COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 18, 2009
CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Bellefonte Borough Council was called to order at 8:00 p.m. by CouncilPresident Frank Haldermanin the Bellefonte Borough Municipal Building.
Pledge of Allegiance:
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Council remained standing for a moment of silence.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Brown, Dainty, Taylor, Beigle, DeCusati, Heidt, Halderman
Members Excused:Hay, Aikens,
Officials Present: Ralph Stewart, Borough Manager;
Don Holderman, Assistant Borough Manager;
Mayor Stanley Goldman;
Staff Present:
Guests: Gay Dunne
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Heidtmade a motion to approve the minutes of the Bellefonte Borough Council meeting of May 4, 2009. Mr. Beigleseconded the motion. Ms. Dainty would like it to be noted that when it was requested the parking sign be removed from in front of the Doctor’s office on Spring Street,the minutes should reflect that she stated it was because no other medical professionals in town have free parking, therefore it wasn’t fair. A voice vote was unanimous to approve the minutesas corrected.
COMMUNICATIONS
WRITTEN
-A letter from Michelle L. Mays, E.I.T., District Permit Manager, Engineering District
2-0, PennDOT, informing that the “bulb outs” that were constructed at the intersection of State Route 0144 and Pike Lane were done without permission. The “bulb outs” may be permitted if a supplement for the permit is submitted and the Borough submits a letter stating there are no safety concerns for pedestrians at the said intersection.
Mr. Beigle made a motion to send the required information. Mr. DeCusati seconded the motion. A voice vote was unanimous.
-A letter from Liz Toukonen, Senior Program Director, Bellefonte Family YMCA,
requesting permission to use Kepler Pool from June 15th – September 2nd from Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM; Pavilions #1, #2, & #3; Use of restrooms and drinking fountains; Permission to build a flower bed around the flag pool, which they will maintain during their time at the park.
Mr. Beigle made a motion to approve this request. Ms. Dainty seconded the motion. Mr. Stewart will recommend that Rodney Mitchell be contacted regarding which type of flowers will be planted. A voice vote was unanimous.
-A letter from Matthew Brungard, Logan Fire Co., Parade Chairman, Logan Fire
Company #1, requesting permission to conduct the annual Fourth of July Firemen’s celebration parade on Friday, July 3, 2009, beginning at 6:00 PM. The parade will begin at the Bellefonte Elementary School, proceed on Allegheny Street to Bishop Street and end at the Armory. The request includes help in securing necessary permits from PennDOT for road detours and the use of the proper road closure/detour signs.
Mr. Heidt made a motion to approve this request. Ms. Dainty seconded the motion. A voice vote was unanimous.
-A thank you letter to the Police Department from Shelly Toto regarding the Expo held
at the Nittany Mall on Saturday, May 9, 2009.
-A thank you letter to Chief Weaver and Officer Holliday for participating in the Just
Kids Resale event on Saturday, April 18, 2009 at Lambert Hall.
-The Big Spring and Corning Water System water flow chart is in the packets for
Council to review.
-An invitation from The Coca-Cola Company, 217 Aqua Penn Drive, Howard, to an
OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Flag Raising Ceremony in honor of the Associates and the hard work and dedication they contributed to the success of achieving STAR certification on Wednesday, June 24th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with lunch provided. Council members should inform Mr. Stewart if they plan to attend.
-A copy of a 30-day legal notice stating the Sgt. Paul Beck Armed Forces Reserve
Center at 987 East Bishop Street, Bellefonte is being transferred to Weis Market, Inc. Council is not interested in obtaining this property.
-A letter from Ron Wiser in response to a letter regarding buses for Council to review.
-An email from a property owner on the 400 block of East Beaver Street. They would
like to close the area for a block party on Saturday, June 13, 2009 from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Mr. Beigle made a motion to approve this request. Mrs. Brown seconded the motion. A voice vote was unanimous.
-Information was provided regarding the postal carriers food drive.
ORAL
Gay Dunne addressed Council with a report on a meeting of the Local Government Grant Committee. She provided Council with a written report that included the basic information. There was an expanded committee because Council proposed that there be representation from Borough Council. The six original members of the committee are the Core Committee, who were selected because of their expertise in one or more of the arts education. Ms. Dunne feels money for the Arts never shows up well in a budget line item because you cannot estimate the value of the arts in dollars and cents, but it is not a numbers game. The true benefit of the Arts has to do with improved quality of life, fostering creativity and the ability to think out of the box. In making the award recommendations, they consider excellence over mediocrity. The funding recommendations were in unanimous agreement among the Core Committee.
