HOME RULE BOROUGH OF EDINBORO
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
February 10, 2003
Call to Order:
The following Council members were present: Robert Gray, Christopher A. Gillette, Paul Snyder, Jean Davis, Mary Ann Horne and Mayor Caroline Rhodes. Member absent was H. Robert Cannell. Also in attendance was E.R. McFadden, Borough Manager; and Marie Lander, Assistant to the Manager. Guests present were Mary Solberg, Nancy Crawford, & Jason Guigia.
Mayor Rhodes introduced the minutes from the regular Council meeting held January 27, 2003. Mary Ann Horne moved for approval of the minutes and Robert Gray seconded. The minutes were approved by a voice vote of 5-0-1 with Mary Ann Horne abstaining because of being absent on January 27th.
Mary Solberg, 204 Ash Street, Edinboro. She informed Council that on January 31, 2003 a school bus carrying her two children was rear ended by a vehicle at Jefferson Street and Lakeside and 6N. She stated that 6N has become more congested and difficult to get out onto 6N. The police had told her that so far in 2003 3 accidents were reported between the bridge and Angling Road and in 2002 there was 7 accidents. Ms. Solberg was present to ask for two things: first for Council to investigate the possibility of having a traffic light on 6N; and second to see what citizens needed to do in the effort for Council on this matter. She was willing to send letters to PennDOT for this request because of traffic flow from Wal-mart and bad weather problems in pulling out onto 6N as her major reasons. Sometime you sit for 10 minutes trying to get out and then people get inpatient and pull out even on a regular day almost getting hit. When there are events at EUP it may even take ½ hour to get off streets along Lakeside and felt a traffic light may help. Even the principal and secretary at the elementary school have to go out and stop traffic on 6N to get buses out at night. Ms. Solberg said her greatest fear was someone having a serious accident. She felt her children were lucky they were hit by car and not a semi-truck that use 6N. The police had told her that lights at Maple, Jefferson, or Angling would possibly help them also. Robert Gray stated that he turns from his road toward town and it takes 35-50 cars going by before he can get out. He thought Angling may be the best site for a light because Maple Drive might have traffic backed up to the Route 99/6N light. Paul Snyder stated it was defiantly worth looking into. He asked if Buildings, Streets, & Grounds committing could review this with Tom Schruers, Chief Jeff Craft, and Manager McFadden. They should review options before making formal request to PennDOT since they need to decide which intersection to recommend for streetlight study. He also felt that maybe Angling needed to be rerouted. Mayor Rhodes stated the first step would be for Building, Streets, & Grounds Committee to meet, which the Committee scheduled for February 17 6:30 p.m., and 2nd was to request a traffic count from PennDOT. It was agreed to keep Mary Solberg informed of their findings.
Jason Guigra, 211 E. Normal Street. Intern at the Chamber of Commerce asked to relay message from Executive Director regarding the Joint Planning Commission. He read the following statement: “I am here tonight to represent the collective voices of over 90 businesses who are currently members of the Edinboro Area Chamber of Commerce. The Board of Directors would like to take this opportunity to express the views of our membership. We feel it is important for the local municipalities to work together to plan a bright future for our growing community. We believe the new model of leadership is collaborative, requires wide-spread participation, and collective decision making. There should be a network of responsibility drawn from all segments. Collaboration is hard work and not always appealing to everyone. There will be inevitable conflict, but it will encourage a consensus and search for a “win-win” situation. The Chamber would like to become an integral part in this process. We welcome the opportunity to serve our municipalities and hope you will include us as this Joint Planning Commission moves forward.” Mayor Rhodes stated that they would keep the Chamber and citizens informed. Presently the three municipalities were in the process of considering ordinances to create the Joint Planning Commission and we have several corrections since the last draft. The Ordinances are open for review and the Commission will be made up of one voting member (elected official) from each municipality and two consulting persons totaling 9 people. Their meetings will be advertised and open to the public. Mary Ann Horne stated she was the liaison for the Chamber and would help keep them informed.
Being no other persons requesting time to speak the Mayor moved on to old business.
