HOME RULE BOROUGH OF EDINBORO

COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

October 27, 2003

 

Call to Order:

Monday, October 27, 2003, regularly scheduled meeting was called to order by Mayor Caroline Rhodes at 7:45 p.m. following executive session at 6:15 and Public Hearing for 2004 CDBG. 

 

Roll Call

The following Council members were present: Christopher Gillette, Robert Gray, Jean Davis, H. Robert Cannell, Mary Ann Horne, Paul Snyder, and Mayor Caroline Rhodes. Also in attendance was Solicitor Ritchie Marsh, Manager E.R. “Buck” McFadden and Marie Lander, Assistant to the Manager.  Guests present were Bob Cogan; Jen Duda, Erie Times; and Joh Foulkrod, Washington Township Council Liaison.

 

Minutes:

Mayor Rhodes introduced the minutes from the regular Council meeting held October 13, 2003.   Mary Ann Horne moved for approval of the minutes and Jean Davis seconded. The minutes were approved by a voice vote of 6 – 0 – 1, with Mary Ann Horne abstaining because of not being at the October 13th meeting.

 

Public Participation:

Mayor Caroline Rhodes asked if anyone was interested in speaking to Council, being none she moved on to old business.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

            Committee Reports:

Finance Committee:  Chairman Mary Ann Horne – Ms. Horne reported they met and had nothing to report.

           

Ordinance Review Committee:  Chairman Jean Davis.

 

Personnel Committee:  Chairman H. Robert Cannell –Letters confirming appointments were available for review and notice of resignation of Jean Bennett from the Zoning Hearing Board.  The Manager was instructed to advertise the opening and to check with those interviewed previously for the Water Authority and Municipal Authority to see if they would be interested in the position.

 

            Recreation/Lake/Environment:  Chairman Mary Ann Horne –nothing to report. 

 

            Public Safety Committee:  Chairman Paul Snyder –nothing to report. 

           

            Streets, Buildings, & Grounds Committee:  Chairman Chris Gillette.  It was noted that a meeting with Roth Marz Partnership would take place October 28th at 2 p.m. regarding the municipal building projects and at 3 p.m. regarding the bathhouse.  H. Robert Cannell asked if there was a list of storm sewer problem areas. Manager McFadden reported there was a map and when the committee got together they could review it.  Paul Snyder stated that where the problems were was not their concern but what the Public Works was telling the residents about repairs in their area.  Chris Gillette stated he was concerned that Public Works Director did not want to seed swales and that was the Council’s wish.  Paul Snyder stated that in the memo from Public Works it shows they have changed their minds and will be seeding.  Manager McFadden stated it is a cost issue of seeding and not seeding.  We would not use full time personnel to seed but part timers or contract hydro-seeding.  This is deferred maintenance project and reseeding is part of it.  Paul Snyder stated if you dig out the ditch and don’t reseed then it would erode even faster.  They agreed the problems exist and trust the Public Works Director knows where the problems are.  Chris Gillette stated it is manpower efficiencies.  When you have a backhoe out working it seems you always have 2 others watching.  So why not have the two rake behind the backhoe and seed.  Manager McFadden stated we have only 6 men and the Public Works Director and there are other summer workload projects.  In the past they had no funds so it was not done but this budget period we must discuss streetlight funding and storm sewers.  If 100% of crew does storm sewers and swales through out the summer who will do the other work.  Christopher Gillette stated it could be done in phases like other jobs.  Manager McFadden recommended the committee meet with Public Works crew and director to discuss working techniques to be more efficient if possible.  Jean Davis asked for a little map to be added to the packets next time showing the problem areas of storm sewers.

 

Committee of the Whole – Mayor Rhodes.

 

Solicitor's Report:

DEP EHB Docket 2000-125-R and Borough of Edinboro v. City of Erie there was nothing new to report.

 

Attorney Marsh reported that executive session occurred from 6:15 p.m. to 7:25 p.m. this evening with the two main issues on the bulk water agreement being the cap and the indemnity language.

 

Bewley lease has been drafted and given to manager McFadden for the Water Authority.

 

Billings Park – Attorney Marsh hope to meet next week to get this item closed.

 

Manager’s Report:

            MANAGER: 

            Available for review was letter to William Kearns regarding Our Lady of the Lake church on Maple Drive; University Community Network; and Edinboro Lake Restoration from Solicitor Marsh. Discussion on the University Community Network letter followed with the Mayor asking Council to consider participating at a cost of $12,500 which would need to be added to budget.  This cost study may lead to improvement in costs of hosting Universities.  List of items to be studied and investigated by the PA Economy League were also available for review.  H. Robert Cannell felt that everyone knew the financial condition of the Borough because of being university host and felt they should actively participate in the study.  Jean Davis asked if this was the same study previously discussed that the University would not share in the costs.  Manager McFadden stated it was.  This would be discussed further in budget workshops.

