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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. Artese, Mr. Berger, Mrs. Frantz, Mrs. Lamb, Mrs. Smith, Mr. Yorke, Mayor Eberle and Jayne Young. Also present Police Chief Byrne and Borough Solicitor Mr. Robert Scott. Mrs. Bradley, Borough Manager, Mr. Miccarelli and at the request of Council Mr. Catania, Jr./ Engineer were absent.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES – AUGUST COUNCIL MEETING
Mr. Berger made a motion to approve August l8, 2009 Council Minutes, seconded by Mrs. Frantz.
No Comments from Council
Carried: 6-0
COMMITTEE REPORTS
FINANCE/PERSONNEL – COUNCILOR JEANNE FRANTZ
FINANCE
Accounts Payable – September 2009
The first order of business under finance is the payables for the month of August 19-September 15, 2009. The total payables for this time are:
$73,577.81 Liquid Fuels
$17,969.54 General Expenses
$ 91,547.35 Grand Total
I will be making a recommendation that we approve the payables in that amount.
Finance Committee Meeting – September 14
The committee met on September 14th to review the monthly expenditures and to review our expenditure for the year to date. The good news continues to be that we are right in line for another year’s balanced budget. We also discussed the format of certain budget categories with our eye toward our 2010 budget planning. Budgets have been requested from each department and will soon be ready for the preliminary budget review.
Portnoff Ordinance
Mrs. Frantz would also like to ask for approval later on Ordinance 1187: It reads as follows:
Council of the Borough of Ridley Park, Delaware County Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, will consider adoption of Ordinance and hear public comment regarding a said proposed ordinance that will authorize Portnoff Law Associates, Norristown, PA to institute collection procedures, institute an established schedule of attorney fees, interest and penalties to be collected as part of tax and municipal claims for delinquent accounts.
RECREATION
Victorian Fair
This Sunday Sept 13th was Ridley Park’s very popular Victorian Fair. Originally scheduled for Sept 12th, it was changed because of inclement weather. I am going to ask the Mayor to talk more about the details of the fair.
Recreation Board – Vacancies – 2 Members Needed
Barnstormers
Community Theater will be presenting William Shakespeare’s classic comedy: “Midnight Summer’s Dream” on September 18,19,25,26 at 8:00 PM and Sunday at 2:00 PM on September 20th and 24th.
DVIT
As we mentioned at the August Council meeting, our insurance company DVIT was here and made a risk assessment profile for each department. There are some aspects of the recreation board which the insurance company reports will need remediation. Mrs. Bradley and I have met to review those recommendations and are acting upon them now.
SCHOOL BOARD
No Monthly Meeting
Mrs. Frantz made the following tribute to Retired Navy Captain Joseph Sestak who passed away on September 6th at the age of 88. Captain Sestak is the father of our Congressman Joseph Sestak. We wish to extend our sympathies to the Sestak family. Mrs. Frantz will be attending the funeral with her mother to show respect of our community.
Ms. Lamb made a motion to accept the Finance/Personnel report seconded by Mrs. Smith
Comments from Council.
Mrs. Frantz stated that in lieu of flowers, a contribution to the Scholarship Fund at Cardinal O’Hara is preferred by the family.
Carried: 6-0
PUBLIC SAFETY – COUNCILOR LINDA SMITH
FIRE DEPARTMENT (COPY ATTACHED)
Deputy Chief Tom Eckenrode will give the Fire Department Report in the absence of Chief Donkin.
Service Call 25
Vehicle Calls 2
Wirers and Transformer Call 1
Assist from Police Dept. 1
The Company was in service for 18 hours and 55 minutes for a total calls 73 hours and 16 minutes and averaged 7 minutes per call.
Mr. Eckenrode announced that on October 10th is the Ridley Park Fire Company’s Open House during Fire Prevention Week. Everyone is invited and encouraged everyone to attend.
POLICE DEPARTMENT (COPY ATTACHED)
Police Department Report - Chief Tom Byrne
Calls for Service: 463
Criminal arrests 1
Citations issued 49
Parking tickets issued 219
Chief Byrne thanked all his officers for the work that they did on the recent burglaries we had in the area of Recreation Park. Special thanks to Officers Hanly, D’Ambrosio, Corsi, and Hinckley, as well as Corporals Morris and Nasella. These officers were put on a plain clothes detail for about 10 days, and spent many hours walking the neighborhood and in unmarked police vehicles doing surveillance. Our efforts did pay off, as information was developed and a search warrant served on a suspect’s residence. Some of the jewelry was recovered and the two suspects are now in jail, facing charges from out department, as well as State Police and Springfield. It is still an open investigation and we are continuing to attempt to recover more property. I would also like to thank the County C.I.D. who provided us with support on evidence and manpower, as well as the Pa State Police who assisted with evidence and information after the suspects were identified.
