HOME RULE BOROUGH OF EDINBORO
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
July 14, 2003
Call to Order:
The following Council members were present: Paul Snyder, H. Robert Cannell, Christopher A. Gillette, Robert Gray, Mary Ann Horne, and Mayor Caroline Rhodes. Jean Davis was absent. Also in attendance was Marie Lander, Assistant to the Manager. Guests present were Ginny Keim; Art Crawford; Carolyn Crawford; Carol Yankovich; Marilee Pavolko; Sherri Sturm; Dave Johnson; Beth McLaughlin; Barb Jacobs; Joan Weibert; Linda King; Jen Duda, Erie Times; Jim McEldowney; Maria Cross; Rich Seider; E. Ureh-Wilson; and Joh Foulkrod, Washington Township Council Liaison.
Mayor Rhodes introduced the minutes from the regular Council meeting held June 23, 2003. Mary Ann Horne moved for approval of the minutes and Robert Gray seconded. The minutes were approved with adjustments as noted, by a voice vote of 5-0 – 1. H. Robert Cannell abstained because he was absent at the June 23rd meeting.
Jon Foulkrod, Washington Township Council representative asked to speak later about the bulk water agreement.
Ginny Keim, 137 Sunset, YMCA “people for a community pool”. Ms. Keim explained that there was a meeting last week at Washington Township building about the pool and a petition to save the pool was presented to Council. She was here tonight to ask for Council’s support not for money but to help with feasibility study and if option shows positive in the future to also help with grant to purchase. The grant funding must be applied for by a municipality. She explained several times that no money was needed just backing.
Dave Johnson, 105 Hillcrest Drive, YMCA Board Trustee. Explained the YMCA was coming to the end of a 3 year lease with Orr Brothers for the outside pool. They will look at options to buy the pool with support of the local communities and grant funding. Also grant funding for feasibility study to see if it is worth purchasing or not. The Orr Brothers have agreed to donate half the value or $150,000 if a grant is obtained for the other half. The problem as a private non-profit (YMCA) is that it is not easy to access funds that a municipality can. The Borough can be the grantee to DCNR to do a feasibility study. YMCA is still seeking support of Washington Township and Franklin Township to apply for the grant if the feasibility study comes back positive. If positive, we can purchase as borough or group of municipalities. Jim McEldowney is here from the YMCA and he has ideas for ownership.
Robert Gray asked if matching funds were needed. Dave Johnson stated no matching funds were needed for the feasibility study. Robert Gray stated that last year residents from Forest Drive of Washington Township came to the Borough with the same thing and he thought they could co op purchase and operate like the ski slope. Jim McEldowney stated that that way they would need funds and they did not have any. Dave Johnson stated if Borough owns then they could get further funding more readily. Robert Gray stated his own feeling was not to purchase it because of the higher costs of an older pool. Paul Snyder stated they do not need a decision now; they just want to do a feasibility study at no cost to the Borough. Mary Ann Horne stated she attended the last Tuesday’s meeting and they only wanted the Borough as the grantee for the feasibility study at this time.
Dave Johnson stated that the YMCA had their grant writer, Jim McEldowney, who would apply for a 100% grant at no cost to the Borough. Dave Johnson stated they needed to take the first step of a feasibility study paid solely by grant funds. The pool was built in 1979 and the feasibility study will really be best interest to all to tell if it is worth it or not to purchase. H. Robert Cannell stated he was all for it but it was a 36 year old pool. Other communities should get together for the advantage of citizens. Dave Johnson stated that an average of 350 a day attended the YMCA. The YMCA is looking 10-15 years out and what they will do in Edinboro. They can do an inside pool, outside pool, or add on to the facilities. Mayor Caroline Rhodes asked if the grant was through DCNR or DECD. They stated it was DCNR. Mayor Rhodes was in support if no cost to the Borough and she felt that the Council was also in agreement if it is as good as it appears to be. Christopher Gillette stated he was also in support of a feasibility study to educate everyone first about the pool.
H.Robert Cannell motioned to have Council accept the proposal of the YMCA to do a feasibility study regarding the outdoor pool by applying for a non matching grant from DCNR. The motion was seconded by Mary Ann Horne and passed by 6-0 voice vote. Mr. Jim McEldowney stated he had talked to Rep. John Evans and he was assured that fund from DCNR would be non-matching. He also stated that a site operated by the East Side YMCA was a model to follow with Harborcreek, Lawrence Park, and Weslyville Borough participating.
Being no further persons requesting time to speak the Mayor moved on to old business.
Committee Reports:
Finance Committee: Chairman Mary Ann Horne – Ms. Horne reported they did not meet but they would meet July 21st at 1:30 and again on July 21st at 6:30 as a Committee of the Whole to review 6 months financial reports.
