The Ridley Park Borough Council met in regular session on the above date in the Community Room of the Ridley Park Borough Hall. Council President Joe Yorke called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by President Joe Yorke.

ROLL CALL

Council members present: Mr. Berger, Mrs. Frantz, Mrs. Lamb, Mrs. Smith, Mr. Yorke, Mayor Eberle. Also present was Charles Catania, Jr./Engineer and Mrs. Terry Bradley, Borough Manager/Secretary. Mr. Artese. Police Chief Tom Byrne and Solicitor, William Lincke were absent. Mr. Miccarelli arrived late.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mrs. Lamb made a motion to approve the Minutes of February 2008 through July 2008 Council Meetings, seconded by Mrs. Smith.

No Comments from Council.

Carried: 6-0

COMMITTEE REPORTS

FINANCE/PERSONNEL – COUNCILOR JEANNE FRANTZ (COPY ATTACHED)

FINANCE

Accounts Payables - $285,906.28
Budget

RECREATION

Victorian Fair – September 6, 2008
Tot Lot

BARNSTORMERS

SCHOOL BOARD – New Roof for Lakeview Elementary

Mrs. Smith made a motion to accept the Finance/Personnel Report, seconded by Mrs. Lamb.

Comments from Council:

Mr. Berger asks about the School Board.

Mrs. Frantz responded that the roof on Lakeview School is coming along and she thought it might be finished, and practice for cheerleading is starting soon.

Carried: 6-0

PUBLIC SAFETY – COUNCILOR LINDA SMITH (COPY ATTACHED)

FIRE DEPARTMENT

Fire Chief Donkin’s Report
Fire House Roof – Complete

Mrs. Smith asks Fire Chief Ned Donkin how the firehouse roof is coming.

Fire Chief Ned Donkin responded that it seems to be ok.

Mrs. Smith commented that, when the firefighters were spraying the building the other day, several residents asked what the firemen were doing. She explained that the firemen, contractor or the engineer couldn’t find a leak in the roof. The fire company took out the ladder truck to spray water on the roof in order to find where the leak was.

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Mrs. Smith announced that Police Chief Byrne is out on disability and she presented the Police Report.

Mrs. Smith reported regarding public safety that she, along with the Chief of Police and Councilor Lamb, is looking into having a stop sign at the corner of Sellers and Hinckley Avenues in front of Double Decker. She stated that residents have asked for a stop sign at the bump out because traffic comes in from all different directions. Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Lamb are going to ask PENNDOT to schedule a sight visit along with Chief Byrne.

Chief Byrne’s Report (see attached).

BOARD OF HEALTH

Kathy Lilly and Denise Clifton were sworn in August 1, 2008

BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

Aqua PA Main Replacement – Notice to Businesses

Mrs. Smith reported that flyers were hand-delivered to all the businesses on Hinckley and Sellers Avenue regarding the water main installation. She stated work on Hinckley Avenue that runs through the Business District will be completed first in order to make sure that the work does not interfere with business.




Mr. Berger made a motion to accept the Public Safety report, seconded by Mrs. Frantz.

No comments from Council.

Carried: 6-0.

PARKS & PROPERTY – COUNCILOR DORIS LAMB (COPY ATTACHED)

HIGHWAY

Aqua PA – Main Replacement Project
Street Sweeper
Fence at Garage – Near Igloos
Wood Burning Stove
Footpath – Glenloch and Shaw Roads

CSX PECO

SHADE TREE COMMISSION

Willow Oaks at Firehouse
Dupont Hill – Spraying - B. O’Neill
Volunteers – For Shade Tree Commission

Mrs. Smith made a motion to accept the Parks and Property report, seconded by Mr. Berger.

No comments from Council.

Carried: 6-0.

HISTORIC COMM./COMMUNITY RESOURCES – COUNCILOR BOB BERGER

RECYCLING

Mr. Berger reported that the Community Resource Committee would be working with the County regarding hazardous waste items for recycling. They will be introducing four dates during which they would be able to implement some nice initiatives. Mr. Berger would keep the Borough and residents informed.

H.A.R.B.

Mr. Berger reported that the H.A.R.B. is looking into grants to fully subsidize the programs that H.A.R.B. would like to do next year.




ATHLETIC CLUB

Mr. Berger announced that Sunday, September 7th is the Baseball and Softball banquet at the Ramada Inn from 3:00 to 7:00 P.M.

Mr. Berger announced football season starts and the first game is on September 6th and Ridley Park is playing Chester.

Mr. Miccarelli made a motion to accept the Historic Commission/Community Resource report, seconded by Mrs. Frantz.