There were thirteen applicants this year and nine grants were awarded. The awards were as followed:
$2,000.00 will be provided to Jazz, PA; $2,250.00 to BARD in Bellefonte; $325.00 to the Arts & Crafts Fair; and $325.00 to Bellefonte Victorian Christmas.
The remaining funds will be distributed to: $1,100.00 to The Bellefonte Museum; $675.00 to James Colbert for three song writing workshops; $1,600.00 to the BHC Gallery at the Gamble Mill, $4,000.00; Centre County Library; and $800.00 to the Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra for educational visits to elementary schools in the Bellefonte School District.
Discussions were held regarding alternative venues for Chamber Music Concerts that are held at the library and also for the Gamble Mill Gallery Exhibits such as the American Philatelic Society.
Ms. Dunne provided information regarding applicants that were not chosen and was willing to answer questions regarding this.
Mr. DeCusati would like it noted that the Gallery at the Gamble Mill had art exhibitions from students at the Bellefonte School District. Ms. Dainty questioned whether the events at the library have already taken place. The concerts are typically in October, November, February, March & April. The library award is for events that already have been completed. Ms. Dainty pointed out that eligibility requirements for the grants state that activities that have been completed are not permitted. She feels that something needs to be worked out to prevent something happening that goes against the guidelines. Ms. Dainty pointed out that the Gamble Mill artwork is not available to the general public and therefore should be provided in another venue. The money for the Gamble Mill budget is used for publicity, printing, receptions, rent, etc., and lighting. Council members feel it is difficult to view the artwork because patrons are dining at the Gamble Mill.
Council members thanked Ms. Dunne for the report.
SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS
-Ms. Dainty informed Council that the Nittany Valley Joint Planning meeting will be
held on Thursday, May 21st. All municipalities, except Walker Township, have adopted the plans and have turned them over to the regular municipalities. It was agreed that they not handle fire services because they are handled by the Shared Services. They are checking to see if the municipalities would mind if the committee would start examining the parks & recreation study that was produced and combine all the resources.
Mr. Taylor made a motion to explore the study to determine how resources can be combined. Mr. DeCusati seconded the motion. A voice vote was unanimous.
MAYOR’S REPORT
-Mayor Goldman reported that the Big Spring festival was very nice and a good time
was had by all. Mayor Goldman urged Council to attend special functions in the Borough.
Mayor Goldman thanked everyone for going and seeing the new motorcycle for the Police Department. Mr. DeCusati reported that while he was traveling on the Washington, DC beltway he saw a VIP event that was done completely by motorcycle police, so motorcycles rather than cars seems to be an increasing trend.
OFFICE OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
Planning Committee Vacancy – Mr. Gallo provided references for two candidates to fill a vacancy on the Planning Committee. Mr. Halderman turned the information over to the Personnel Committee for a recommendation.
CERTIFICATES OF APPROPRIATENESS
- 414 W. High Street/Eric & Katie Kline - replacing metal shed with new wood shed, remove concrete driveway and replace with asphalt.
- 116 South Spring Street/Pete Popovitch for Mike’s Video – install two new signs
- 127-129 West Logan Street/Rick Breon for Jerry Witherite – Replace existing windows, enlarging three.
- 107 North Spring Street/Guy Shaffer – paint wood elements from gray to Navajo White (cream)
Mr. Heidt made a motion to approve all four Certificates of Appropriateness. Ms. Dainty
seconded the motion. A voice vote was unanimous.
COMMITTEES
Building & Property –Mrs. Brownreported that planting was done throughout town on Wednesday, May 13th, by various volunteers.
Finance – Ms. Dainty made a motion to file for audit the April 2009 vouchers in the amount of $1,350,962.62. Mr. Heidt seconded the motion. Much of the expense was for the Wastewater Treatment Plant construction work. A voice vote was unanimous.