Ordinance Review Committee: Chairman Jean Davis - Mayor Rhodes reported in Jean Davis’s absence that they did not meet as previously scheduled July 8th.
Personnel Committee: Chairman H. Robert Cannell – no report
Recreation, Lake, Environment Committee: Chairman Mary Ann – reported they had met and had several recommendations to Council. First they reviewed the old tennis courts on High Street regarding skateboarding and at the PLCM meeting she asked Penn Prime for their opinion. They do not recommend making one, but if borough did they gave a guideline. The committee would like to direct the manager to find out the costs to modify the existing area to the Penn Prime requirements including signage, surfacing, etc. and get it back to Council as soon as possible.
Secondly the committee discussed the request to name a park after Kurt Sanders. The Environmental Shade Tree Advisory Committee is working on a memorial tree policy and the committee felt that all parks were already named and a tree dedicated to Kurt would be proper. Paul Snyder asked Council to encourage the Environmental Shade Tree Advisory Committee to finalize the memorial tree policy and get it back to Council for action before decision is made regarding Sanders’ request.
Thirdly the committee would like to formally thank the Fireworks Committee for the best ever July 4th event. Several Council members agreed that they deserve a thank you from Council.
Lastly they discussed the pool.
Public Safety Committee: Chairman Paul Snyder –nothing to report.
Streets, Buildings, & Grounds Committee: Chairman Chris Gillette - no report.
Robert Cannell asked about a June 10th letter regarding dumpsters extended date to October and the assignment to reconsider dumpsters to Building, Streets, & Ground committee. Mayor Rhodes stated it was an error that it was turned over to the Ordinance Review Committee. Christopher Gillette stated he talked to the architect regarding the bathhouse and he felt the storage area was too large. He thought the CDBG funds required them to replace the existing footprint and storage was for life guard equipment and park equipment. It seems a waste to store so much there. Mary Ann Horne agreed to have Recreation Committee look into the storage with the Building, Streets & Grounds Committee. Chris thought the meeting June 30th with the architect had a footprint with preliminary approval. He needed to know from the Manager if this drawing was set in stone or could it be changed. They agreed to meet as Committee of the Whole to discuss the bathhouse as soon as possible. Chris also stated that he worked on Harborcreek sports project and, like the pickets, people donated funds toward building blocks in which their families name was engraved. Mary Ann Horne stated that the Recreation committee was considering reinstating pickets to update playgrounds again also.
Committee of the Whole – Mayor Rhodes no report.
DEP EHB Docket 2000-125-R nothing new to report.
Borough of Edinboro v. City of Erie – lawyers’ responses regarding EIT was available for Council’s review.
MABE NPDES permit renewal and DEP letters exchanged from Attorney Marsh. Mayor Caroline Rhodes stated the Borough had paid the fee and filed the NPDES renewal as required but have not received any response. This is their response that they will hold up renewal until appeal order decision comes down. There is no predicting when this will be and we will continue to treat under the old permit.
Billings Park - Solicitor is reviewing by-laws of Edinboro Lakeside Association (ELA) and making recommendation to Board regarding the question from Dr. Knight in his letter of June 2, 2003 in possibility of deeding the property to the Borough of Edinboro.
Bulk water agreement with Washington Township new draft was discussed. H. Robert Cannell asked why changes were made in the agreement that he was not aware of. Robert Gray stated that last meeting it was discussed prior to sending to Washington Township, a meeting he was not present at. Paul Snyder stated he felt no discussion was made it was just added. Mayor Rhodes stated the detail exhibits showed what parts would belong to whom. Joh Foulkrod thought the lines were clearly identified as requested but they were shocked when they saw the cost. They had asked us to identify the lines clearly and we did.
Mayor Rhodes stated that this is negotiable and could be discussed and maybe the ad hoc group should meet again to discuss this matter. Joh Foulkrod agreed that they should reconvene with Liaisons, Mayors, and Managers. He felt the process was flawed. We had talked and in principle agreed then the addition of 10% which was not talked about and now the $15,000. He felt the borough should pick up the phone and in the process they found section line and ask if they would consider paying for it not just send draft giving no prior knowledge of this to Township. This all needs to change. Mayor Rhodes stated they had professionals who get the documents together when Council agreed in principle and they felt the professionals where meeting the objectives and requests of the Township.
The Township has made no action yet. Joh Foulkrod stated that the Township had agreed to legal costs Borough occurred to pay but not for what they didn’t ask for such as the 10% version and now the last draft requesting $15,000. The Township would like input in the process not just what talked about. Mayor Rhodes agreed to discuss with the Manager when he was back. This is all costing us money when we need accomplishments. Paul Snyder asked to have a meeting of Council of the Whole and Water Authority as soon as possible to get the Bulk Water Agreement finished. It was agreed to check with the Manager about scheduling a meeting as soon as possible to discuss bulk water agreement and bathhouse.
