Ridley Park, PA

November 18, 2014

Ridley Park, PA

RIDLEY PARK, PA

NOVEMBER 18, 2014

The Ridley Park Borough Council met in regular session on the above date in Council Chambers of the Ridley Park Borough Hall Council President Bob Berger called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Eberle.

ROLL CALL

Council members present: Mr. Berger, Mr. Glenn, Mr. Mattus, Mrs. Snow Mrs. Michele Endriss-Dalessio, Mr. Broadhurst, Mrs. O’Mahoney, and Mayor Eberle. Also present were Police Chief Mark Bascelli, Mr. Charles Catania, Jr., Engineer and Mr. Ernie Angelos, Solicitor. Junior Councilor Nicholas DiGregorio was absent.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM NOVEMBER 5th WORKSHOP SESSION 2014

Mr. Mattus made a motion to approve the November 5th Workshop session 2014, seconded by Mr. Glenn.

Carried by a vote of 6-0. Mrs. Snow abstained

MAYOR’S REPORT – MR. EBERLE

Mayor Eberle presented a brief history on the origins of Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving. He commented that we all have much to be thankful for and noted that Thanksgiving is a heavily traveled day and to drive safely.

Mr. Mattus made a motion to accept the Mayor’s report, seconded by Mrs. O’Mahoney.

No Comments from Council

Carried by a vote of 7-0

COMMITTEE REPORTS

FINANCE/PERSONNEL – COUNCILOR PAUL MATTUS

Mr. Mattus reported that he would have a recommendation to approve the Account Payables for the month of October in the amount of $324,662.53. He stated it was higher than usual because of the Road Program.

Mr. Mattus reported on the application for the Safe Road to Schools Grant that is ongoing and the Green Light Go Grant to upgrade traffic lights to LED.

Mr. Mattus would like to present a resolution to authorize a CDBG Grant.

Mr. Mattus reported that the annual resolution for the collective bargaining agreement for the Police Pension Plan Contribution for 2015 to be voted on.

Mr. Glenn made a motion to accept the Finance/Personnel report, seconded by Mrs. O’Mahoney.

Comments from Council:

Mr. Broadhurst stated that he wasn’t clear what the Police Pension Plan and asked Mr. Mattus to explain it to him.

Mr. Berger stated that it was all part of the contract.

Carried by a vote of 7-0

PARKS & PROPERTIES – COUNCILOR JIM GLENN

Mr. Glenn announced that there is H.A.R.B meeting this Thursday, November 20th in the Borough Hall. He announced that the leaf pick up is ongoing, the fountain is out of the lake and misquote spraying has ended. He noted that bids would be going out for a new dump truck.

Mr. Mattus made a motion to accept the Parks & Properties report, seconded by Mrs. Endriss-Dalessio.

Carried by a vote of 7-0

PUBLIC SAFETY – COUNCILOR HOLLY O’MAHONEY

FIRE DEPARTMENT (COPY ATTACHED)

Fire Chief Ned Donkin presented the October monthly and yearly Training and Fire Alarm Reports for October, 2014.

Fire Chief Ned Donkin reminded residents to have a maintenance performance done on their heaters now with winter around the corner.

Fire Chief Ned Donkin promoted a fundraiser to benefit the Fire House. He explained that they are selling a discount card that can be purchased for $10.00 and are good at various local restaurants and businesses. He stated that there is someone at the firehouse on Thursday evenings.

POLICE (COPY ATTACHED)

Police Chief Bascelli presented the October monthly report for 2014.

Chief Bascelli reminded the seniors of a luncheon to be held on Thursday, November 20th.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

BOARD OF HEALTH

Mrs. O’Mahoney announced that the Board of Health would be combining their November and December meetings to December 3rd at 7:00 pm in the Borough Hall. Mrs. O’Mahoney announced that November is National Diabetes month and ask everyone especially seniors to stay healthy by getting a flu shot. Mrs. O’Mahoney announced that the Barnstormers would be having their annual New Year’s Eve gala for 2015. She stated that she would have more information

Mr. Mattus made a motion to accept the Public Safety report, seconded by Mr. Glenn.

Comments from Council:

Mr. Broadhurst asks for an update on Code Red.

Mrs. O’Mahoney responded that Code Red is setting up training sessions for all of Council and that she would recommend Mike Gavin the point person.

