PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ROLL CALL: Councilors present, Mr. Artese, Mr. Berger, Mrs. Frantz, Mrs. Lamb, Mrs. Smith, and Mayor Eberle. Also present was Police Chief Tom Byrne and Frank DeFroda, Auditor of Barbacane Thornton & Company.

PRESENTATION

A special presentation by Diane Miller, President of Taylor Hospital and Kurt Slenn, President of Taylor Community Foundation who presented a check in the amount of $12,500.00 to defer the cost of the Ridley Park Fire Company pumper engine that need emergency repairs to Chief Ned Donkin.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

FINANCE/PERSONNEL – COUNCILOR JEANNE FRANTZ (COPY ATTACHED)

Barbacane Thornton – Auditor’s Report
Mr. DeFroda presented a review of the Annual Audit for 2007.

Accounts Payables - $338,598.22
Tax Revenue - $1,596.460.58 (April)
Richard Snyder, Tax Collector presented the status of the collected taxes for 2008. He stated at the present time the Borough mailed 2,402 to property owners and as of May 31st payment has been received from 2,081 properties, total revenue $4,002,488.00. In closing Mr. Snyder reminded the residents that this is the penalty period any resident who needs a copy of their bill please contact him at his office and he noted that the school taxes would be mailed July 1st. Mr. Snyder announced that the first two weeks of July the tax office would be closed and would reopen on Monday, July 14th.

Mr. Artese asked about the status of the EMST Tax.

Mr. Snyder responded that he is not involved in the EMST Tax at all. He stated that it is a Berkheimer collectable tax.

Recreation

4th of July

Mr. Berger announced the details for the 4th of July events.

School

Governor Rendell’s Report on Education




Motion: Doris Lamb
Seconded: Perry Artese Carried: 6-0.
Comments:

Mayor Eberle announced that there is limited parking at the lake the night of the fireworks. He asks that people park at the upper end of the street and walk down to the lake.

BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT – TERRY BRADLEY

Mrs. Bradley before presenting her report spoke of a happy moment with the presentation of the very large check. She stated that is a relief to know that the bill would be paid for the Fire Department. Mrs. Bradley gave recognition to Charlotte Heimbacker who celebrated twenty-five years of service working for the Borough of Ridley Park in the Borough Office.

Budgetary Matters

Status of Grants and County/State Relief

For the Council Meeting – Status
2008 Community Development Block Grant – Denied
RACP Grant
Street Sweeper –Contract Received
Firehouse Roof
LUPTAP
Recreation
Lake – Sediment Basin
Wood Burning Stove
Video Surveillance

FOP Grievance – Biweekly Pay
Purchase of Properties on Repository List: Unsold Tax Delinquent Properties

Motion: Perry Artese
Seconded: Doris Lamb
Comments:

Mr. Artese asks for clarification on the thousands of dollars in credit card charges and what department.

Mrs. Bradley clarified stating the Borough received a grant for Crash Team Investigation equipment. Corporal Hanley supervised buying the equipment. She explained he purchased most of the equipment on his own credit card and gave the Borough’s tax exemption number and in turn the store would run his credit card number with the Borough’s tax exemption number because the items were for a municipality. Mrs. Bradley stated that she wasn’t singling out Corporal Hanley because there were other employees that were making personal purchases on other credit cards not just in the police department but all across.
She stated that the auditor pointed out whether its tens of thousands or five dollars that’s when the system creates a monstrosity and everything is out of control.

Discussion Followed

Mayor Eberle (questions inaudible)

Mrs. Bradley explained that the five thousand dollar deficit approximately eighty thousands appears to be under funding on the permits and code inspections fees.

Mr. Burger commented that is where the Executive Session collectively took a step to have everyone involved and not just part of the Finance Committee.

Mr. Burger stated that he understood the FOP scenario on the grievance but what is the status of the non-uniform personnel?

