HOME RULE BOROUGH OF EDINBORO
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
October 13, 2003
Call to Order:
The following Council members were present: Christopher Gillette, Robert Gray, Jean Davis, H. Robert Cannell, Paul Snyder, and Mayor Caroline Rhodes. Member absent was Mary Ann Horne. Also in attendance was Manager E.R. “Buck” McFadden and Marie Lander, Assistant to the Manager. Guests present were Bob Cogan; Ken parker; Nancy Crawford; Christian Dines; Jeffrey McCabe, Rebekah Williams; Lorie Bearfield; and Jen Duda, Erie Times.
Mayor Rhodes introduced the minutes from the regular Council meeting held September 22, 2003. Jean Davis moved for approval of the minutes and Robert Gray seconded. The minutes were approved by a voice vote of 6 - 0.
Mayor Rhodes then introduced the minutes from the special Council meeting held September 29, 2003. Jean Davis moved for approval of the minutes and Robert Gray seconded. The minutes were approved by a voice vote of 6 - 0.
Mayor Caroline Rhodes stated that she was aware of three people wishing to speak to the Council that were not on the agenda. Nancy Crawford from the Watershed Association; Ken Parker of Granada Drive regarding storm sewers; and Laurie Bearfield regarding dumpsters.
Ken Parker, Granada Drive, stated he was at a Council meeting seven (7) weeks ago regarding storm sewers and at that time Chris Gillette had said it should be done if our Public Works Director told the public it would be done. Mr. Parker went on to say that he called the Public Works Director and he informed him that it was turned over to Council and they were comparing to the way it is done in other municipalities. Mr. Parker stated he was here tonight to find out where Council is going with this issue. Manager McFadden explained that this issue was on the agenda of the Building, Streets, & Grounds Committee of Council with building issues and other storm water issues. The committee and some members of Council viewed the situation on some storm water issues that were similar but not identical to his street. The storm water issues are found on many streets and are a deferred maintenance condition. The general proposition will be discussed in the budget process on the ways to resolve the maintenance problems. We have been gathering information on the way we handle this and the costs. The Building, Streets, & Grounds Committee should be meeting soon on this issue and the bathhouse. That is where the Borough is at this time. Mr. Parker informed the Council that a couple problems have arisen since his last visit and they should be aware that the storm sewer is cutting away his driveway and the weeds in the street have been sprayed and killed but the Public Works Director informed him that it would be 2 years before they could crack seal this area that the bids for next year where finished. Manager McFadden stated the driveway meets the cart way is related to storm sewers while the situation of costs and funds received form liquid fuels (State aid) by formula is about $100,000 per year. We use these funds largely to cover streetlights with $40,000 and $20,000 toward purchase of vehicles and the amount left is for storm sewer and paving. We have been trying our best using crack sealing and surfacing sealing which was never done before which is a holding action. Manager McFadden stated they will address the fact that it appears the Liquid Fuels process is not working with using it for street lights and not enough funds for storm sewers and paving. This is the puzzle left to wrestle with regarding streetlights, storm water needs, and paving. Christopher Gillette stated that if Tom Schruers informed the residents we would be fixing the ditches we should definitely address the problem and prioritize it and not wait until budget and make it part of the whole puzzle. Manager McFadden stated the question is what do we do pipe or swale. Crack sealing if weather allowed if not done this year yet. Manager McFadden was asked to see if crack sealing was completed and if so where it was done and if not done to have Granada put as priority on the list. Mr. Parker stated he was informed that next years bid was out already and could not be done next year. Manager McFadden stated it was not bided until next year but it could possible not on the list as priority until 2 years. Jean Davis stated she viewed Granada from Evergreen and thought it wasn’t that bad. Mr. Parker stated he didn’t think it needed repaved just 250 feet of crack sealing would do the trick. He stated one h=neighbor got storm sewers and everyone now wanted but the ditch is higher before his house than the storm sewers and the swale was fixed it should work. Manager McFadden stated they needed to use judgment on piping and swaling and we need a system in place and he was aware they needed to address this problem. Paul Snyder stated if crack sealing not done this year then seal it and also go up and ditch and seed the ditches. Jean Davis stated that the problem is his neighbors don’t want this. Paul Snyder stated if ditches solves the problem let’s do it and Christopher Gillette agreed. They requested that the manager in a timely manner inform the residents of the ditching and to have PA One call reflag the area during this time. Mr. Parker stated that he understood ditching causes a mess and his property and across the street were important but Hudak property didn’t have any problem. The property next door to Parker’s has 30 feet from their driveway to the Parker property that also should be ditched. Mr. Parker also felt the weed killer did the job and it looks bad but it only needed crack sealing this year or next to solve the problem. Christopher Gillette again requested the manager inform Mr. Parker and his neighbors of the status of ditching and crack sealing in a timely manner.