Go Back to Home
Go Back to Community Resources
Go Back to
Calendar of Meetings
Committee Reports:
Finance Committee: Chairman Mary Ann Horne – She read her year end report for 2002, “The Finance Committee goals for the year 2002 were to improve communication between administration and council, to better understand expenditures and to become better informed on the budget process in order to keep council informed. During 2002, the Finance Committee met weekly with Marie Lander, Assistant to the Manager, to review invoices and future purchases. The meetings were a learning experience for the Finance Committee members as we had a chance to peruse not only the list of invoices to be paid, but also the requisitions and bills that accompany the invoices. During these meetings, we also had the opportunity to discuss upcoming expenditures and to review actual balances and budget numbers in order to understand the process of budget adjustments. This process was very helpful at yearend budget time. Another outcome of the weekly meetings was improved communication between administration and the Finance Committee and ultimately the entire council. We were able to better inform management of the Council members’ needs for information. Reports were written to explain the more important purchases and budget adjustment reports were written with clear explanations. A benefit of this work by the Finance Committee is it greatly reduces the need for detailed oversight by the council as a whole, resulting in more efficient use of council meeting time. The resulting insight into the finances gives the council more confidence in the budget numbers, simplifying the budgeting process. For the upcoming year, a goal of the Finance Committee is to reduce the review meetings to twice a month while maintaining the same level of oversight.” It was noted that larger type accounts payable list was reviewed by the committee today and a copy on Council’s desks for their review.
Ordinance Review Committee: Chairman Jean Davis - Jean Davis reported that they met January 29 and February 5 to work on codification. They had finished several sections and were working with Officer Roy Luke on the Vehicle code section which they will continue with on Wednesday, Feb 12th. Dave Zamierowski will prepare from the old ordinance a map showing stop signs and the police will verify there existence. Rob Kennerknecht and his staff are working on the WWCT section and will also prepare a separate GOF (grease, oil and fat) Ordinance for review later this year.
Personnel Committee: Chairman H. Robert Cannell – nothing to report.
Recreation, Lake, Environment Committee: Chairman Mary Ann Horne – Nothing to report.
Public Safety Committee: Chairman Paul Snyder –nothing to report.
Streets, Buildings, & Grounds Committee: Chairman Chris Gillette – Mr. Gillette reported that they met February 3rd and agenda from Management for this meeting was in Council’s packets. They discussed Elm Street diversion projects and that Manager McFadden and Tom Schruers were meeting with Washington Township regarding this matter. They also discussed the deferred maintenance on the building and have asked Tom Schruers to prepare a list by priority with preliminary costs attached. Chris stated they also discussed annual maintenance and would have follow up meeting when Tom was able to obtain the information requested.
Committee of the Whole – Mayor Rhodes – nothing to report.
DEP EHB Docket 2000-125-R nothing new to report.
Manager McFadden introduced a clean draft copy of Ordinance 510 regarding joint municipal planning commission in conjunction with Township of Franklin and the Township of Washington for consideration. Discussion followed on changes from previous draft such as Section 4 A & B and Section 8 funding formula. This has been discussed with the Solicitor. After much discussion on these changes Paul Snyder suggested that in Attachment A Section 6.2 that “terms” should be inserted in place of “years”. He also suggested in Attachment A Section 5.2 and 4.2 that officers “must be voting representatives”. Manager McFadden stated he would pass on his suggestions to Washington Township and Franklin Township. He understood that the Franklin Township Planning Commission met tomorrow and the Borough was scheduled to adopt the ordinance February 24th, Franklin Township February 27th, and Washington Township March 4th.
Jean Davis motioned and Mary Ann Horne seconded the 2nd reading of Ordinance 510 as amended. Discussion followed. Robert Gray stated it bothered him to see in 5.8 that two members could remove a third without cause. He felt this should be with cause. Jean Davis stated that the reason for this may be a point from Borough history when they needed to remove Commission members and reappoint members because they were not meeting or reporting to Council. Discussion followed on Council possibly voting on appointments instead of appointments by Mayor. Robert Gray called for the vote. The following roll call vote followed: H. Robert Cannell, absent; Jean Davis, yes; Mary Ann Horne, yes; Paul Snyder, yes; Robert Gray, yes; Christopher A. Gillette, yes; and Mayor Caroline Rhodes, yes. 2nd reading passed 6-0.
Mayor Rhodes reported she met with Attorney Marsh regarding Policy & Regulations regarding examination, inspection and duplication of public records that had been tabled. She requested that it be taken off the table. Paul Snyder motioned and Jean Davis second to take it off the table. The motion passed by 6-0 voice vote. Mayor Rhodes explained she was not sure about the article in the newspaper that City of Erie was not releasing the Civil Service list. Paul Snyder motioned to accept Resolution 1-2003 replacing existing policy Resolution 5-2001 regarding policy and regulations regarding examination, inspection and duplication of public records. Christopher Gillette seconded the motion and it passed unanimously by roll call vote: Jean Davis, yes; Mary Ann Horne, yes; Paul Snyder, yes; Robert Gray, yes; H. Robert Cannell, absent; Christopher A. Gillette, yes; and Mayor Caroline Rhodes, yes.