Mrs. Bradley responded that it was decided not to hire a labor attorney because it can be very expensive. She stated that Council President Joe Yorke asks Mrs. Bradley if she would go to the arbitration and Mrs. Bradley agreed. She explained that she could not go and represent the Borough legally because she is not the Borough Solicitor. She could go as a representative of the Borough. She stated that she has spoken to the non-uniform union representative and it is understood that the non-uniform employees want to go to arbitration and that they would like to go back to weekly pay. Mrs. Bradley stated that arbitration is scheduled for late November. She stated that if all goes well with the collective measures of the finance report, in January 2009 everyone would be back to weekly pay because payroll would be done in house. Mrs. Bradley explained that the Borough would use Paychex to do quarterly reports and filings. She stated that a decision was made to remain on biweekly pay until November.

Mr. Miccarelli stated that it is understood the police were correct with the assessment of their contract. Then why are we holding out on the non-uniform employees?

Mrs. Bradley stated that the Borough is faced with a half million dollar deficit and we’re doing what ever we can to comply with it’s fiduciary responsibility to the Borough.

Discussion Followed

Mayor Eberle commented he is a Human Resource person and he presented an analogy. Assuming a million dollars is received by the end of the year and as Mrs. Bradley stated the Capital Reserve is less than $25,000.00. Mayor Eberle recalls that $300,000 from Capital Reserve was used for the Police Station. Assuming when the Grant comes in, couldn’t $300,000 be restored to the Capital Reserve?

Mrs. Bradley explained the idea was to borrow 1.4 million dollars and then pay it back as soon as we were reimbursed. If Council decides not to do that we have to come up with a plan on how to pay off principal and interest. The interest alone is almost $5,000 per month and when the principal starts to come in on this it will be close to $40,000 per month. That will be difficult to meet on the current budget. A 3% increase millage per year will not cover this.
Discussion Followed

Carried: 6-0

PUBLIC SAFETY – COUNCILOR LINDA SMITH (COPY ATTACHED)

Police - Police Chief Tom Byrne presented his monthly report. (Copy Attached)
Fire Department – Fire Chief Ned Donkin present his monthly report. (Copy Attached)
Civil Service Commission
Board of Health – Vacancies
Business Association
Seniors

Motion: Nick Miccarelli
Seconded: Jeanne Frantz
Comments:

Mr. Artese asks Police Chief Byrne to announce about residents going on vacation.

Chief Byrne announced that anyone that is going on vacation and wants the police to check their residents to call the police station and give them the information or go on line.

Carried: 6-0

PARK & PROPERTY – COUNCILOR DORIS LAMB (COPY ATTACHED)

Highway
2008 Road Program
Wood Burning Stove
FAA Sound Barriers – Update

Special Report – Rick Temper of Gannett Fleming and Kevin Sear of PENNDOT

Motion: Perry Artese
Seconded: Bob Berger
No Comments
Carried: 6-0

HISTORIC COMM./COMMUNITY RESOURCES – COUNCILOR BOB BERGER

Historical Society –

Sunday, June 22nd a Wine Tasting at 2:00 P.M. at the Pump House and will feature Chadds Ford Winery with appetizers. Please call for reservation 610-521-9136.

Sunday, June 29th at 4:00 P.M. is a Walking Tour of Ridley Park by Keith Lockhart.


Recycling – cell phone recycling campaign
Trout Fishing Tournament – Fundraiser sponsor by the Ridley High School Boys Soccer Booster, Saturday, September 28th at 9:00 A.M. at the lake.

Motion: Nick Miccarelli
Seconded: Jeanne Frantz
No Comments
Carried: 6-0

COMMUNICATION – COUNCILOR PERRY ARTESE (COPY ATTACHED)

Franchise Fees
Disaster Recovery – Update by Borough Manger / Review
Accounting Software – Mr. Artese stated that there are two vendors Sunguard and Micro Systems that are going to give product demonstrations at Workshop meetings during July and August.

Mr. Artese congratulated the Ridley Park Swim Club for capturing the Ridley Cup for the third year in a row.