Lorie Bearfield asked time to speak about dumpsters. She asked Council to explain if there is an ordinance in place about screening why it is only sometimes enforced. Why Council asked for suggests when majority want enclosure and will not consider anything else? Why can’t it be painted or enclosed with painting being maintained? She again stated she did not understand why has to be black and white when down the road will say need enclosed, don’t understand the big debate. Clarification what big issue is was requested. Mayor Rhodes stated not a majority position but later in the meeting the ordinance will be voted and discussed again. Mr. H. Robert Cannell stated that different locations have different conditions with angle and directions and this issue was not cut and dry. Lorie Bearfield’s great suggestion doesn’t take into effect angle, etc.
Nancy Crawford, Watershed Association had presented Council with letter concerning public safety of testing of unsafe water in the lake. It was noted that the association suggest that a procedure be put in place that if the lake is unsafe for swimming at the close of season that it continues to be tested until it is safe and signage of the fact be displayed for swimmers. Also the procedure to have the monitoring reviewed by others when Public Works Director Tom Schruers is away during the summer so it is posted as soon as the tests are returned.
Being no further people requesting time to speak the mayor moved on to Old Business.
Committee Reports:
Finance Committee: Chairman Mary Ann Horne – Jean Davis reported she reviewed the invoices today and had nothing out of the ordinary to report. She stated the backhoe had arrived and that the sewer cutter was in use and invoice to be paid as well as 20 arborvitae to enhance the look of Borough property.
Ordinance Review Committee: Chairman Jean Davis stated they met as a Committee of the Whole on September 29th to discuss dumpsters. A letter form Bob Hanson regarding the issue was in council packets for review. Jean Davis motioned to return the ordinance on dumpsters back to committee to work out language regarding the insertion of “20-6-4 to screen form public view any dumpster(s) viewable form any angle by a pedestrian or motorist using a public sidewalk or right of way which is substantially at grade with said dumpster(s). See definition of screening and screen planting.” They should add to this screening and/or painting for next meeting. The motion was seconded by Robert Gray. Discuss followed regarding wording for painting such as decoratively, professionally, not just one color, etc. Motion died by 3-3 role call vote: Mary Ann Horne, absent; Paul Snyder, no; Robert Gray, yes; H. Robert Cannell, no; Jean Davis, yes; Christopher A. Gillette, no; Mayor Caroline Rhodes, yes. Mayor Rhodes stated that Council was at a dead lock. Paul Snyder stated that they should enforce what is on the books and H. Robert Cannell agreed. Lorie Bearfied asked why they could not agree to have alternatives only favor four side screening and no other options than screening. Paul Snyder stated he was in support of the wording until put in painting. He was not in favor of painted dumpsters on Rt 99 or 6N, Meadville, or Plum. Lorie Bearfield did not understand why they wanted to do nothing when they asked for alternatives. Christopher Gillette stated there was always a flip side to everything and what if the paintings didn’t work and we needed to change back to screening only. Mr. Cannell stated that Kwik Fill had already fenced and it looked good. Mayor Rhodes felt the Manager or Committee could come up with new wording and when all Council members where present or next year when new members where present on Council they could again address the issue.
Personnel Committee: Chairman H. Robert Cannell – H. Robert Cannell motioned and Jean Davis seconded to appoint Barb Baron as Zoning Hearing Board alternative with a term expiring 2/13/2004 and John Snyder to the Water Authority and Municipal Authority with a term ending 2/27/04. With no objections the motion passed by 5-0-1 vote with Paul Snyder abstaining. Jean Davis stated that all applicants John Snyder, Al Dore’, Bill Stafford, and Ihor Bemko where exceptional people and a letter should be sent thanking them for applying and informing them that we would keep their names on a list for the next opening on committees or boards.
