it passed by 5-0 voice vote.
Solicitor Marsh was not present. Letter from the solicitor to the auditors was available for review.
Manager: Manager Jemetz report was in the packets for Council’s review and comments. Manager Jemetz reviewed his report with Council. He noted that the Civil Service Commission met prior to this meeting and certified the Civil Service Eligibility list. He would be attending a Hazmat meeting on February 29. After discussion with the Solicitor the Borough ahs sent a $2,000 Deminimus settlement to Frontier Chemical Facility to minimize litigation. He also informed council that management was working with EUP to come up with payment method for sewer.
Police: Monthly reports where available for review. Greg Lucas asked when they would be hiring a new officer. Manager Jemetz stated it was not a quick process and since the list is certified next we do background checks on the top three. If we send out any notices of not passing the background check we must give 10 days for response to protest to the Civil Service Commission before making an offer of hire to an officer.
Robert Cannell stated he did not receive a complete 2007 report he only got two traffic reports. Manager Jemetz stated he would make sure he got the correct report.
Code Enforcement/Planning/Zoning: Monthly report was available for review. Jean Davis noted that it was nice that the Zoning Hearing Board address the resignation on their board. The new officers are Ihor Bemko V. Chair; and Norris Pace as Chair.
Community Liaisons:
EVFD Board Liaison: Mary Ann Horne informed Council that she attended the Fire Department dinner and installed the new officers.
Washington Township Liaison: Greg Lucas reported that they changed their April 15 meeting to April 14th. The Bridge on Perry Lane will be out for bid in summer of 2008 for construction to start in the fall. Sewer project was discussed with a PennVest loan and permits received. Cable franchise agreement will be the same as the Borough’s with COAX. Two names were given to be nominated for the Municipal Authority one Mr. Orr and the other Mr. Zimmerman. Manager Jemetz stated he heard this but had not received any written notice. He had contacted our solicitor on an opinion if they could be qualified. Mr. Lucas went on to say that the Township was looking into VoTech bid to do newletters at a cost of $2400 when they could put a full page into the local paper for $300 and it would also support the paper. They also discussed a dog park at the old golf course. They also discussed forming a finance committee to review audit recommendations.
Communications:
Notice was received from PLCM stating that Clifford Allen was appointed to the national League of Cities policy committee on Energy, Environment and Natural Resources.
H. Robert Cannell congratulated him and requested management to get a copy of the written policy of PLCM on their reimbursement for mileage, food, and lodging for board members.
Jean Davis stated that the Borough has never paid for any food, lodging, or mileage for any of these volunteer appointments in the past and never received any request. If we got a request, we would consider it at that time.
New Business:
Manager Jemetz explained that the Edinboro Triathlon is being planned as it was last year with funds going to the EVFD in exchange for the Borough’s support.
Senate Bill 777 is for allowing collection of delinquent taxes by third party collectors instead of just the County. PLCM has ask us to support this and it will not hurt to support even if we continue to use our County collector who has been doing a good job. Jean Davis moved to adopt Resolution 7-2008 as follows:
Home Rule Borough of Edinboro
Resolution of Support for Senate Bill 777,
Amending the Municipal Claims and Tax Liens Law
RESOLUTION _7-2008
WHEREAS, in order to ensure the fair and equitable treatment of all taxpayers within the Home Rule Borough of Edinboro and this Commonwealth it is necessary to allow for the proper pursuit of the collection of delinquent real estate taxes; and
WHEREAS, the Home Rule Borough of Edinboro has determined that local officials should have the ability and the opportunity to choose the most appropriate method of collection of delinquent real estate taxes; and
WHEREAS, the Home Rule Borough of Edinboro should be able to utilize the Municipal Claims and Tax Liens Act, 53 P.S. to pursue such tax claims and should not be obligated to collect delinquent real estate taxes under the Real Estate Tax Sale Law with a 5% commission being paid for the collection of those unpaid taxes; and
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 777 is important legislation that is currently before the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, that would allow the Home Rule Borough of Edinboro and other municipalities and school districts the ability to choose the best method of collecting delinquent real estate taxes.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED BY, Home Rule Borough of Edinboro Council that it strongly supports Senate Bill 777, and urges the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives to quickly consider and approve this legislation; and
NOW BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THat A COPY OF THIS RESOLTUION SHALL BE TRANSMITTED TO OUR ELECTED REPRESenTATIVE IN THE PENNSYlVANIA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
DULY RESOLVED BY Home rule borough of edinboro council on february 25, 2008.
Michael Amidon seconded the motion passed unanimously by the following roll call vote: Dennis Travis, absent; Clifford Allen, Absent; Gregory Lucas, yes; Michael Amidon, yes; Jean Davis, yes; H. Robert Cannell, yes; and Mary Ann Horne, yes.
Jean Davis moved adoption of Resolution 6-2008 regarding purchase of LED lights through Northwest Commission as follows:
Home Rule Borough of Edinboro
RESOLUTION _6-2008
WHEREAS, Home Rule Borough of Edinboro Council met in a regularly scheduled meeting on February 25, 2008.