We suspected the offenders were from the area from day one and for this reason much of what we did to prevent further burglaries was undercover. This did lead to some complaints that we were not doing anything, but I think the results show we were. Council President Yorke, Councilwoman Smith and Mayor Eberle were advised of what was going on, and I would like to thank them for their support.
Officer Lisa Carroll has resigned to accept a position as a County Detective with the Criminal Investigation Division of the District Attorney’s office. I would like to thank Lisa for the time she spent with us and wish her the best of luck with the county. We know she will do a good job.
The idea of a Town Watch was brought up several times in the past month, because of the burglaries. If anyone would like to start a town watch, I will support the idea. Contact the Police office and we can set up a meeting and see if we can get it going. We had a town watch several years ago and it was very helpful.
Auto – 2009 Dodge Charger – Warnock Fleet
The Borough will be authorizing the Police Department to purchase a new police vehicle for the sum of $33,815.00. Jeanne Frantz will be making a recommendation later in the meeting.
Public Safety
Mrs. Smith everyone that children are back in school, I would like to remind everyone to drive safely and please have respect for our crossing guards. They do a tremendous job keeping our children safe before and after school.
BOARD OF HEALTH
Mrs. Smith stated that the Board of Health had no meetings during the summer, meetings would resume at the end of this month. A reminder from the Board of Health, please make sure there is no standing water on your property, September and October are the worse months for mosquitoes.
BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
Mrs. Smith would like to dispel rumors that the Watermelon Patch, Candies for Occasions and the Trading Card Shop were closing, this rumor is not true. All stores are open for business as usual. We do have a new shop open in town which resides between Dolans and The Park House. The name of the shop is “Simply Country Home Décor” the shop has curtains, candles, antiques, flags, and furniture to name just some of the inventory. Stop in and pass the time just browsing.
New Trash/recycle cans for the Business District have been ordered and should be delivered in about 3 weeks. The Business Association met this month discussed the Halloween, Christmas and Easter parades. Dates to follow.
SENIORS
Mrs. Smith reported the Senior groups still meet throughout the summer months. Don’t forget Monday night Bingo. Anyone interested in joining one of the Senior groups, Young at Heart, New Life or Seniors is invited to call Borough Hall for further information.
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
HIGHWAY
2009 Road Program – Malloy Paving working on details to complete program throughout the month…and will be paid in full when job is done and inspected.
Rosemont Avenue Footbridge – PennDot came through with their promise to have the footbridge open for school children on Tuesday, September 8th. Some detail work is still being completed. Council held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, September 12th which was well attended.
Kearney Place – Deeds and documents have been sent to PennDot and we will anticipate Kearney Place being placed on the Street Mileage List.
W. Hinckley Avenue Closure – Mrs. Lamb is in touch with our resident Seabee who has offered to design a project for the dead end at W. Hinckley Avenue. The design work is in progress and when the plan is complete, the project package will be sent to the Borough and Mr. Hendler will give a power point presentation to us here at Workshop and Council. This design plan will need to be approved by Charles Catania, Borough Engineer.
Phase I is the Project Plan – the major issue in Phase 1 is storm water management. This is a huge issue. Any time you make changes in one area, other areas are always affected and must be anticipated and addressed. But the CBs have many resources at hand (up to 450 people to draw on) and so they expect to present the Borough with a complete design package.
Phase II is the Project Materials – they will manage the gathering and contracting for all the materials needed at the best prices and present us with a Material bill. This will be the only cost to the Borough.
Phase III is the actual labor of the project which will be provided and funded by the CB’s so that there will be no cost to the Borough. That’s a brief version of the three phases. So to repeat, the only cost to the Borough will be the cost of the materials.
Leaf Season – Dave Rowlyk, Highway Foreman, asked me to make an announcement
about the leaf season this year. The calendar is just a guideline; we are all encouraged to put our leaves out at the curb as soon as possible. Highway will finish one precinct and move onto another. This will help the season move along more smoothly.