Recreation/lake/Environment: Chairman Mary Ann Horne –nothing to report. Robert Gray asked about zebra muzzles. He heard that people removing boats over at Indian Head Landing had more zebra muzzles than before. Mayor Rhodes asked that Tom Schruers keep Council informed on his observations when removing docks and the Borough boat from the lake.
Public Safety Committee: Chairman Paul Snyder –met and discussed building remodeling of police station, personnel, and recreation coding of play surface at Pizza Hut. It was agreed to make sure surface coding was proper for liability. Will be further discussing costs of remodeling police station and personnel when info available. It was also agreed to have canine report in police report monthly.
Streets, Buildings, & Grounds Committee: Chairman Chris Gillette reported that meeting needed to be set up to further discuss bathhouse, capital projects of building, and storm sewers.
Committee of the Whole – Mayor Rhodes reported they met September 29th after the special meeting regarding dumpsters and again on October 6th regarding public safety.
DEP EHB Docket 2000-125-R nothing new to report.
Borough of Edinboro v. City of Erie – nothing new to report.
Washington Township submitted new changes to the proposed Water Agreement which was sent to the Solicitor for review regarding liability issues. It was agreed to plan an executive session with the Solicitor and Water Authority members for October 27th at 6:30 p.m. It was requested to have a marked up copy for Council and Authority for next meeting.
Billings Park and Bewley situation had nothing new to report.
MANAGER:
Available for review was resignation of Pete Glaz, letter from MACTEC, and EMTA proposal.
Discussion followed on EMTA proposal. Manager McFadden stated that the Director of EMTA was invited to an early budget work session to talk to Council. The proposed contribution of the Borough is $6,500 per the handouts and would be discussed further in 2004 budget discussions. It includes three things one the addition of shuttle to and form Mill Creek Mall; on campus from dorms and classes to parking with 25% living on campus, 25% living in Borough off campus, and 50% commuters; and third is points Wal-Mart and Giant Eagle with stops as needed in between these sites such as bagel shop, YMCA, library, etc.
Mayor Caroline Rhodes introduced the bills for payment. Jean Davis moved approval of the submitted bills totaling $ 203,498.57 and Paul Snyder seconded. It was noted that this included state aid form foreign casualty for Pension funds and from foreign fire insurance for the Fire Department. H. Robert Cannell asked about towing and the Merrill Lynch checks (pension). With no objections the motion to approve bills passed by 6-0 voice vote.
Mayor Rhodes proceeded in acceptance of the payroll as submitted for the period ending September 27, 2003 and paid October 3, 2003 totaling $55,280.11. Jean Davis motioned approval of the payroll and Paul Snyder seconded. The motion approving the payroll and overtime passed unanimously by voice vote 6-0.
PERSONNEL:
New Public Works employee hired to replace full time person who resigned. Also a current part timer replaced Pete Glaz who resigned as cleaning person. Mayor Rhodes asked about the advertising of this opening in the Erie Times and also the bids for vehicles when the Council policy was to advertise in Meadville Tribune unless approved otherwise.
POLICE:
Correspondence available for review included K-9 grant balance received form District Attorney of Erie County; letter from DCED of notice of contract closed 21-192-2442 which is also canine grant; and notice of compliance on COPS Grant #2000SHWX0715 which was the COP in schools grant that the Borough did not accept
PUBLIC WORKS:
Memo regarding ditch and driveway pipe survey was available for review. This information will be given to Building, Streets & Grounds Committee for review as well as in the budget process regarding storm sewer deferred maintenance.
Community Liaisons:
Erie County Borough – Paul Snyder - Notice of October meeting was available and members wishing to attend should contact Marie Lander.
Washington Township Liaison – Jean Davis reported that they had state police officer in attendance and they had a new effort to keep track of crime with GPS system to be used to define location for manpower. Six new troopers have been added to this area with a further projection of eight more. Also at their meeting they discussed storm water plans and several sub-divisions.
Authority Liaison – Jean Davis reported they met this evening and the Municipal Authority discussed replacement of line on lower Hillcrest; Holmstrom Raspberry Lane hookup; and problem of storm sewer at corner of Perry Lane and Hillcrest as it relates to resident who must remove his storm sewer from his wastewater connection found during I & I testing. The Water Authority has put the bulk water agreement with Washington Township on hold until they hear from the solicitor.