No new information was available regarding Bulk Water agreement with Washington Township, or ACLU.
Go Back to Home
Go Back to Community Resources
Go Back to
Calendar of Meetings
MANAGER:
Letter from Kristie Radecki, Lakeside Commons Manager and response from Manager McFadden regarding Edinboro Branch of the Erie County Library was available for review.
Mayor Rhodes introduced the bills for payment. Robert Gray moved approval of the submitted bills totaling $ 24,982.69 dated February 10, 2003 and Mary Ann Horne seconded. With no objections it passed by 6-0 voice vote.
Mayor Rhodes proceeded in acceptance of the payroll as submitted for the period ending February 1, 2003 and paid February 7, 2003 totaling $54,112.69. Jean Davis motioned approval of the payroll and Mary Ann Horne seconded. The motion approving the payroll, overtime reports, and supplemental time sheets passed unanimously by voice vote 6-0.
BOCA/Code Enforcement/Planning/Zoning:
Zoning Hearing Board advertisement for hearing March 5 was available for Council’s information.
PUBLIC WORKS:
Lifeguard agreement with YMCA for 2003 was presented. Paul Snyder motioned and Jean Davis seconded the acceptance of the Lifeguard agreement as presented for 2003. Discussion followed that it was the same as last year and that Washington Township had also but funds in their budget to help with this expense as they did last year. Motion passed by 6-0 voice vote. Mary Ann Horne stated she would talk to the YMCA representative to make sure all lifeguards take care of cleaning as in the past.
Community Liaisons:
Jean Davis informed Council that the Authorities met this evening. The Water Authority discussed water agreement with Washington Township; backflow installation status that 5 are shut off until spring and 13 others should be done by Friday; and quick connects adapters for fire hydrants are being installed. The Municipal Authority talked about the fat, oil, and grease ordinance that they are working on and a new challenge with storm water regulations.
Mayor Rhodes asked Paul Snyder if he would be able to attend the Pension Committee meeting of February 26th at 10 a.m. Not being able to she asked Finance Committee to oversee Pension Committee as possible.
Mayor Rhodes stated she had two reports which she handed out.
EUP Administration: “ After seeing the public notices about the Feb 25th public meeting called by the Highlands Committee for Faculty Initiatives, regarding co-operation between the University and the Community, I called Theresa Thewes. She does want Borough participation, including someone to make an opening statement on behalf of the Borough, regarding the positives about having the University here. She is unaware of ongoing projects and co-operative efforts, as apparently is her committee. She and I are meeting Tuesday to discuss this further. I would like to encourage as many Council members as possible, to attend this meeting, and I’d like to encourage us to discuss the topic now, so as to share out ideas on what our representatives should present. Areas where EUP and the Borough work together include: EUP’s rehabilitation grant for Academy Hall, utility infrastructure cooperation (water wells, air stripping tower, water and sewer service, with upgrades), the Edinboro Lake Watershed Association, the Gear initiated Cable TV committee, the Library Committee. There are established points of contact for police departments, public works, zoning/housing issues/ and for Edinboro Lake research. The Highland Games festival which takes place both on campus and in town, the Homecoming Parade and festivities, and the many summer camps, are events where cooperation regularly occurs. A major issue between us, (the disproportionate cost to Borough taxpayers of providing services (especially law enforcement) to the EUP portion, which is tax exempt) is common to many other University communities. We are working with PLCM people to secure a SSHE system solution.” Mary Ann Horne stated she also is the Borough’s liaison for the PLCB Project Committee which should be added to the list of areas that work todgether. Council members were encouraged to attend the Feb 25th meeting at EUP 3:30 – 5p.m. since the Mayor would be at a previously scheduled meeting. Mary Ann Horne stated she would attend and Robert Gray stated he would also attend.