Motion: Doris Lamb
Seconded: Bob Berger
No Comments
Carried: 6-0

PUBLIC RELATIONS/LIBRARY – COUNCILOR NICK MICCARELLI (COPY ATTACHED)

Library
Public Relations – Mr. Miccarelli followed up on Mrs. Lamb report regarding sound barriers. He stated that he spoke with Mike German who is the head consulting portfolio manager for PENNDOT District 6. Mr. German stated that this is the time of year that everything goes out for contract. Steve Crawford with the Governor’s Legislative liaison to the General Assembly to attempt to move the date sooner that PENNDOT original told the Borough. Mr. Miccarelli requested Mr. German to hold another public meeting similar to one that was held a few months ago before this program was funded. He stated at the meeting it would be discussed what the finish that everyone voted on with the barriers are going to look like, the outlook appearance of the walls and where exactly on Stewart Avenue these barriers stop. Mr. Miccarelli stated that Mrs. Barbara Smith and some residents planted beautiful landscapes along Stewart Avenue and Chester Pike. He stated that Mr. German and he are going to do their best in conjunction with PENNDOT not to disturb the landscaping.

Mr. Miccarelli announced that Monday, June 16th he attended the Tinicum Township Commissioners meeting. He stated at the meeting there was some information that Ridley Park should know. He informed the residents that the airport is discussing the acquisitions of eighty-four homes and businesses in the second ward of Tinicum, to expand the runways and possibly expand the UPS facility.
Mr. Miccarelli stated that this is not Ridley Park but it may have adverse effects. He stated that the expansion of the airport and runway has reached its full maximum potential and the flights need to be cap. He announced that there is a meeting tomorrow Wednesday, June 18th from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Tinicum School. Mr. Miccarelli stated that it is important that Ridley Park residents attend to do our best to have our voices heard. Mr. Miccarelli will keep the residents informed.

Motion: Perry Artese
Seconded: Jeanne Frantz
No Comments
Carried: 6-0.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT – COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOE YORKE

In the absence of Mr. Yorke, Mrs. Bradley presented Mr. Yorke’s report.

Planning & Zoning
Downtown Revitalization – Public Notice for Bids
307 W. Sellers – Land Development – July Workshop
Taylor Hospital – Crozer Subdivision – July 10
Zoning Code Revision

Motion: Nick Miccarelli
Seconded: Perry Artese
No Comments
Carried: 6-0

ENGINEER’S REPORT – CHARLES CATANIA, JR. (COPY ATTACHED)

In the absence of Mr. Catania, Mrs. Bradley presented the Engineer’s Report.

Motion: Jeanne Frantz
Seconded: Doris Lamb
No Comments
Carried: 6-0

MAYORS REPORT – MR. EBERLE

Acknowledgements

Mayor Eberle acknowledged two clergy that are moving on to new a parish. Monsignor George Mazzotta, Pastor of St. Madeline’s Church for the past eleven years and Pastor, Alice Ann Bonham of Ridley Park United Methodist Church. Mayor Eberle stated that both contributed to Ridley Park and wish them the best.




Memorial Day

Mayor Eberle stated that Memorial Day was a wonderful ceremony with about 150 people and the day was beautiful. He stated that there were two guest speakers a father and son combination. Mr. Nick Miccarelli, Sr. from the Korean War and Councilman Nick Miccarelli, III from the Iraq and Bosnia. Citations were present from State Representative Ron Raymond and Bill Walsh a Representative from Congressman Joe Sestak’s office. Mayor Eberle stated as a result of a series of letters that were received the Borough dedicated a Vietnam War Memorial plaque. Mayor Eberle received a thank you note from Jenny Schultz for the wonderful tribute to the memory of her brother, Barry Murtaugh. He stated that the plaque would be placed on a pedestal to the right of the WWII Memorial. Mayor Eberle commented that the pedestal for the plaque is not in the budget and that it is important to complete as soon as possible. Mayor Eberle stated contributions accepted.

History of Ridley Park - Street names Burk, Dutton and Ward (COPY ATTACHED)

Motion: Nick Miccarelli
Seconded: Bob Berger
Comments from Council:

Mrs. Smith commented that Mr. Yorke E-Mailed everyone on Council to make a contribution toward the pedestal.