Comments from Council:

Mrs. Smith commented that renovations have begun at the Borough Hall and the Highway Department has started cleaning the attic. She stated that the Mayor stated that the Historic Commission is the committee that should overlook this detail to determine what is to be preserved. Mrs. Smith stated that there are hundreds of boxes and it needs be done in a timely fashion.

Discussion followed.

Carried: 6-0

COMMUNICATIONS – COUNCILOR PERRY ARTESE

Mr. Artese was absent and no report was given.

PUBLIC RELATIONS/LIBRARY – COUNCILOR NICK MICCARELLI

LIBRARY

Mr. Miccarelli read the Library Report submitted by Library Director Margaret Rooney. (Copy Attached)

SOUND BARRIERS

Mr. Miccarelli reported on Thursday, August 7th there was a meeting for the sound barriers. He showed an updated map where the sound barriers were going to be erected. The map also showed changes in the height of the barriers and the length on Stewart Avenue.

Mrs. Smith made a motion to accept the Public Relations/Library report, seconded by Mrs. Frantz.

No comments from Council.

Carried: 6-0.


PLANNING AND ZONING – COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOE YORKE (COPY ATTACHED)

Downtown Revitalization
307 W. Sellers – Land Development
Taylor Hospital – Crozer Subdivision – Delco Planning
Zoning Code Revision
Ordinance – Property Code Maintenance
Code Enforcement

Mr. Yorke announced that there is an opening on the Planning Commission. Anyone interested should submit a letter of intent to the Borough Hall.

Mr. Yorke announced that there is a copy of the Property Code Maintenance Ordinance in the Borough Hall for review. He stated it would be advertised and a vote would be taken at next month’s Council Meeting.

Mr. Miccarelli made a motion to accept the Planning and Zoning report, seconded by Mr. Berger.

Comments from Council:

Mr. Miccarelli commented that the finish on the sound barrier walls is an Ashlars stone. He explained that it is concrete and it’s a grayish stone. Mr. Miccarelli stated that the residents voted on it.

Mr. Yorke stated that it is a stone face, facing the resident’s side.

Mr. Miccarelli stated that the sound barriers are facing both ways. He stated that the bid process should start mid September and construction should start in the winter.

Carried 6-0


BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT – TERRY BRADLEY (COPY ATTACHED)

Status of Grants and County/State Relief
For the Council Meeting – Status
RACP Grant – Meeting with M & T
Street Sweeper
Firehouse Roof – Reapplied
LUPTAP – in progress
Recreation
Lake – Sediment Basin
Wood Burning Stove – Reapplied
Video Surveillance

Accept bids for mechanical work, Ellis Construction and approval of payments for work completed on Firehouse roof.

Mrs. Smith made a motion to accept the Borough Manager’s report, seconded by Mrs. Frantz.

No comments from Council

Carried: 6-0

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

Mr. Catania reported that the bid results for the Ridley Park Lake Sediment Basin Maintenance were in, and the Borough received four bids. He explained that his office would tabulate those and provide a recommendation at the upcoming Workshop. Mr. Catania stated that there wasn’t a rush because the Borough needs to get Federal and State authorizations and approvals in order to do the work. He stated that they are waiting for an answer from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and the US Army Corp of Engineers.

Mr. Catania reported on the Eastlake Park Path Construction. He stated that those bids would be tabulated and he would provide the information to Borough Council at the upcoming Workshop meeting. Mr. Catania explained that the issue there is when the Borough bid the project it was bid on two separate types of materials. He stated the bids came close to each other and that the bids would be awarded at next month’s Council meeting.

Mrs. Lamb made a motion to accept the Engineer’s Report, seconded by Mr. Berger.

No comments from Council

Carried 6-0

MAYOR’S REPORT – MAYOR HANK EBERLE

Mayor Eberle reported that Police Chief Tom Byrne is out on disability due to a foot injury that required surgery. He stated that he would begin rehab tomorrow.

Mayor Eberle commented on the process of getting sound barriers. He stated that it is amazing how many council people have been involved through the years because of the turnovers. Mayor Eberle stated that at least 25 different council people have been involved through this process. Mayor Eberle explained that it all began with a resident Domenic Pino from Collier Circle requesting the sound barriers for the second precinct. Mayor Eberle commended State Representative Ron Raymond for his assistance.

Mayor Eberle reported on the upcoming Victorian Fair on Saturday, September 6th from 10:00 to 4:00 at the Ridley Lake. He announced that there would be paddle boat rides and he suggested that anyone interested arrive early. He explained that the paddle boat rides are for 20 minutes and by noon all slots are sold out. Mayor Eberle announced that there would be Orbotron and Trampoline, magician Tommy McDonnell, crafts, food and music.