Watershed Association: “The Watershed Association was newly constituted met January 25th. Representatives from our Borough, Franklin Township, EUP, GM school district, lakeside Association, and the owner of the fen were present and voting. Buck McFadden and John Marchese form the Edinboro Lake Foundation were also present and prepared to assist us. First business was to formally organize. The proposed by-laws were adopted, substantially the same as presented to Council. Officers elected were: President – Caroline Rhodes, Vice-President T. Scarlett, Treasurer Brian Zimmerman, and Secretary Nancy Crawford. John Marchese was appointed Lake keeper. Authorization was given to open bank accounts in the name of the ELWAssn. Mr. McFadden explained that the remaining assets from the Foundation and the existing grant projects will be transferred to the ELWAssn. A committee was formed to draft a mission statement, taking into consideration the WPC study and documents form other Watershed associations. John Marchese described in detail the existing grant projects – watershed mapping, signage, and website, and there was much discussion and volunteering by Assn. members to assist in these. No new grants will be applied for until the existing ones are completed. At a spring meeting, the Association members and a few guests will walk the fen to see and understand this community asset. ELWAssn. Meetings will be held monthly on the last Tuesdays, at 3:30 p.m.” Interested Council members in walking the fenn are to let Mayor Rhodes know so she can contact them in the spring.
Go Back to Home
Go Back to Community Resources
Go Back to
Calendar of Meetings
Other Old Business:
Mayor Rhodes noted that there are openings on the Civil Service Commission, Environmental Shade Tree Advisory Board, Planning & Zoning Commission and Zoning Hearing Board and they had been re-advertised on the cable station, website, and Meadville Tribune.
Mayor Rhodes asked everyone to get topics for the April newsletter to her or staff for completion deadline of mid-March. As committees meet they should discuss and suggest articles or prepare topics for submission. Topics of possible submission: Millage and use of converted 2 mills for building upkeep, EHB outcome, and recreation items.
Joint meeting of Township and Borough is being planned with Township hosting. Manager was asked to check with Attorney Marsh on sunshine law regarding this meeting of Council members of both municipalities. Manager McFadden asked if there were certain topics, public or executive session. Mayor Rhodes felt it would not be executive session and no certain topics have been mentioned.
Letter from Erie County Association of Boroughs regarding Annual Scholarship Application has been forwarded on to the General McLane High School Guidance Office.
New Business:
Jean Davis stated that she felt Manager McFadden had made a nice letter regarding the library. Manager McFadden informed Council that Jennifer Martin would be here tomorrow with the steering committee and another letter to Margaret Stewart will follow.
Being no further business, Mayor Rhodes asked for 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
Go Back to Home
Go Back to Community Resources
Go Back to
Calendar of Meetings
HIGHLIGHTS
February 10, 2003
· Payment of bills
· Payment of payroll
· Minutes
· Second Reading Joint Municipal Planning Commission Ordinance 510 for final reading March 10th
· Policy & Regulations regarding examination, inspection & duplication of records – Resolution 1-2003
POSTPONED
· Indecency Ordinance 502 - Ordinance Review Committee
· Recreation Committee to schedule meetings to review plans for lake boundary and walk through; and meeting on dock storage options and pickets at park
·
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
· Ordinance Review Committee - (Indecency Ordinance; & Codification) February 12th 9 a.m. on codification
· Finance Committee – meet Monday February 24th 6:30 p.m.
· Buildings, Streets & Grounds Committee to review request for traffic light on 6N West – February 17th 6:30 p.m.
· Recreation Committee: Meeting on shoreline plantings; alternate dock storage sites.
· Pension Committee: February 26th 10a.m. –Finance Committee asked to attend
· March 10th 5 p.m. Authority meeting
· Forward corrections on to Franklin Township & Washington Township on Ordinance JMP
· Check with Solicitor on Sunshine Law and meeting with Washington Township.
Go Back to Home
Go Back to Community Resources
Go Back to
Calendar of Meetings
HOME RULE BOROUGH OF EDINBORO COUNCIL MEETING
February 10, 2003
6:45 p.m. CDBG Hearing
7:00 p.m. Council Meeting
I. Call to Order Council Meeting by Mayor
II. Roll Call:
III. Approval of Minutes:
A. Minutes of Regularly Scheduled Meeting January 27, 2003. ACTION: Motion to approve minutes
IV Persons Requesting Time to Address Council
· Mary Solberg – regarding installation of traffic light on 6N someplace between Wal-mart and Route 99
1. Finance Committee - Mary Ann Horne, Chair –Met February 10th 1:30 p.m.
2. Ordinance Review Committee - Jean Davis, Chair – Ordinance Recodification and Public Indecency Ordinance 502 still in committee met Wed. 1/29, 2/5 9a.m. for Codification - next meeting 2/12 9a.m.