SHADE TREE COMMISSION
Glenloch/Shaw Footpath – will update as new information becomes available.
Tree Permits
Just reminding our residents that the trees located in front of our property between the sidewalk and the curb are the responsibility of the property owner. That area known as the curb plot is Borough right-of-way, and a tree permit must be completed by the property owner (or by the STC if they identify our tree as a hazard tree.) The tree permit is reviewed by Shade Tree and they make the decision if the tree needs pruning or removal. Tree permits are available at Borough Hall or downloadable from our Borough website. ridleypark@rcn.com. If you complete a tree permit, please drop it off at Borough Hall and you will be contacted by STC.
PARKS
Eastlake Park
Trout Tournament – United Soccer Club – September 19, 2009, at 9:00 AM
Dupont Hill – We are continuing to spray, clear away brush and debris, and reseed the area. It’s looking really good over on the side of town. The Ridley School District will be replacing eight trees along Constitution Avenue in the near future.
CRC WATERSHED – Little Crum Creek Channel Construction
Expecting the contract for the construction to be bid out shortly with the actual construction to be completed in the Fall of 2009.
CDCA – Actual Usage – no new information – will keep you updated.
ATHLETIC CLUB – Update – Announcements – See attached. View AC website for more details.
Mrs. Lamb announced that the Ridley Park Athletic Club had its football and softball banquet on August 30th at the Oaks Ballroom in Glenolden. She stated that over 470 parents, volunteers and players attended.
Mrs. Lamb announced that Ridley Park Parker Cards are back for 2009 and can be purchased at the snack bar and on the website or you can see Mr. Berger. The Cards are $10.00 a piece and have wonderful benefits in the local stores.
The football and cheerleading season is underway and all home games are played at the Ridley Middle School. Homecoming will be held on Saturday, October 17th and the game is against Folcroft. Mrs. Lamb stated that the homecoming game is well attended and that last year there was estimated attendances of well over 3,000 people.
Mr. Berger made a motion to accept the Parks & Property report, seconded by Mrs. Smith.
Comments from Council
Mr. Yorke commented that the ribbon cutting on the Rosemont Avenue Footbridge was a terrific event and there are a lot of people to thank. He thanked Rev. Ryan Wieland of the Ridley Park Methodist Church for the invocation and Borough Manager, Terry Bradley. He stated that Mr. George Blaine mentioned to Council in 2008 about the poor condition of the footbridge and said it was really in need of repair. Mr. Yorke stated that it had been in need of repair for decades. He explained that it took approximately eighteen months to have the job completed and that Mrs. Bradley had worked on coordination to get the permits, dealings with Amtrak, SEPTA, PENNDOT, Charles Catania, Borough Engineer, the insurance companies and construction crews.
Mrs. Frantz commented that Mr. Blain when cutting the ribbon stated that he thought he would never live to see this day.
Carried: 6-0
COMMUNITY RESOURCES – COUNCILOR BOB BERGER
RECYCLING BINS – SALE AT VICTORIAN FAIR
Mr. Berger reported that there was great activity with recycling over the last month. A Team Awareness Booth was at the Victorian Fair. He stated that approximately 30 recycling bins were sold and volunteers stenciled address on the recycle bins and Mrs. Smith and he made deliveries to the residents. Mr. Berger stated that the Borough has received a check for the year 2007 for approximately $7,000.00. He explained that because applications weren’t filled out correctly in previous years the Borough had no totals but now the Borough is in the recycling system. He stated that the awareness is circulating throughout the Borough.
HARB
Pa Historical Preservation ‘Grant - Status
Mr. Berger received feedback on the grant but it wasn’t positive. He stated because of the budget issues in Harrisburg and as of now what is on the docket this grant would not qualify. Mr. Berger stated he would keep Council and the resident informed. He explained that this is a $15,000.00 grant that works on the Borough’s Historical District.
Mr. Berger reported that there wasn’t a meeting in August but would meet Thursday, September 24th at 7:00 PM in the Borough Hall.
VACANCY – HARB & Historic Commission
Mr. Artese made a motion to accept the Community Resources report, seconded by Mrs. Frantz.
Comments from Council
Mrs. Frantz thanked Administrative Assistant, Jayne Young for the coordination with the recycling committee. Mrs. Frantz stated that the total should be better next year.