Carried by a vote of 7-0

COMMUNITY RESOURCES – COUNCILOR SAMANTHA SNOW

Mrs. Snow presented the Library Report submitted by Mary Alice Walsh, Library Director. (COPY ATTACHED)

Mrs. Snow reported that the calendars are in the process of getting done.

Mrs. Snow reported on the recycling contract and stated that it is a two year contract with the option of a 3 year contract.

Mrs. Snow announced that any senior who needs help showing snow should call the Borough Hall and leave their name and phone number.

Mr. Mattus made a motion to accept the Community Resources report, seconded by Mrs. O’Mahoney.

Comments from Council:

Mr. Glenn comments to Mrs. Snow that the recycling contract is good for this year?

Mrs. Snow responded yes.

Carried by a vote of 7-0

COMMUNICATIONS – COUNCILOR MICHELE ENDREISS-DALESSIO

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Mrs. Dalessio reported that the Telecommunication had a meeting with FireCompanies who is now the Borough’s official website. She stated that it is very user friendly.

RIDLEY PARK BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

Mrs. Dalessio announced that Saturday, November 29th is the annual Small Business Saturday. She stated that this is a national effort to help support the local small business owners and to help fuel the economy,

Mrs. Dalessio announced that Santa comes to Ridley Park Sunday, December 7th at 3:00 PM and will arrive at the Ridley Park Train Station.

RIDLEY PARK ATHLETIC CLUB

Mrs. Dalessio acknowledged that the Ridley Park Athletic Club Pee Wees on winning their division beating Chester 40-0, are the champions with an undefeated season.

BARNSTORMERS

Mrs. Dalessio announced that the Barnstormers would be having their 2nd annual New Years’ Eve Bash at the Barn 2015.

Mrs. Delassio announced the upcoming shows for 2015 at the Barnstormers.

Mr. Mattus made a motion to accept the Communications report, seconded by Mrs. Snow.

Comments from Council:

Mr. Broadhurst suggested putting the schedule for the trash pickup for the holidays on the website.

Carried by a vote of 7-0

PUBLIC RELATIONS – COUNCILOR DAN BROADHURST (COPY ATTACHED)

Mr. Broadhurst reported on the Board of Education (School Board Meeting) and reported that the Historic Society is in the process of planning events for the winter and spring.

Mr. Mattus made a motion to accept the Public Relations report, seconded by Mr. Glenn.

Carried by a vote of 7-0

PLANNING & ZONING - COUNCIL PRESIDENT BOB BERGER

PLANNING COMMISSION

Mr. Berger reported that the Planning Commission met on Wednesday, October 22nd in the Borough Hall regarding the introduction of 307 Sellers Avenue and Rose Tree Investment/Medical Building in Ridley Park. He announced that the next meeting is tomorrow Thursday, October 23rd for 307 Sellers Avenue for a final decision to be rendered. He stated that this a time related matter.

ZONING HEARING BOARD

Mr. Berger stated that there were no pending matters.

MAIN STREETS

Mr. Berger reported that Main Streets held its last meeting and that Main Streets is success and that there is always need for improvements. Mr. Berger said surveys were sent to farmer market vendors for suggestions and any areas for improvement. Mr. Berger wants Ridley Park to be the best in the area.

CDCA

Mr. Berger reported that there was a meeting held on November 12th with the Sewer Authority on the 2015 budget.

Mr. Berger announced that the 2014 Comprehensive Plan is finished and is available for review at the Borough Hall.

Mr. Berger also announced that there are two Borough committees with vacancies. He stated that there are two openings on the Telecommunication Committee and the Planning Commission.

Mr. Mattus made a motion to accept the Planning and Zoning reports, seconded by Mr. Glenn.

No Comments from Council

NICHOLAS DIGREGORIO - JUNIOR COUNCILOR

Mr. DiGregorio was absent, No report was given.

BOROUGH ACTIVITY

BOROUGH SOLICITOR’S REPORT – ERNIE ANGELOS, ESQ.

Mr. Angelos asks Council to approve the tax appeal settlement for 101 E. Ward Street.

Mr. Mattus made a motion to approve the tax appeal settlement for 101 E. Ward Street, seconded by Mr. Glenn.