Police Chief Tom Byrne stated that the police would also contribute to the pedestal.

Mr. Miccarelli thanked Mayor Eberle for inviting his father and himself to speak at the Memorial Day ceremony. He commented that only Mayor Eberle could get his father to speak publicly. Mr. Miccarelli commended Mayor Eberle on his idea to honor women in the military next year.

Carried: 6-0

PUBLIC COMMENT

Bill Applegate, 300 Trainer Street

Mr. Applegate asks for clarification on the auditor’s report. He stated in Mrs. Bradley’s report that the last seven years the Borough operated on a deficit. That means the Borough spent more money than it took in with revenue and over seven years the Borough completely depleted the Capital Reserve of over $1,000,000. Isn’t that money supposed to be used for emergencies?

Mayor Eberle responded that the Capital Reserve is also used for building projects.





Mr. Applegate asks is it true that the previous council left over $300,000.00 in unpaid bills for the new council to pay.

Mrs. Bradley explained that when the auditors come they look at the first month of the new year because not all invoices for expenditures expended in December come in December. There is always in the following year invoices that are paid that appear to be coming out of 2008 budget but in reality have to be line items to 2007.

Discussion Followed

Mr. Applegate asks why the auditor did a forensic audit.

Mrs. Bradley stated that the auditors expressed concern when they were looking through some of the invoices from January, February and March. She stated that she didn’t know some of the answers because she didn’t start until January 22, 2008. The auditor pulled certain invoices, asked questions concerning fraud or any form of embezzlement. Mrs. Bradley stated that she hadn’t found any evidence. The depletion of the Capital Reserve fund was separate and apart from anything. The bottom line Mrs. Bradley stated is that the Borough started out with expenditures money that was borrowed this year to pay off last expenditures and now the Borough has to pay the tax anticipation note at the end of this year. She stated that it is a difficult time and she remains hopeful.

Kirk Adams, 119 Swarthmore Avenue

Mr. Adams asks would the deficit be reduced if and when the Borough receives the grant money.

Mrs. Bradley responded no, it would be the opposite. She explained the deficit deflated by $300,000.00 because the loan appears as revenue.

Mr. Adams asks the spending of the Capital Reserve Fund do you know what those funds were actually spent for.

Mrs. Bradley responded that she could tell Mr. Adams what it states on the audit report. She stated that last year it went towards the new police building. It was originally budgeted at $700,000.00 and it ended up costing around $1.4 million.

Mr. Adams commented that one of the men named on the Vietnam War Memorial plaque is Thomas Howell. He stated that Tom was the only child of Sam and Ruth Howell. Sam Howell for many years was the superintendent of the Ridley Park Highway Department and they lived on Collier Circle. Mr. Adams stated that Tom was an Army helicopter pilot that was killed in Vietnam.

Mayor Eberle commented that it was his understanding that the actual cost of the police station was around $1.4 million and as result it required the Borough to utilize $300,000.00 from the Capital Reserve Fund.

Discussion Followed

Cliff Kellet, 404 Harrison Avenue

Mr. Kellet was seeking support on issue from last month’s Council Meeting regarding a apartment complex manager that hire a contractor that wasn’t registered or licensed in the Borough of Ridley Park. The job Mr. Kellet is referring to are HVAC units being installed on the property adjacent to his home. Mr. Kellet stated that he was disappointed with his efforts from last month to seek answers to this issue went unanswered. He stated he would press this issue until he get satisfactory answers that make it clear the process for getting building permits for apartment complexes that they are not approved over the phone. Mr. Kellet commented that he takes his information from the Borough Website and he didn’t want Ridley Park to becoming a trailer park.

Mrs. Bradley stated that she responded to Mr. Kellet’s E-Mails. She explained that she had the Code Enforcer go by to inspect the issue at hand. He put a Stop Work Order on the job. The contractor did not have a permit or contractor’s license and came to the Borough Hall to register and apply for a permit. The contractor received his permit and registration and was penalized for starting the job without the proper paperwork. The contractor paid the penalty and proceed with the work. Mrs. Bradley stated that the Chairperson of H.A.R.B. stated that the issue of HVAC was not required from H.A.R.B.