Carried: 6-0
COMMUNICATIONS – COUNCILOR PERRY ARTESE
LIBRARY
Mr. Artese reported that he didn’t have a Library Report but he stated that if there are any library activities he would post them on the TV channel.
FRANCHISE FEES
Mr. Artese reported that the Franchise Fees from Comcast for the month of July 2009 $7,864.95.
TELECOMMUNICATION COMMITTEE
Mr. Artese announced that there a two openings on the Telecommunication Advisory Committee. Residents interested in serving on this committee, which meets monthly, should send a letter of interest to Ridley Park Borough attn: Terry Bradley Borough Manager 105 E Ward Street Ridley Park, PA 19078 or send an email to ridleypark@rcn.com
Mrs. Frantz made a motion to accept the Communication report, seconded by Mrs. Smith.
No Comments from Council
Carried: 6-0
PLANNING & ZONING- COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOE YORKE
Mr. Yorke reported that the responsibility of the Code Enforcement department is to determine the Borough’s code literally, so that enforcement is fair and equitable to all residents. The Borough Council does not have the right to interfere with Code Enforcement, anymore then the Mayor and the Public Safety Committee has the right to interfere with the Police Department enforcement of the motor vehicle code. He stated that it is the responsibility of Council to see that the codes are enforced fairly, that everyone is entitled do process and that everyone is aware of the right to appeal. Mr. Yorke stated that this Council and the Planning and Zoning Committee have worked hard to see that the Borough Codes are properly enforced. This ensures that the codes are interpreted fairly regardless of political or business interest. Sometimes we had to deal with the mistakes from poor code enforcement of prior years that has led to neighbor disputes and law suits. We can’t change the past but we don’t intend to repeat the same mistakes of the past. Moving forward we will continue to work hard for fair and equitable code enforcement.
ZONING
Parker Condos – Clearwire Cell Tower
Mr. Yorke reported that the Zoning Hearing Board met on Thursday, August 20th at 7:00 PM to discuss a variance request by Clearwire. This request is for a fourth telecommunication company to put antennas and equipment on the roof of the Parker Condos at 33 W. Chester Pike. He stated that after much testimony provided the meeting was continued to Thursday, September10th at 7:00 PM in the Borough Hall so that additional testimony could be presented about the structural integrity of the roof. He explained that the Board approved the variance at the September 10th meeting.
PLANNING
Code Revisions
Mr. Yorke reported that on Wednesday, August 26th the Commission held a public hearing on the revised zoning code and zoning map. He stated George Kobryn Delaware County Planning Department went over the changes to the code and map. The Commission intends to vote on whether to recommend approval at its September 23rd meeting. Council will hold a public meeting on the revised code and map on Tuesday, October 13th. He announced that the public is encouraged to comment at this meeting on the proposed changes to the zoning code and map.
DENSMORE HOUSE
Mr. Yorke reported that the Borough is working on the details of the transfer agreement of the Densmore home located at 110 W. Chester Pike. He stated that there is nothing new at this time but he would keep residents up to date on the proceedings.
VACANCY BOARD
Mr. Yorke reported that there is an opening for the position on the Vacancy Board. He stated that he would make a recommendation to fill this position later during the meeting. Mr. Yorke stated that the Vacancy Board consists of one resident and the Borough Council. The Board may fill a vacancy on the Borough Council if Council does not do so within 30 days of the resignation of a Councilor.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: The Council met in an executive session after this meeting to discuss a possible donation of vacant land to the Borough.
Mrs. Frantz made a motion to accept the Planning & Zoning report, seconded by Mrs. Smith.
Comments from Council
Mrs. Frantz thanked Mr. Yorke on his comment regarding the Borough’s zoning and codes.
Carried: 6-0
BOROUGH ACTIVITY
ENGINEER’S REPORT – CHARLES CATANIA, JR
In the absence of Mr. Catania, Mrs. Jayne Young read the Engineer’s Report.
AQUA Pa WATER MAIN PROJECT
The Paving Restoration is complete.
2009 ROAD PROGRAM
The PENNDOT project substantially complete and the punch list work is in progress.
CHESTER PIKE R STONEY CREEK REPLACEMENT PROJECT
The PENNDOT Preconstruction meeting schedule or September 8th.
2 BELAIR ROAD
The Health Officer coordination with Aqua Pa water testing over mold issue.