 

            FINANCE:   

            Mayor Caroline Rhodes introduced the bills for payment. Mary Ann Horne moved approval of the submitted bills totaling $ 26,755.44 and Jean Davis seconded.  With no objections the motion to approve bills passed by 7-0 voice vote.   

 

            Mayor Rhodes proceeded in acceptance of the payroll as submitted for the period ending October 11, 2003 and paid October 17, 2003 totaling $56,899.85.  Mary Ann Horne motioned approval of the payroll and Jean Davis seconded.  The motion approving the payroll and overtime passed unanimously by voice vote 7-0.             

 

            PERSONNEL:

            Manager McFadden reported that Jason Campbell was hired to replace a Public Works employee and Duane Krautter replaced Pete Glaz who resigned.

 

POLICE:

            Monthly report was available for review.  H. Robert Cannell asked why there was no canine report.  Manager McFadden stated it was because the Chief was on sick leave and the report should be in next month.  Mayor Rhodes asked if the university assistance for Home Coming was helpful and if it was they should send a letter to the appropriate persons at EUP thanking them for their help.

 

            BOCA CODE/PLANNING/ZONING:

            Monthly report was available for review.

 

            PUBLIC WORKS:

            Monthly report was available for review. 

 

            WATER SYSTEM:

            Water Department monthly report was available for review.  Mayor Rhodes stated it seemed to be a large number of delinquent bills this time at 34.  Mary Ann Horne stated that she was one of them that they she did not get the bill and it seems that many residents had the same comment that they may have been lost in the mail.

 

            COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT/PROJECT COORDINATION:

            Report was available for review. 

               

Community Liaisons:

Cable TV -  H. Robert Cannell informed Council that a new system was started and the program was listed on bottom of screen instead of separate channel.  Chris Gillette stated he liked it better the other way.

Environmental Shade Tree Advisory Committee – Mayor Rhodes reported they did not meet this month but would in November and get the draft to Council.

 

PLCM Campus Community – Mary Ann Horne reported that students had good intentions to clean up the streets after Home Coming but someone at the Fire Hall stated nothing was going on there when they stopped to pick up garbage bags.  They would try again next year to organize this to help Public Works in cleaning up the Borough after the parade.  RAKE will take place on November 1st organized by Tom Schruers.  

 

Washington Township Liaison – H. Robert Cannell reported the meeting he attended they discussed park issues of not having enough time for road work but they where planting trees in the park.  They also discussed costs for fire company insurance and lifeguards.  Manager McFadden would be meeting with Dave Anthony and the Fire Chief regarding the fire company auto insurance.  Mayor Rhodes requested that a letter before budget time be sent to Washington Township informing them of the approximate amounts for auto insurance, workers comp, and life guards.

 

Community Map Project:  Mary Ann Horne informed Council that it had been proofed and sent to print and would be in circulation within 30 days.  Mary Ann Horne & H. Robert Cannell wanted to inform Council of the great job Maggi Stablein had done in setting up the print for the committee. 

 

Joint Municipal Planning:  Christopher Gillette reported they would meet November 12, 2003.

 

Library Steering Committee – Manager McFadden had memorandums available for review on the committees progress. 

 

H. Robert Cannell reported that over 100 people attended the October 23rd fund raiser that yielded approximately $3,500.  People attending were from all over the school district and with the $4,000 raised at the garage sale they will need a major fundraiser in the future. 

 

Jean Davis stated she had been approached by several on why they are asking the library to leave the building.  We have given 25 years of support and we still are.  Jean Davis motioned to reconfirm housing the library as long as they wish to be in the borough building.  Robert Gray seconded the motion and discussion followed.  H. Robert Cannell stated that when you explain that they have no space to park and no room to expand within and the County maybe closing it for lack of funding people seem to understand what you are doing.  Manager McFadden stated that with the articles in the Erie and Meadville papers over the last six months regarding funding and closing branches people should understand why we are helping them find funding for a local branch library.  When the budget is adopted by the county and by the state people will hear first hand about the funding.  It was agreed that Council would send a letter to the editor of the papers with all Councilmen signing regarding the library.  Mayor Rhodes and Jean Davis would draft the letter for the next Council meeting with input from other Council members.  The motion passed by 7-0 voice vote.