Discussion Followed

Jim Glenn, 316 Kearney Place

Mr. Glenn wanted assurance from Council that escrow will not be released until work is done.

Mrs. Bradley explained that no one was paid. She stated that Pennoni Engineer billed the Borough for did a report and analysis for $27,000.00. WFS Dutton then agreed to release escrow funds to cover the analysis and in addition the Borough paid Kelly Engineers a $6,000.00 of the job that they did. Mrs. Bradley stated there is approximately $40,000.00 left in the escrow account. The amount left in the escrow account has been approved to go to ?????, Inc. who are rebuilding the wall.

Discussion Followed

RECOMMENDATIONS

FINANCE & INSURANCE – JEANNE FRANTZ

Approve payment of the accounts payable list as submitted for the month of June 2008, a total of $338,598.22.

Motion: Jeanne Frantz
Seconded: Nick Miccarelli
No Comments
Carried: 6-0

Approve payment #7 to Martell Construction for work completed at the Firehouse for a total amount of $3,245.75.

Motion: Jeanne Frantz
Seconded: Nick Miccarelli
No Comments
Carried: 6-0

Approve payment #2 to AF Damon for work completed to date on the Road Program in the amount of $66,645.63.

Motion: Jeanne Frantz
Seconded: Nick Miccarelli
No Comments
Carried: 6-0

PARKS & PROPERTY – DORIS LAMB

Authorize the purchase of a wood burning stove for the Highway Department garage in the amount of $5,200.00.

Motion: Doris Lamb
Seconded: Bob Berger
No Comments
Carried: 6-0

Authorize public notice for bids on Phase II of the Revitalization Project.

Motion: Doris Lamb
Seconded: Bob Berger
No Comments
Carried: 6-0

Authorize approval of Trout Fishing Tournament for the Ridley High School Soccer Booster Club scheduled for September 27, 2008 at East Lake Park.

Motion: Doris Lamb
Seconded: Bob Berger
No Comments
Carried: 6-0








Authorize the purchase of parcels on the Delaware County Repository List of unsold tax delinquent properties for $78.00 each as follows:

37-00-01678-02 W. Ridley Avenue
37-00-01656-00 W. Ridley Avenue
37-00-00928-00 Hillside Road

Motion: Doris Lamb
Seconded: Bob Berger
No Comment
Carried: 6-0.

PUBLIC SAFETY – LINDA SMITH

Approve Lisa Carroll to fill the open position of Par Time Police Officer to serve on the Ridley Park Police Department.

Motion: Linda Smith
Seconded: Nick Miccarelli
No Comments
Carried: 6-0

Authorize the Board of Health to assign temporary signatory power to Joanne Sweeney.

Motion: Linda Smith
Seconded: Doris Lamb
No Comments
Carried: 6-0

Approve the following appointments to the Board of Health of Ridley Park:
Permanent Board Members:
Kathy Lilly, RN, Denise Clifton, RN, Timothy Shickley, PhD
Alternate – Michael Wright

Mrs. Smith commented that this recommendation should be tabled until next month so that Council would have time think about it. Mrs. Lamb commented Council should find the ordinance that states the Mayor can vote to break the tie because Council didn’t know if the Mayor could vote to break a tie. Mayor Eberle stated Council could ask the Borough Solicitor if he was present. Mr. Artese explained if a motion is on the table the meeting should be continued until it is actually voted on and that this meeting could not be adjourned. Mrs. Bradley suggested withdrawing the recommendation because the other recommendations have been voted on.

RESOLUTIONS:

None


ORDINANCES

None

OLD BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

None

ADJOURNMENT

Mrs. Lamb mad a motion to adjourn at 10:05 P.M., seconded by Jeanne Frantz.

Carried: 6-0




Respectfully Submitted,




Terry Bradley, Secretary/Treasurer



Prepared by Christine Graham