Watershed Association – Met on September 29th minutes available for review as well as invitation to World Water Monitoring Day October 18th rain or shine. It will be public education day at Edinboro Lake. It was also noted that Dr. Walter will be appointing a new delegate from the General McLane School District as well as an alternate upon the resignation of Bobbi Neuburger.
Joint Municipal Planning: Christopher Gillette reported they met October 8th and their minutes and agenda where available. They are in the process of sending out a questionnaire to officials and randomly to the community and hoped that everyone would respond promptly.
Communications:
NEW BUSINESS:
Mayor Rhodes stated she also received request for a proclamation/resolution and invitation for the “Erie County Falun Dafa Day”. She asked Council if they wished to respond to this request, being no interest the Mayor went on to other new business.
Manager McFadden informed Council that the YMCA Grant application for the study for a community pool was executed and mailed out today.
Being no further business, Mayor Rhodes asked for adjournment.
Paul Snyder motioned for adjournment and the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
ATTEST:
__________________________ _____________________________
Manager E.R. Buck McFadden Mayor Caroline Rhodes
HIGHLIGHTS
October 13, 2003
· Minutes of 9/22 and 9/29
· Payment of bills
· Payment of payroll
· Barb Baron as ZHB alternate with term ending 12/13/2004
· John Snyder as Water Authority & Municipal Authority member with term ending 2/27/04
POSTPONED
· Indecency Ordinance 502 - Ordinance Review Committee
· Grease Ordinance – Ordinance Review Committee
· Codification – Ordinance Review
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
· Building, Streets, & Grounds – Storm sewers, building renovations, bathhouse
· Ordinance Review Committee - (Indecency Ordinance & Codification & Grease Ordinance & Garbage & Recyclable Collection & Burning Ordinance)
· Finance Committee – October 20 & 27th 1:30 p.m.
· Authority Meeting – November 10th 5 p.m.
· Public Safety Committee – Staffing & renovations police department
· EXECUTIVE SESSION – 10/27/03 6:30 p.m. with Solicitor & Water Authority members regarding Bulk Water Agreement with Washington Township
HOME RULE BOROUGH OF EDINBORO COUNCIL MEETING
October 13, 2003
7:00 p.m. Council Meeting
I. Call to Order Council Meeting by Mayor
II. Roll Call: Christopher Gillette ___, Robert Gray ____, Jean Davis ____, H. Robert Cannell _____, Mary Ann Horne ____, Paul Snyder ____, Mayor Caroline Rhodes ___, Manager McFadden ____, Solicitor Marsh __
III. Approval of Minutes:
A. Minutes of Regularly Scheduled Meeting September 22, 2003. ACTION: Motion to approve minutes
B. Minutes of Special Council Meeting September 29, 2003
ACTION: Motion to approve minutes
IV Persons Requesting Time to Address Council
A. Jon Foulkrod, Washington Township Council liaison
1. Finance Committee - Mary Ann Horne, Chair Met October
2. Ordinance Review Committee - Jean Davis, Chair – Ordinance, Grease Ordinance, and Public Indecency Ordinance 502, Refuse, Recycling & Burning Ordinance still in committee –
a. Met Committee Whole Sept 29th 6:30 p.m. discuss dumpsters
b. Memo from Bob Hanson regarding dumpster discussions
3. Personnel Committee – Bob Cannell, Chair – to interviewed John Snyder, Al Dore’, Bill Stafford, Ihor Bemko, Barb Baron as applicants September 10th and September 22nd and October 1st –
a. Memo from Manager McFadden regarding Municipal Authority boards
b. committee unanimously recommends Barb Baron as ZHB alternate term expires 2/13/2004 ACTION: To appoint person to fill vacancy
c. committee recommends with 2-1 vote John Snyder for Water Authority & Municipal Authority term ends 2/27/04 ACTION: Motion To appoint person to fill vacancies
4. Recreation/Lake/Environment – Mary Ann Horne, Chair
5. Public Safety – Paul Snyder, Chair – Met Oct 6th
6. Street, Buildings, and Grounds – Chris Gillette, Chair –Working on Bathhouse; Review of Billings Park for possible acceptance as donation to Borough; Storm Sewers including Granada Drive; and Capital Projects building
7. Committee of the Whole - Mayor Rhodes
a) Met Sept 29th regarding dumpsters with Ordinance Review Committee –Mayors Report -FYI
b) October 6th with Public Safety Committee
B. Solicitor's Report:
1. DEP EHB Docket 2000-125- R (PADEP Order of May 9, 2000): no information
2. Bulk Water agreement with Washington Township –
a) Correspondence from Washington Township
b) Memo from Manager McFadden
3. Borough of Edinboro v. City of Erie - Nothing new to report
4. Billings Park – nothing new to report
5. Bewley – nothing to report
6.