Carried by a vote of 7-0

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

Mr. Catania commented that the CBDG grant application is due January 12, 2015. He ask Council to schedule public meeting for the December Workshop to pass a Resolution.

Mr. Mattus made a motion to accept the Engineer’s report, seconded by Mr. Glenn.

Comments from Council:

Mr. Berger commented that the project has very low expectations.

Carried by a vote of 7-0.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Julia Lacontora, 7 N. Swarthmore Avenue, Barnstormers, Board of Directors

Mrs. Lacontora thanked Council for their support to the Barnstormers and announced the 2nd annual New Years’ Eve Bash at the Barn. She stated that it is a great time with food, door prizes, dining and a one act show. Anyone can call Julia for tickets at 610-521-6561, prices are $25.00 per person or $40.00 a couple.

Mrs. Lacontora commented on a parking issue on Swarthmore Avenue and stated that cars are parked in the wrong direction.

Arthur Weisfeld, Executive Director of of Senior Community Services (School House)

Mr. Weisfeld on behalf of the Senior Community center thanked Council for their continued support and requested continue support from Ridley Park. He explained that the School House Senior Center is the State and County designated Senior Center for Ridley Park and the surroundin areas. Mr. Weisfeld stated that the support from the municipalities is an important part of their funding and that Ridley Park continues to be a primary recipient of the Senior Community Center Services.

Mr. Berger commented that they do great work.

Jared Brennan, 111 Welcome Avenue

Mr. Brennan asks Mr. Glenn is there a back up for the dump truck and at what cost and who removed the fountain.

Mr. Glenn responded that as of now there is no back up for the dump truck and the cost to remove the fountain was around $3,000 and A.J. Jurick.

Mr. Brennan commented to Mr. Broadhurst that there was a penalty of $7300.00 for the late payment on the MMO.

Mr. Brennan asks Mr. Berger what is the process of hiring a Borough Manager and are there background checks. Mr. Brennan commented that when he was on Council last year he didn’t remember any background checks.

Mr. Berger stated that Police Chief Tom Byrne conducted the background checks.

Mr. Brennan commented that a bigger safety issue is bullet proof vest. He stated that other municipalities applied for the grant but not Ridley Park.

Andy Furman, 419 Pomeroy Street

Mr. Furman commented that he was glad to see the fountain was removed early this year. Mr. Furman commented to Mr. Glenn about the neglect of the maintenance around the lake.

Mr. Glenn responded that it is not being neglected it is being regulated and it recommended to keep the lake healthy by the Watershed Association for water quality, wildlife and growth.

Mr. Furman asks Mrs. Snow about the new recycling ordinance. What are the changes?

Mrs. Snow ask Mr. Angelos to respond. He stated that there really isn’t anything new it more language changes.

RESOLUTION/MOTION

RESOLUTION No.

Resolution reducing the Police Officers contributions to the Police Pension Plan for the year 2015.

Mr. Mattus is the maker of the motion, seconded by Mrs. Dalessio.

No Comments from Council.

Carried by a vote of 7-0

Approve the 2015 Budget with a Zero % Increase.

Mr. Mattus is the maker of the motion, seconded by Mrs. O’Mahoney.

Comments from Council:

Mr. Broadhurst stated that he would abstain because he didn’t have enough time to review it.

Carried by a vote of 6-1 with one abstention from Mr. Broadhurst.

Motion to approve the settlement of the Tax Appeal for 101 E. Ward Street at an assess value of $81,000.00 for tax year 2014.

Mr. Mattus is the maker of the motion, seconded by Mrs. Dalessio.

No Comments from Council

Carried by a vote of 7-0

Motion to approve the accounts payable for the month of November 2014 in the amount of $324,662.53.

Mr. Glenn is the maker of the motion, seconded by Mr. Mattus.

Comments from Council:

Mr. Berger commented that the large amount for the Accounts Payable is due to the payment of the Road Program.

Carried by a vote of 7-0

OLD BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

Mr. Mattus announced that the 2015 Budget is in the Borough Office for review and he summarize basic points of the 2015 Budget. (Copy Attached)

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Mattus made a motion to adjourn at 8:00 PM, seconded by Mr. Glenn

Mr. Berger announced that there would be an Executive Meeting regarding a legal matter.

Respectfully Submitted

Christine Graham

Administrator Assistant

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