POLICE STATION HVAC CONDENSATION PROBLEM
The Mechanical consultant reviewed condition
Leaks in ductwork allowing unconditioned air to enter system causing excessive condensation.
Meeting to be set up with HVAC contractor.
POLICE STATION DOORS
2 doors damaged
Ellis Construction estimates of $2,000.00 to replace/repair doors.
Mr. Berger made a motion to accept the Engineer’s Report, seconded by Mrs. Frantz.
Comments from Council
Mrs. Smith commented on the doors and stated that Chief Byrne has gotTEN in touch with someone who does this type of work and the price would be $300.00 rather than $2,000.00.
Carried: 6-0
MAYOR’S REPORT – HANK EBERE
Mayor Eberle commended Chief Byrne and the Ridley Park Police for a great job in solving the recent burglaries.
VICTORIAN FAIR
Mayor Eberle stated that the Victorian Fair was great success despite the postponement. He explained that when an event is postponed it tends to lose some of the vendors and entertainment because they are prescheduled. Mayor Eberle stated that the turnout was excellent and it is a family affair. Mayor Eberle thanked the Recreation Board and Chairperson of the Victorian Fair Beverly Kapanjie.
FOOTBRIDGE
Mayor Eberle stated that it is hard to imagine how much effort was expended over the years to have the footbridge repaired. He stated that it is great to see the footbridge completed.
Mayor Eberle read a letter from Howard Cloud, Police Liaison project from the Pennsylvania Council of Chief Juvenile Probation Officers and it is written to Police Chief Byrne. The letter read as follows:
Thank you for the time and the assistance you provided during the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency monitoring visit on August 24th 2009. The visit provided valuable information on how juvenile are being handled within your department. No violations or problems requiring formal resolution were identified during the site visit. (End of tape. From this point Mayor Eberle’s report is from his notes.)
Mayor Eberle announced that the Delaware County Council presents the Senior Citizen Resource Forum on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 from 12:30-3:00 PM at the Concordville Inn on Route 322 & US Route 1 in Concordville, PA. He explained that the Senior Citizen Resource Forum is to inform senior citizens about resources that can help them navigate today’s challenging economic climate. Representatives from the offices and agencies will participate in a panel presentation on services such as:
Consumer Affairs – Home Contractor Issues
Veterans Affairs
Treasurer’s Office/Tax Bureau – Homestead Exemption Eligibility
Community Action Agency of Delaware County – Weatherization Programs
District Attorney’s Office – Senior Exploitation Unit
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Delaware Valley
County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA)
Mayor Eberle announced that light refreshments will be served.
Mayor Eberle encouraged residents to attend the Barnstormers coming performance of Shakespeare’s Midsummer’s Night Dream.
Mayor Eberle read a letter from Emily Stern a resident of Ridley Park emphasizing the importance of recycling containers and the placement of such in the Business District and at Eastlake Park. Mayor Eberle thanked Emily for bring this issue to the Borough’s attention and for the sketches she provided.
SAINT MADELINE’S FIRST RESPONDERS MASS
Mayor Eberle stated that the Mass was very successful and well attended. He stated that police and firemen from several municipalities attended. The Mayor stated it was a reminder of 9/11 and the need to maintain current day vigilance to prevent a similar disaster.
Mrs. Frantz made a motion to accept the Mayor’s report, seconded by Mrs. Smith.
Comments from Council
Mr. Berger commented that Emily’s request is already being handled. He stated that the Borough cannot create awareness about recycling without putting recycling bins in the key areas of the Borough.
Discussion Followed
Mayor Eberle commented that the Athletic Club had their Awards dinner on Sunday, August 30th. He stated that approximately 500 people attended. Mayor Eberle stated that he was asked to do the invocation and it happened to be August 30th which was Mayor Eberle’s 76th birthday. Mayor Eberle was getting ready to leave and Mr. Berger’s daughter and three of her friends brought out a birthday cake with 76 candles and sang Happy Birthday!
Carried: 6-0
PUBLIC COMMENT
Andy Raudabaugh, 33 W. Ridley Avenue – President of the Ridley United Soccer
Mr. Raudabaugh commented that he approached Council regarding flood lights at Catania Park. He appealed to Council for assistance in expediting the process that will permit the storage building from the Folsom section of Ridley Township (Rt. 420 Lincoln Avenue) to be moved to Catania Park on Chester Pike without any cost. Mr. Raudabaugh stated that time is of the essence. He stated that a permit was submitted on August 12th and last Wednesday it was denied. Mr. Raudabaugh wanted to know why the delay.