MANAGER:
Mayor Rhodes reported that she spoke to the Manager regarding items on the agenda and they would be forthcoming.
Also in the Manager’s section was a report by Edinboro Area Brach Library Steering Committee and letter from Judy G. Hample, Chancellor of SSHE for Council’s review.
.
Mayor Caroline Rhodes introduced the bills for payment. Mary Ann Horne moved approval of the submitted bills totaling $ 99,998.21 and Robert Gray 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 June 21, 2003 and paid June 27, 2003 totaling $53,681.68 and Payroll ending July 5, 2003 paid July 11, 2003 totaling $54,532.29. Mary Ann Horne motioned approval of the payroll and H. Robert Cannell seconded. The motion approving the payroll and overtime passed unanimously by voice vote 6-0.
PUBLIC WORKS:
News article “Light finally shed on dark neighborhood” by Mary Hill was available for Council’s information.
Community Liaisons:
PLCM Campus Community – Mayor Rhodes asked Mr. Cannell about discussion on town gown at the Convention. He stated nothing was discussed unless they discussed it at the round table Tuesday night and he did not arrive from Indiana until late.
Watershed Association – Minutes of June 24th meeting was enclosed in packets.
Pension Committee -- Mayor Rhodes asked if the Finance Committee members could attend meeting Wednesday July 30th at 1 p.m.
Joint Municipal Planning: Christopher Gillette stated that they met July 9th to finish organizing. He hoped the next meeting August 9th would be more productive with possible presentations from those who send in RFP’s.
Other Old Business:
Mayor Rhodes noted that there were still openings on the Environmental Shade Tree Advisory Board and Zoning Hearing Board.
Request by Matte Kashey – Street light on North east end of Maple Drive near RT 6N. Robert Gray stated there is a pole already at that corner but maybe the bulb is out or the limbs are hiding it.
PA Route 6 Heritage Communities Program was in the packets for review. Mayor Rhodes had a newspaper that was starting up with School Districts along Route 6 which possibility could be a link to attractions and tourists in the future.
Being no further business, Mayor Rhodes asked for adjournment.
Christopher Gillette motioned for adjournment and the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
ATTEST:
________________________ _____________________________
Manager E.R. Buck McFadden Mayor Caroline Rhodes
HIGHLIGHTS
July 14, 2003
· Payment of bills
· Payment of payroll
· YMCA proposal to have Borough apply for grant from DCNR to do feasibility study of purchasing outdoor pool. - YMCA to write grant – non-matching grant.
POSTPONED
· Indecency Ordinance 502 - Ordinance Review Committee
· Sign Ordinance – Ordinance Review Committee
· Dumpster Ordinance – sent back Ordinance Review work on line of site screening
· Grease Ordinance – Ordinance Review Committee
· Sander’s Request to name small park in Memory of Kurt – Waiting for Memorial Policy from Shade Tree Committee
· Stop Sign Ordinance – Manager work into one Ordinance
· Skateboarders request – Manager to furnish Council with total costs to prepare old tennis courts to PennPrime standards with signage, etc. for consideration
·
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
· Ordinance Review Committee - (Indecency Ordinance & Codification & Sign Ordinance & Grease Ordinance & Dumpster Ordinance)
· Finance Committee – July 21 1:30 p.m. – 6 month review
· Negotiation Committee – July 30 10 a.m.
· Non Uniform discussion 11a.m. regarding Pensions
· Pension Committee – July 30 1 p.m. Dennis Ranalli 6month review
· Council of the Whole – July 16 6:30 p.m. – discuss Bulk Water Agreement (with Manager, Water Authority, & Rob Kennerknecht); and Bathhouse.
· Council of the Whole – July 21 6:30 p.m. 6 month review.
· Meet with Ordinance Review about sign ordinance & administrative section of recodification to finish up.
· Find out the costs to modify the existing old tennis court area to the Penn Prime requirements for skateboarding including signage, surfacing, etc. – get information to Council.
· Schedule Council of the Whole 7/16 6:30 p.m. if Manager available to discuss Bulk Water Agreement & Bathhouse next available dated 7/23 6:30 p.m.
· Check to see if light at Northeast end of Maple Drive is out or limbs blocking – Matte Kashey request for street light - Robert Gray stated light already there.
· .