WHEREAS, Home Rule Borough of Edinboro recognizes the need to reduce energy consumption and costs prior to the uncapping of electric utilities in 2010.
WHEREAS, Home Rule Borough of Edinboro recognizes the need to convert incandescent traffic signals to Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology.
WHEREAS, Home Rule Borough of Edinboro recognizes the potential for additional savings through the Northwest Commission LED Traffic Signal Light Bulk Purchase Consortium.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Home Rule Borough of Edinboro Council agrees to participate in the Northwest Commission LED Traffic Signal Light Bulk Purchase Consortium contingent on a final Memo of Understanding between Home Rule Borough of Edinboro and the Northwest Commission which will include the final cost of the LED Lights to be approved by the Home Rule Borough of Edinboro Borough Manager.
H. Robert Cannell seconded the motion and it passed unanimously 5-0 by roll call vote: Clifford Allen, absent; Gregory Lucas, yes; Michael Amidon, yes; Jean Davis, yes; Dennis Travis, absent; H. Robert Cannell, yes; and Mary Ann Horne, yes.
Michael Amidon moved for adjournment, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:37 P.M.
ATTEST:
_______________________________ _________________________________
Borough Manager Taras Jemetz Mayor Mary Ann Horne
Home Rule Borough of Edinboro Council Meeting
HIGHLIGHTS
February 25, 2008
· Payment of bills
· Minutes
· Payroll
· Appoint Brenda Cannell to Design Review/Building/Housing Review Board 2/1/2011
· Appoint Richard Crilley to Zoning Hearing Board Alternate 02/10/09
· Resolution 6-2008 LED Lights purchase
· Resolution 7-2008 Support Senate Bill 777
POSTPONED
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
March 24th 6 p.m. meeting with auditors
February 25, 2008
CDBG Hearing 6:45 p.m.
7 p.m. Regular Meeting
I. Call to Order of the Regular Council Meeting by Mayor
II. Roll Call: Clifford “Kip” Allen ____, Michael Amidon _____, H. Robert Cannell __, Jean Davis ____, Greg Lucas __, Dennis Travis ____, Mary Ann Horne __ Manager Taras Jemetz _____, Solicitor Marsh _____; and Marie Lander, Assistant to the Manager _____.
III. Approval of Minutes
· Regularly Scheduled Meeting of February 11, 2008
Action: Motion to approve minutes
IV. Public Participation –
1. Finance Committee/Pension Committee/ Negotiation Committee – Jean Davis Chair - MET February 25, 2008 4:30 p.m.
a. Authorization to approve bills paid February 25, 2008
Action: Motion to approve bills totaling $ 106,199.31
b. Authorization to approve payroll ending February 9 paid February 15, 2008 totaling $52,357.04
c.
2. Ordinance Review Committee –Chair Kip Allen
a) Groundwater Ordinance – in review
3. Personnel Committee –Chair Robert Cannell
a) Interviews 02/18/2008 and recommendations for appointments
1) Municipal Authority ( no applicants at this time)
2) Design Review/building/Housing review board
3) Zoning Hearing Board Alternate
b)
4. Public Safety –Chair Mary Ann Horne
5. Recreation/Lake/Environment –Chair Dennis Travis
6. Street, Buildings, and Grounds- Chair Greg Lucas
7. Committee of the Whole
B. Solicitor's Report:
1. EUP request for letter regarding taxing
a) no response from EUP regarding Solicitor’s questions
2 Solicitor’s response to Audit request - FYI
C. Management's Report:
1. Manager Jemetz’s Report
2. Finance
3. Personnel
4 Emergency Management
5. EVFD
6. Police – Monthly Report
7. Employee Safety Committee
8. Code Enforcement/Planning/Zoning – Report
9. Public Works
10. Wastewater Collection & Treatment
11. Water System
D. Community Liaisons
1. EUP Liaison – Mary Ann Horne
2. Environmental Shade Tree Advisory Committee – Mary Ann Horne
3. Erie County Planning Liaison – Kip Allen or Manager Jemetz
4. EVFD Board Liaison – Michael Amidon
5. PLCM – Kip Allen & Manager Jemetz
6. Washington Township Liaison - Greg Lucas alt Jean Davis
7. Authority –Jean Davis alt Greg Lucas
8. Watershed Association - Mary Ann Horne
E. OTHER OLD BUSINESS:
A. PLCM – Councilmember Allen appointed - FYI
B.
VII. New Business
A. Edinboro Triathlon - FYI
B. Senate Bill 777 – Resolution of support
VIII. Adjournment
2008 EDINBORO BOROUGH COUNCIL 7 p.m.
February 25, March 10, March 24, April 14, April 28, May 12, May 19, June 9, June 23, July 14, July 28, August 11, August 25, Sept 8, Sept 22, Oct 13, Oct 27, Nov 10, Nov 24, December 8th, and (if needed Dec 22nd., 4:30 p.m.)
©Copyright February 2008