Mr. Yorke stated that the reason why it took so long is because there is a back log of work in the Code Enforcement Department. He stated that one of the Code Enforcers, Rodger White is out on medical leave. Therefore, it took more time than usual to respond. Mr. Yorke stated that the permit was denied because of the setbacks and that the Zoning Code issues come into play and the Planning Commission must also review the plan and make recommendations to Council.
Mr. Raudabaugh asked that the Zoning Variance and Land Development be reviewed concurrently to save time.
Mr. Robert Scott, Borough Solicitor stated that the Zoning and Land Development can proceed simultaneously.
LouAnne Bulik, 412 E. Rodgers Street
Mrs. Bulik thanked Police Chief Tom Byrne for the apprehending of the person who attacked Mr. Kim Kester and she wanted to know about the person.
Police Chief Tome Byrne stated that the case is still open and there will be a press release. He stated that by the end of the week there is enhanced video that includes the car that the guy was in and that there would be more information by the end of the week.
Mrs. Bulik asks about recycling batteries.
Mr. Berger responded batteries are hazardous waste and there are different types of batteries. He stated that information about recycling is on the Borough website.
Mrs. Bulik commented that Emily’s idea about recycling is great!
Howard McCoy, 35 Sellers Avenue
Mr. McCoy stated that Mr. Berger stated in his report that the Borough recycles 28%.
Mr. Berger responded that is what 2008 numbers represented. He stated that the 28% is from the tonnage that is collected. Mr. Berger explained why some municipalities are higher.
Bill Applegate, 30 Trainor Street
Mr. Applegate thanked the Ridley Park Police Department. He commented that during the burglaries his wife was afraid to leave the house.
Mr. Applegate commented that most of the Business Association events are held at Veteran’s Park and there are two low spots in the park especially when it rains. Mr. Applegate asks if the Highway Department could fill in those areas.
Mr. Yorke stated that the area could be mound up the area or put a drainage system in and try to drain it towards the railroad tracks. To level the ground or change the grading is a major job and very expensive.
Mr. Applegate asks about literature going around in Ridley Park regarding taxes. He asks what the taxes have been since 2003 for the Borough.
Mr. Yorke stated that the previous Councils from 2003-2007 there was a 44% increase in taxes and 2008-2009 there is a 15% increase over two years. He stated that this Council has tried to keep the taxes down and that the Borough has been on budget and that last year there was a budget surplus. Mr. Yorke stated that it is difficult to keep the taxes down but Council is doing its best. He explained that compared to the way Council found the financial condition of the Borough he though Council is doing a good job and he thanked Mrs. Bradley for insisting on different reforms that have been done to make every department accountable.
Mr. Berger commented that miraculously Mr. Applegate asks a question and Mr. Yorke has the information.
Mrs. Frantz stated that she has the information with her all the time.
Mr. Berger commented he is challenging what he heard a few months ago, that the 2008 budget was balanced and everything was good and there was surplus. He stated at the start of 2008 for five months the sky was falling and there was no money. Mr. Berger stated looking back the Borough is doing well miraculously. He stated that is when Mr. Artese and Mayor Eberle explained about letting due process fall and the Borough will see where the money comes in.
Mrs. Frantz stated that it didn’t fall miraculously into place. It was due to the hard work of Council and the Borough Manager, such as implementation of a purchase order system and getting the paperwork in order.
Discussion Followed
Mary Pat King, 309 Johnson Avenue
Mrs. King asks Mr. Berger about recycling regarding the apartment complexes. She stated that Dutton Place and some of the larger apartment complexes do not have recycling. Mrs. King asked whether they have private haulers.
Mr. Berger explained that the apartment owners were mailed letters explaining that it is their responsibility to recycle. He explained that the apartment owners are supposed to create their own recycling plan. Mr. Berger stated that the apartment owners would not receive a return but they would be abiding by the law. He explained how the Borough receives revenue from recycling. The apartment owners report their tonnage to the Borough the Borough in turn reports it to the County, the County reports it to the State and then the State allocates money back to the County and ultimately the money comes back to the Borough.
Mr. Ed Behrle, 402 Glenloch Road
Mr. Behrle commented that he was part of the burglaries and complimented the Ridley Park Police Department. He stated that it was handled very professional by the officers involved and the treatment of all the victims.