HOME RULE BOROUGH OF EDINBORO COUNCIL MEETING
July 14, 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 June 23, 2003. ACTION: Motion to approve minutes
IV Persons Requesting Time to Address Council
A. Jon Foulkrod, Washington Township Council liaison may or may not address Township position
B. Ginny Keim, YMCA, Parents for a community pool – request Borough to apply for state money to conduct feasibility study to determine if pool is viable investment for community (see letter and outdoor pool talking points)
1. Finance Committee - Mary Ann Horne, Chair
2. Ordinance Review Committee - Jean Davis, Chair – Ordinance Recodification, Sign Ordinance, Stop Sign Ordinance, Garbage Ordinance, Grease Ordinance, and Public Indecency Ordinance 502 still in committee
3. Personnel Committee – Bob Cannell, Chair – no report
4. Recreation/Lake/Environment – Mary Ann Horne, Chair - Met regarding skateboarding on High Street old tennis courts July 9
5. Public Safety – Paul Snyder, Chair – no report
6. Street, Buildings, and Grounds – Chris Gillette, Chair – no report
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): no information
2. Bulk Water agreement with Washington Township: being reviewed by Washington Township Solicitor
3. Borough of Edinboro v. City of Erie - FYI
4. MABE NPDES permit renewal – DEP response
5. Billings Park - FYI
C. Manager's Report:
1. Manager
a) MANAGER INSTRUCTED TO:
· Any pertinent information from EHB is received notify all Council members
· Prepare stop sign ordinance adding Chestnut Street westbound and Stop sign on Maple Drive instead of yield sign – advertise for 3 meetings
· Police report on Maple Drive and Chestnut Street changes of signage
· Meet with Ordinance Review regarding sign ordinance & admin section of recodification & Stop sign ordinance.
· Rewrite letter to Dr. Johnson at EUP – copy FYI
· Add EUP calls to EVFD data 1999 - 2003.
b) Status of miscellaneous issues Washington Township
1. Community CATV project – not supporting
2. Edinboro Lake Watershed Association – not supporting
3. Contract police service - studying
4. Bulk water agreement - reviewing
5. Joint Municipal Planning Commission – participating
6. Lakeside stormwater flooding diversion and containment cooperative projects – Borough engineering report distributed; awaiting Township engineering report
7. Edinboro area interim County branch library effort – not supporting
8. Other
c) Edinboro Area Branch Library Steering Committee – Memo FYI
d) Letter from Judy G. Hample, Chancellor, SSHE - FYI
2. Finance
a) Authorization to Approve Bills, to be paid
Action: Motion to approve bills totaling $ 99,998.21
b) Authorization to Approve Payroll
Action: Motion to approve payroll ending June 21, 2003 paid on June 27, 2003 totaling $53,681.68 and payroll ending July 5, 2003 paid July 11, 2003 totaling $54,532.29
c) July 21st 6:30 p.m. Committee of the Whole for 6 month review of Finances
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
e.) Employee Safety Committee
5 BOCA Code/Planning/Zoning
a)
6. Public Works
a) Sanitation
b) Building & Property
c) Streets/Storm Sewers/Signals/Signs
1) News article - FYI
d) Park & Recreation
e) Lake
f) Dam
g) Recycling Leaves
7. Wastewater Collection & Treatment
8. Water System
9. 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
4. Erie County Borough – Paul Snyder –Picnic/meeting notice July 16th
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 – Met July 1st
9. Community Map Project – Mary Ann Horne & Bob Cannell
10. GEAR – Bob Gray
11. Authority – Jean Davis Met July 14 5p.m.
12. Pension Com – Paul Snyder – Finance Committee - Meeting July 30th
13. EUP Admin – Mayor Rhodes
14. PLCM Local Group Liaison – Mary Ann
15. Watershed Association – Caroline Rhodes Met June 24 3:30 p.m.
16. Joint Municipal Planning – Chris Gillette- Met July 9th 7p.m.
E. Other Old Business
1. Openings on Environmental Shade Tree Advisory Board, and Zoning Hearing Board in 2003
A. Washington Township Council – June 23rd letter regarding membership in Watershed Association
B. Request by Matte Kashey – Street light on Northeast end of Maple Drive near RT 6N.
C. PA Route 6 Heritage Communities Program -
VII New Business
VIII Special Reports
IX Adjournment
REMINDERS:
Finance Committee Meeting Monday July 14, 21, 28th 1:30 p.m.
Committee of the Whole – 6mo finance review Monday, July 21st 6:30 p.m..
Authority Meeting Monday, July 14, 2003 5:00 p.m.
Next Council Meeting Monday, July 28 7 p.m.
Negotiations Committee – Non-Uniformed – Wednesday July 30th 10 a.m.
Pension Committee Wednesday, July 30th 1 p.m.
Joint Municipal Planning Commission Wednesday, August 13th 7 p.m.
Edinboro Library Steering Committee Tuesday, August 12th 7 p.m.
2003 Council Meeting Schedule:
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.
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