 

Other Old Business:

             Jean Davis stated that some of the new stop signs vehicles are going through them.  Maybe a blinker or warning to make people aware of the signs needs to be erected.  Mayor Rhodes stated they could possibly put up stop ahead signs and have the police be more vigilant around the stop signs to give warnings to motorist.

 

            Jean Davis asked what was stormed at Billings Park.  Manager McFadden stated it was pipe for the storm sewers to be done this fall for the Elm Street flooding situation.

 

 

Communications:

        Being none the mayor moved on to new business.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

            Budget workshop schedule – Mayor Caroline Rhodes informed Council she would like to make the schedule for workshops starting next week and needed input on the evenings and days available after the meeting.

 

            Manager McFadden presented information regarding Resolution 13-2003 and requested action on the Route 6 tourist promotion.  The Resolution was read:

Home Rule Borough of Edinboro

Resolution No. 13-2003

 

WHEREAS, the Pennsylvania Route 6 Tourist Promotion Association is accepting applications until October 31, 2003 for first-round designation as a US Route 6/6N Corridor Heritage Community; and

 

WHEREAS, said applications tentatively will be reviewed by representatives from the Pennsylvania Route 6 Tourist Association, the Pennsylvania Route 6 Coalition, the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania State Boroughs Association, the Local Development District Association of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development; and

 

WHEREAS, the promotion of heritage tourism will benefit the economy of the Edinboro area; and

 

WHEREAS, the Edinboro area has persons interested in the future welfare of said area who are knowledgeable for planning purposes of the martial, natural, engineering, safe haven, social entrepreneurial and outdoor recreation history and potential of the Edinboro area; and

 

WHEREAS, said volunteer knowledge resources minimize the matching funds required to file an application; and

 

WHEREAS, the Borough Manager has analyzed the application forms and recommends that the Borough file an application for said designation; and

 

WHEREAS, the application form requires a Resolution of the governing body of the municipal applicant authorizing the filing of the application, accepting responsibility for the required 50% local share and designating a Heritage Communities Program administrator.

 

NOW, THEREFOR, BE IT RESOLVED by Borough Council of the Home Rule Borough of Edinboro, assembled this 27th day of October, 2003, as follows:

1.        that the appropriate Borough officials hereby are authorized to file a Route 6/6N Heritage Communities Program application;

2.        that the Home Rule Borough of Edinboro accepts responsibility for a 50% planning match of one dollar ($1.00), representing 50% of the estimated two dollars ($2.00) non-in-kind cost of said planning program; and

3.        the Edinboro Regional Community Services, Inc., hereby is designated as the Heritage Communities Program director.

 

Jean Davis motioned to adopt resolution 13-2003 and Mary Ann Horne seconded.  The resolution passed by 7-0 role call vote as follows:  Robert Gray, yes; H. Robert Cannell, yes; Jean Davis, yes; Mary Ann Horne, yes; Paul Snyder, yes; Christopher A. Gillette, yes; and Mayor Caroline Rhodes, yes.

 

            Letter to Kip Allen was available for review.

 

            Mayor Rhodes introduced the Ordinance for dumpster screening or alternative.  Paul Snyder objected that it was not new business.  Mayor Rhodes tabled action until next meeting where it will be presented under old business.

 

Being no further business, Mayor Rhodes asked for adjournment.

 

Adjournment:

            Mary Ann Horne motioned for adjournment and the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

 

 

ATTEST:

 

 

 

 

 

__________________________               _____________________________

Manager E.R. Buck McFadden                        Mayor Caroline Rhodes


 

HIGHLIGHTS

October 27, 2003

 

COUNCIL APPROVED:

·        Payment of bills

·        Payment of payroll

·        Resolution 13-2003 Route 6 Tourism

·         

 

POSTPONED

·        Indecency Ordinance 502 - Ordinance Review Committee

·        Grease Ordinance – Ordinance Review Committee

·        Codification – Ordinance Review

·        Building renovations; bathhouse; storm sewers – Building, Streets, & Grounds Committee

·        Dumpster screening and alternative ORDINANCE 514

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS:

·        Building, Streets, & Grounds – Storm sewers, building renovations

·        Ordinance Review Committee -  (Indecency Ordinance & Codification & Grease Ordinance) –

·        Finance Committee – Monday’s  1:30 p.m.

·        Authority Meeting – November 10th  5 p.m.

·        CDBG Hearing January 26, 2004 6:45 p.m.