April 2009 Vouchers
General15442 – 15562$ 282,732.68
Streetlighting 537 - 546$ 25,409.61
Bellefonte Fire Dept. 790 - 802$ 45,318.55
Fire Equipment 1143 - 1146$ 1,475.02
Parks & Recreation 1047 - 1061$ 13,755.99
Water 6288 - 6333$ 133,352.08
Sanitation103, 7514 – 7599, 998$ 745,268.80
Refuse 1537 - 1562$ 77,599.23
Swimming Pool 379 - 382$ 3,932.47
CDBG 1036, 436 – 440$ 22,083.39
Special Projects - $ 0.00
Highway Aid 195$ 34.80
Capital Projects - $ 0.00
Total:$1,350,962.62
Park & Recreation – Mr. Taylor questioned the budgeted amount of $912.00 for grass seed. Mr. Holderman will examine this and report back to Council.
Personnel–Mr. Stewart reported that the Police Arbitration Hearing was held on Thursday, May 14th, and the next step is for the attorneys to meet in an executive session at the end of June and the neutral arbiter will provide his decision in July. A fair case was presented by both sides. Ms. Dainty felt all the staff made a very nice presentation and should be commended for the work they did it.
Mr. Holderman reported he received a telephone call from the PA Careerlink of Centre County offering a summer youth opportunity for youth between the ages of 16-20. Funding is available to cover the cost of finding jobs at not-for-profit or local governments for approximately six to eight youth for 30-35 hours a week for a six-week period. The wages and worker’s compensation would be paid for by Careerlink. The Borough is interested in pursuing this opportunity.
Safety –There was no report.
Water/Sanitation–Mr. Beigle reported that before the Authority meeting of May 5, 2009, they had a tour of the Wastewater Treatment Plant. He encouraged Council members to tour the facility. Mr. Stewart will arrange a tour for Council members. Mr. Beigle thanked Mr. Stewart for arranging the tour for the Authority members.
Mr. Beigle thanked Mr. Holderman for handling a situation on Lewis Street. Mr. Beigle would like to address the fact that residents cut their grass and allow the cutting to blow onto the street. This can clog up drains and also goes into the water system. Mr. Halderman reminded Mr. Beigle that there is an ordinance that prohibits this and the residents can be fined. Mr. Beigle will provide addresses to the Chief of Police and he will take care of the situation.
Mrs. Brown talked with the public works crew and they suggested next year perhaps a special pick-up could be initiated for electronic equipment.
Streets –Mr. DeCusati made a motion to approve payment #5 to DAC Enterprise in the amount of $21,564.92 for the Streetscape project. Mr. Beigle seconded the motion. The Borough will hold $10,000.00 until PennDOT completes the required paperwork. All other work under the contract has been completed. A voice vote was unanimous.
Technology – Mr. Heidt reported that the Committee will meet and begin work on Working Smarter.
OLD BUSINESS
-Ms. Dainty made a motion to approve Ordinance 05182009-02(an ordinance of the
Borough of Bellefonte Amending the codified book of ordinances, chapter 836, solicitors, peddlers and transient merchants) with the addition of a statement that special events are excluded and also to include a fee of $20.00 to cover the cost of the paperwork. Mr. Beigle seconded the motion. A voice vote was unanimous.
-A sample ordinance was provided that would prohibit smoking in public places.
Council members will discuss this in a work session.
-A sample sidewalk ordinance was provided. Council members will discuss this
ordinance in a work session.
NEW BUSINESS
-Mr. Stewart thanked the volunteers that helped with planting throughout Bellefonte
Borough.
-Ms. Dainty made a motion that the funds received from selling water to CCDA Waters, LLC, be designated for capitalprojects or projects that enhance the quality of life for Borough residents and also be removed from the General Fundand be designated in its own separate fund. Mr. Heidt seconded the motion. Mr. DeCusati suggested that it be officially named the Herlocher Fund and also he questioned whether it be just the interest from the money or the entire fund. Council feels that at the current time it cannot be limited to just the interest. A voice vote was unanimous.
POLICE REPORT
-Mr. DeCusati made a motion to accept the police report. Mr. Heidt seconded the
motion. A voice vote was unanimous.
TICKET EXONERATIONS
-Ms. Dainty made a motion to approve the ticket exonerations. Mr. DeCusati
secondedthe motion. A voice vote was unanimous.
ADJOURNMENT
-With no other business to come before Council Ms. Daintymade a motion to adjourn
the meeting of May 18, 2009at9:05PM. Mr. DeCusatiseconded the motion. A voice vote was unanimous.
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