C. Manager's Report:
1. Manager
a) MANAGER INSTRUCTED TO:
· Any pertinent information from EHB is received notify all Council members
· Meet with Ordinance Review regarding sign ordinance & admin section of recodification
· Add EUP calls to EVFD data 1999 - 2003.
· Meet with residents on Granada Drive about storm sewers and/or swales
b) Resignation of Pete Glaz - FYI
c) MACTEC-FYI
d) EMTA Proposal - FYI
3. Finance
a) Authorization to Approve Bills, to be paid
Action: Motion to approve bills totaling $203,498.57 includes disbursement of State Aid for Pension and Fire Department for Foreign Fire Insurance
b) Authorization to Approve Payroll
Action: Motion to approve payroll ending September 27, 2003 paid on October 3, 2003 totaling $ 55,280.11
4. Personnel
a) Public Works Employee -
5. Public Safety
a) Emergency Management
1) Communication inventory & plan to be included in EMPlan
b) Emergency Medical Service (EMS)
c) EVFD
d) Police
1) K-9 Grant balance received – FYI
2) DCED notice of contract closed 21-192-2442 – FYI
3) Notice of Compliance COPS Grant #2000SHWX0715 - FYI
e.) Employee Safety Committee
6. BOCA Code/Planning/Zoning
a)
7. Public Works
a) Sanitation
b) Building & Property
c) Streets/Storm Sewers/Signals/Signs
1) Memo on Ditch and driveway pipe survey
d) Park & Recreation
e) Lake
f) Dam
g) Recycling Leaves
8. Wastewater Collection & Treatment
9. Water System
10. Community Development/Project Coordination
1. Cable TV - Bob Gray
2. Chamber of Commerce - Mary Ann Horne
3. Environmental Shade Tree Advisory Committee – Mary Ann Horne (working on memorial tree policy)
4. Erie County Borough – Paul Snyder - Notice of October Meeting
5. Erie County Planning Liaison - Chris Gillette
6. EVFD Board Liaison – Bob Cannell
7. PLCM Campus Community – Bob Cannell, Delegate; Chris Gillette, Alternate
8. Washington Township Liaison - Jean Davis
9. Community Map Project – Mary Ann Horne & Bob Cannell
10. GEAR – Bob Gray
11. Authority – Jean Davis
12. Pension Committee – Paul Snyder
13. EUP Administration – Mayor Rhodes
14. Local Group Liaison – Mary Ann
15. Watershed Association – Caroline Rhodes
c) Met September 30th - Minutes - FYI
d) invitation to World Water Monitoring Day Oct 18th - FYI
16. Joint Municipal Planning – Chris Gillette-
a) Meet November 12th 7p.m.
b) agenda & minutes October 8th - FYI
17. Library Steering Committee – Manager McFadden
E. Other Old Business
A. Melvin L. Wadlinger-regarding Detour for Homecoming parade
VII New Business
VIII Adjournment
REMINDERS:
Finance Committee Meeting October 27 1:30 p.m.
Authority Meeting Monday, October 13, 2003 5:00 p.m.
Next Council Meeting Monday, October 27th 7 p.m.
Watershed Association October 28, 2003 3:30 p.m.
Halloween Trick or Treat October 31, 2003 6 – 8 p.m.
Joint Municipal Planning Commission Wednesday, November 12th 7 p.m.
2003 Council Meeting Schedule:
October 13, October 27, November 10, November 24, December 8 at 7:00 p.m. and December 22 @4.30 p.m.