 

MANAGER INSTRUCTED TO:


 

HOME RULE BOROUGH OF EDINBORO COUNCIL MEETING

October 27, 2003

7:15 P.M. Council Meeting

 

6:15 P.M. JOINT COUNCIL AND WATER AUTHORITY EXECUTIVE SESSION

6:45 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING---FFY2004 CDBG---SYNOPSIS OF APPLICATION

 

I.                    Call to Order of 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 October 13, 2003.                      

B.      Action: Motion to approve minutes

 

IV        Persons Requesting Time to Address Council

 

V.        Old Business

A.  Committee Reports –

1.       Finance Committee - Mary Ann Horne, Chairperson

2.       Ordinance Review Committee - Jean Davis, Chairperson – Ordinance,  Grease Ordinance, and Public Indecency Ordinance 502, Refuse, Recycling & Burning Ordinance still in committee  

3.       Personnel Committee – Bob Cannell, Chairperson

                  a.    Letter confirming appointment of John Snyder to  Municipal                                Authority and Water Authority.  Term to end 2/27/04. FYI

                  b.    Letter confirming appointment of Barbara Baron to ZHB as    

                          alternate.   Term to end 2/13/04.  FYI

                  c.    Advertise for additional alternate for ZHB due to resignation of                                       Jean Bennett.

4.       Recreation/Lake/Environment – Mary Ann Horne, Chairperson

5.       Public Safety – Paul Snyder, Chairperson

6.       Street, Buildings, and Grounds – Chris Gillette, Chairperson – Storm sewers including Granada Drive; meeting with Roth Marz Partnership October 28, 2003-2:00 P.M., municipal building projects; 3:00 P.M., bathhouse

7.       Committee of the Whole - Mayor Rhodes

 

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 –  Report of 6:30 P.M. Executive Session

3.       Borough of Edinboro v. City of Erie  - Nothing new to report

4.       Billings Park – nothing new to report

5.       Bewley – nothing to report

C.  Manager's Report:

       1.  Manager instructed to:

a)  notify all Council members if any pertinent information from EHB is      

     received

b)  meet with Ordinance Review regarding sign ordinance & admin section  

     of recodification

c)  add EUP calls to EVFD data 1999-2003

                                d)  meet with residents on Granada Drive about storm sewers and/or swales

                           2.  FYI 

                              a)  letter to William Kearns

                                b)  University-Community Network

                                c)  Letter – Edinboro Lake Restoration

                                d)  Review Erie-Millcreek EIT agreement

                        2.  Finance

            a)  Authorization to approve bills to be paid                

            b)  Action:  Motion to approve bills totaling $26,755.44

            c)  Authorization to approve payroll

            d)  Action:  Motion to approve payroll ending October 11, 203, paid October     

                 17, 2003, totaling $56,899.85

                        3.   Personnel

                              a)  new Public Works employee – Jason Campbell

                                 b) maintenance employee – Duane Krautter replacing Pete Glaz who

                                     resigned

                        4    Public Safety

a)      Emergency Management

b)      Emergency Medical Service (EMS)

c)      EVFD

d)   Police – Monthly Report

e.)  Employee Safety Committee – 10-10-03 applied for annual

      recertification with Dept of Labor and Industry.

6.  BOCA Code/Planning/Zoning - Monthly Report

7.  Public Works – Monthly Report

a)      Sanitation

b)      Building & Property  

c)      Streets/Storm Sewers/Signals/Signs – draft letter

d)      Park & Recreation  

e)      Lake 

f)       Dam 

g)      Recycling Leaves 

8.  Wastewater Collection & Treatment

                        9.  Water System – Monthly Report

10. Community Development/Project Coordination – Monthly Report-

      CDBG Public Hearing 6:45 P.M. October 26, 2003

D.  Community Liaisons

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  

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 – community map sent to printer and should be ready for distribution within thirty days.

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  

16.   Joint Municipal Planning – Chris Gillette - Meet November 12, 2003 at 7:00 P.M.

17.   Library Steering Committee – Manager McFadden

       a) Memorandum-EABLSC 10-21-03-Addendum to 06-25-03 memo

       b) Memorandum-EABLSC 10-17-03-Articles of Incorporation Draft

       c) Memorandum-EABLSC 10-17-03-ERCS, Inc. Proposed Board                                   

           Resolution

 Other Old Business – discuss tabled dumpster screening requirements?

 
VI.       Communications

 

VII.      New Business -          Budget schedule

 

VIII.     Adjournment

REMINDERS:

Finance Committee Meeting     October 27  1:30 p.m.

Next Council Meeting                        Monday, November 10, 2003  7:00 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 7:00 P.M.

 

2003 Council Meeting Schedule:

November 10, November 24, December 8 at 7:00 P.M.

and December 22 at 4:30 P.M.