Mayor Eberle reported on the history of the Victorian Fair. He stated that the Victorian Fair dates back to September, 1986. Dave Anderson was the President of the Recreation Board and he was a visionary who came up with this concept. He stated that the first few years were tough years and maybe only one hundred people showed. The second year was on Memorial Day and it was about 100 degrees and about two to three hundred people showed. He explained that the lake cleared out and at that point that is when the Victorian Fair took off. The term Victorian Fair came about in 1990 and moved to the lake in 1989. Bev Kapanjie became the chairperson and is still the chairperson. He stated that in 1991 or 1992 the term was transferred from the Town Fair to the Victorian Fair.

Mayor Eberle reported that the Barnstormers is the oldest continuing playhouse in Pennsylvania and the third oldest continuing playhouse in the United States. The Barnstormers were founded in 1908 and their first play “Arabian Nights” was in January of 1909. He stated that President of the Barnstormers is Marsha Greenspan and that she and Councilor Perry Artese are putting together a Music Songwriter’s Festival on Friday and Saturday, November 7th and 8th at 8:00 P.M. He announced that the theme for this years annual Ball on Saturday, January 24th is the Arabian Nights. Mayor Eberle stated he would have more information regarding the Ball as time draws closer.

Mayor Eberle reported on the history of the Barnstorms and stated that more than fifty years ago 250 Barnstormers and their guests enjoyed the frolicking at the annual Ball Mask in the Ridley Park Auditorium (Barnstormers) the theme was Gold Rush Days.

Mr. Miccarelli made a motion to accept the Mayor’s report seconded by Mrs. Smith.

Comments from Council

Mrs. Smith commented to Mayor Eberle regarding the sound barriers that she found letters from now deceased Senator Clarence Bell and Senator Arlen Specter. She stated that’s how long this project has taken.

Carried: 6-0

PUBLIC COMMENT

Bill Applegate, 300 Trainor Street

Mr. Applegate asked if the Borough has an inspection procedure in place to determine if trees are safe or pose a danger. He stated that there are trees that hang over the school yard and the playground across from his house.

Mr. Yorke responded yes, the Shade Tree Commission is referred to when there is a complaint. There are certified arborists on the Shade Tree Commission. He explained that if the trees are on public property it is the owner’s responsibility to maintain the trees. Mr. Yorke stated that if the tree is on private property and only if the tree is dead can the Borough ask the owner to remove the tree. Mr. Yorke suggested to Mr. Applegate to report the address to the Shade Tree Commission and they’ll go look at the tree and make a recommendation

RECOMMENDATIONS

FINANCE & INSURANCE – JEANNE FRANTZ

Approve payment of the accounts payable list as submitted for the month of August, 2008, in the amount of $285,906.28.

Approve payment #1 to Cronin North America in the amount of $25,785.00 representing payment for completed work less retainage.

Motion: Jeanne Frantz
Seconded: Doris Lamb
No comments from Council.
Carried: 6-0

PARKS & PROPERTY – DORIS LAMB

Approve and award contract for mechanical work at the Borough Hall to Ellis Construction of Glenn Mills, PA in the amount of $75,000.00 as specified in the bids of HVAC project at the Borough Hall.

Motion: Doris Lamb
Seconded: Bob Berger
Carried: 6-0

RESOLUTIONS:

RESOLUTION No. 11-2008 (COPY ATTACHED)

Funding of Street Sweeper

Motion: Linda Smith
Seconded: Jeanne Frantz

Comments from Council:

Mr. Miccarelli commented that he would be voting against this resolution. He stated that the Borough acquired the street sweeper last year with a grant, which should be coming shortly. He stated it was a grant from State Representative Ron Raymond stating that he would fund for the remaining years next year. He explained that this is a piece of equipment that is recommended to municipalities by environmental organizations. It is especially for senior citizens who find it difficult to maintain the front of their properties. Mr. Miccarelli stated that instead of sending the street sweeper back, Council should have gone to other sources of grant funding or in conjunction with other municipalities for shared use of the sweeper.




Mr. Yorke referring to Mrs. Bradley’s comment stated that it is expensive for the upkeep, labor, driver and the price of fuel.

Discussion followed.

Carried: 4-2


ORDINANCE

Adoption of International Property Maintenance Code, 2006

Mr. Yorke announced that the Borough would be advertising it in the local newspaper and it would be in the Borough Office for review.

OLD BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

Mrs. Smith read a memo regarding a public meeting on Preventing Cruelty to Dogs. (Copy Attached)

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Miccarelli made a motion to adjourn at 8:25 P.M., seconded by Mrs. Smith.

Carried: 6-0



Respectfully Submitted,




Terry Bradley, Secretary/Treasurer



Prepared by Christine Graham