Mr. Behrle commented that he had a bad situation happen on the telephone with the Borough Manager.
Mrs. Lamb stated that she wasn’t there to speak for herself and Council cannot discuss personnel matters.
Mr. Yorke stated that this was not the forum to express personnel matters. Mr. Yorke stated that if Mr. Behrle had a question regarding personnel to please write a letter to Mrs. Frantz, Chair of the Personnel Committee and the committee would look into the issue. Mr. Yorke stated that Council would not accept Mr. Behrle comments on personnel.
Steve Valerio, 231 Henderson Avenue
Mr. Valerio commented that when Mrs. Bradley had a problem with her car she brought up a personal issue.
Mr. Yorke responded that he was glad that Mrs. Bradley brought the matter up to the attention of the public that her tires were slashed. He stated that was different because it is a criminal offense to slash some one’s tires. Mr. Yorke stated that to comment on personnel is out of order. He stated that there a two sides to every story and this is not the forum.
Discussion Followed
RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION 12- 2009 (COPY ATTACHED)
Disposition of Records
Mrs. Frantz made a motion to adopt Resolution 12-2009, seconded by Mrs. Lamb.
No Comments from Council
Carried: 6-0
RESOLUTION 13-2009 (COPY ATTACHED)
PennDot Winter Traffic Service
Mrs. Smith made a motion to adopt Resolution 13-2009, seconded by Mrs. Smith.
Carried:
No Comments from Council
Carried: 6-0
ORDINANCES
ORDINANCE No. 1187 (COPY ATTACHED)
Approving Collection Procedures & Penalties – Delinquent Tax Accounts
Mrs. Frantz made a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 1187, seconded by Mrs. Lamb.
Comments from Council
Carried: 6-0
RECOMMENDATIONS – VICE PRESIDENT LINDA SMITH (COPY ATTACHED)
FINANCE & PERSONNEL – JEANNE FRANTZ
Approve payment of the accounts payables list as submitted for the month of September, 2009 totaling $73,877.81 for General Expenses and $17,969.54 for Liquid Fuels Expenses, for a grand total of $91,547.35.
Approve the acquisition of a new 2009 Dodge Charger Police Vehicle through the Warnock Fleet – State of Pennsylvania Costar State Contracts Program in the amount of $33,815.00 to be leased over a 36 month period with an option to purchase at term’s end.
Mrs. Frantz is the maker of the motions, seconded by Mr. Berger.
Comments from Council
Carried: 6-0
COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOE YORKE
Approve the appointment of Nina Walls to the Vacancy Board, for a term not to expire until December 31, 2009.
Approve the appointment of Perry Artese to the Telecommunication Commission, to serve in the capacity of Chair, for a term not to expire until December 31, 2011.
Mr. Yorke is the maker of the motions, seconded by Mrs. Lamb.
Comments from Council
Carried: 6-0
NEW BUSINESS
Ridley Park Online
Mrs. Smith announced that a resident in Ridley Park has started a website called Ridley Park Online. She stated that there are pictures on there of the Victorian Fair and the opening of the footbridge and anyone can put pictures on the website. Mrs. Smith introduced Howard McCoy to give a presentation of the website. Mr. McCoy stated that he is the creator of Ridley Park Online.com and it is a social networking. He stated that they promote social journalism so that anyone in the community who joins becomes their own social journalist. Anyone can comment on weather, the Borough, receipts, etc., it’s a new age. He stated everyone has a camera, communications with the internet and looking for information so when people are looking for things they Google. Mr. McCoy said that if you’re looking for Ridley Park, you’re going to go to the local news, news sources or the next place would be the Borough. He stated what Ridley Park Online is trying to do is have the citizens become their own reporters. Mr. McCoy stated that it is a place to enter pictures, blogs, video, complaints, general information, etc. It is just for the citizens of Ridley Park to have a good time.
Mayor Eberle presented an update on Code Enforcer Rodger White.. He stated that Rodger had to undergo a colon cancer operation. Mayor Eberle stated that he saw Rodger on Saturday and he believes that Rodger is home and that he had a very good report.
On behalf of Council Mr. Yorke asks for a speedy recovery to Rodger.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Berger made a motion to adjourn at 8:48 PM, seconded by Mrs. Smith.
Respectfully Submitted
Terry Bradley, Secretary/Treasurer
Prepared by Christine Graham
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