3. Personnel Committee – Bob Cannell, Chair. – no report
4. Recreation/Lake/Environment – Mary Ann Horne, Chair - shoreline plantings will be explored with Edinboro Lake Watershed Association
5. Public Safety – Paul Snyder, Chair – no report.
6. Street, Buildings, and Grounds – Chris Gillette, Chair – agenda from meeting February 3rd.
7. Committee of the Whole - Mayor Rhodes – no report.
B. Solicitor's Report:
1. DEP EHB Docket 2000-125- R (PADEP Order of May 9, 2000):
2. H. G. Gillespie Foundation – Attorney James Marsh, Jr. is reviewing
3. Joint Municipal Planning Commission Ordinance – Public Hearing
a.) 2nd reading Ordinance 510
b) Letter to Terry Carcella, Washington Township
4. Bulk Water agreement with Washington Township
a.)
5. Non-compliance residents for water meter/back-flow preventer disconnect Feb 14, 2003
6. Policy & Regulations regarding examination, inspection and duplication of public records – tabled – bring from tabled for action.
7. ACLU
C. Manager's Report:
1. Manager
a) MANAGER INSTRUCTED TO:
· Provide Council with copies of Annual Recycling forms when prepared
· Any pertinent information from EHB is received notify all Council members
b) Edinboro branch library –FYI
2. Finance
a) Authorization to Approve Bills, to be paid February 10, 2003
Action: Motion to approve bills $ 24,982.69
b) Authorization to Approve Payroll
Action: Motion to approve payroll ending February 1, 2003 paid January 7, 2003 totaling $ 54,112.69
c) Monthly Financial Report - 2nd meeting of every month– FYI
3. Personnel
4. Public Safety
a) Emergency Management
1) Communication inventory & plan to be included in EMPlan
b) Emergency Medical Service (EMS)
c) EVFD
d) Police
1) Police Reports – 2nd meeting of every month – FYI
e.) Employee Safety Committee
5. BOCA/Code Enforcement/Planning/Zoning
a) Monthly Report – 2nd meeting of every month – FYI
b) Zoning Hearing Board - advertised hearing - FYI
6. Public Works
a) Sanitation
b) Building & Property
c) Streets/Storm Sewers/Signals/Signs
1) Monthly report – 2nd meeting of every month – FYI
d) Park & Recreation
e) Lake
a) Lifeguard agreement 2003 – ACTION:
f) Dam
g) Recycling Leaves
7. Wastewater Collection & Treatment
8. Water System
a) Monthly Report – 2nd meeting of every month – FYI
b) Backflow/Water Meters - FYI
9. Community Development/Project Coordination
a) Monthly Report – 2nd meeting of every month – FYI
1. Cable TV - Bob Gray
2. Chamber of Commerce - Mary Ann Horne
3. Environmental Shade Tree Advisory Committee – Mary Ann Horne
4. Erie County Borough – Paul Snyder
5. Erie County Planning Liaison - Chris Gillette
6. EVFD Board Liaison – Chris Gillette
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 - Met Feb 10th 5 p.m.
12. Pension Com – Paul Snyder – February 26th 10 a.m.
13. EUP Admin – Mayor Rhodes – Invitation
14. PLCM Local Group Liaison – Mary Ann
15. Watershed Association – Caroline Rhodes
16. Joint Municipal Planning – Chris Gillette
E. Other Old Business
1. Opening Planning Commission, Civil Service Commission, Environmental Shade Tree Advisory Board, and Zoning Hearing Board in 2003 – advertised website & cable station & again in Meadville Tribune Feb 6th.
A. Erie County Association of Boroughs – Annual Scholarship Application - FYI
VII New Business
A. EVFD – invitation - FYI
B.
VIII Special Reports
IX Adjournment
REMINDERS:
Buildings, Streets, & Grounds Committee – Monday, February 3rd 6:30 p.m.
Finance Committee Meeting on Monday Feb 10th 1:30 p.m.; Feb 24th 6:30 p.m.
Authority Meeting Monday, February 10, 2003 5:00 p.m.
CDBG Hearings Monday, February 10, 2003 6:45 p.m.
Ordinance Review Committee: Feb 12 9 a.m.
Pension Committee February 26th 10 a.m.
2003 Council Meeting Schedule:
February 24, March 10, March 24, April 14, April 28, May 5, May 19, June 9, June 23, July 14, July 28, August 11, August 25, September 8, September 22, October 13, October 27, November 10, November 24, December 8 at 7:00 p.m. and December 22 @4.30 p.m.
Go Back to Home
Go Back to Community Resources
Go Back to
Calendar of Meetings
©Copyright June 2003