14 December 2009 - Regular Meeting
Agenda at Meeting
(click here for the Agenda e-mailed to Council members - 5:15 pm Friday, 11 December, 2009)
(Information about the meeting follows the agenda)
Meeting opened 7:30 - Mr. Alloway absent
Public Comments on Ordinance 09-18:
Ms. Gail Ford pointed out that the bike path costs have grown from $150,000 on Ordinance 09-09 to $400,000 in October Mayor North indicated that we have an obligation to match $71,000 of the grant monies being received.
Mr. Jim Moore questioned financing of Bike Path. Does not believe federal financing is guaranteed. Said we owe it to taxpayers to keep to minimum cost.
Mr. Alex Roshenko questioned who would be stuck with the debt if the federal funds don't come in. He talked about the dire condition of the 2009 municipal budget and pointed out that debt service is the 4th largest single item.
Mr. Tom Evaul said that Council should look at priorities before borrowing this money.
Mr. Paul Sohler said that grant money or not is not the issue - the bike path is a "monumental" waste of money.
Ms. Marge Disch questioned liability for any accidents, and asked about lighting - there will be problem areas if no lights are provided. She said we don't need the bike path, and that money could be better spent elsewhere.
Ms. Monica Sohler said the Bike Path money could be better spent elsewhere. We need to keep costs down. She is concerned with the lack of a cost schedule for the project.
Mr. Brunton moved adopt Ordinance 09-18; Mr. Brennan seconded. During discussion, Mr. Brunton pointed out that the borough severely needs new equipment for leaf pickup - we are way behind schedule. He moved to amend the ordinance to divert some borough funds to purchase Public Works equipment. Failed for lack of a second. Mr. Brunton then withdrew his motion to adopt Ordinance 09-18. Another Council member moved the ordinance and it was adopted 4-1, Mr. Brunton dissenting. Reason for Mr. Brunton's NO vote: As several residents pointed out, spending $400,000 on the Bike Path is a colossal waste of money. Public Works is in dire need of money to purchase new equipment in order to assure that essential services are provided.
Public Comments:
Ms. Gail Ford asked about money being withheld from the borough by the state. Mayor North replied that about $12,000 was held back. Ms. Ford asked about Fieldstone (TCE Contractor); Mr. Higgins said we are in negotiations with them. Ms. Ford asked for status on the PNC Bank; Mayor North said he is looking into brewpubs and restaurants. No specifics were given.
The 11/09/09 Minutes were approved 4-0-1, Mr. Perno abstaining because of absence.
Council members provided reports.
Highlights:
EMS had 38 calls, 36 answered by Pennsauken, 1 by Maple Shade and 1 by Westmont.
Office of Emergency Management Report
Department of Records & Licenses Report
Department of Public Works Report
Merchantville Court - collected $12,223.55. Added 348 cases; disposed of 322.
Niagara Fire Company - 4 calls in the Borough
Old Business: None
New Business:
Ordinance 09-19 Introduction Passed 5-0.
On consent agenda:
Passed 5-0, with correction to correct error in R09-152.
Approved Volunteer Firefighters 5-0.
Holiday Recycle schedule discussed - Pickup for 25 December 2009 and 1 January 2010 moved to the following Mondays.
Financial reports are in order.
Resolution 09-153 - Bills totaled $202,829.81.
Motion to pay the bills passed 5-0
Motion to go into private session on matters of contract and personnel passed 5-0.
Private session contract matter was the presentation by Mayor North and Solicitor Higgins to Council of a contract to purchase 9 E Park Avenue for the Towne Centre East redevelopment project. The borough will be buying the property for $325,000 even though it appraised at only $295,000. Rationale for the over-appraisal purchase price is two-fold: First, the extra $30,000 will mean the borough can obtain the property without using eminent domain, thus saving the legal costs of that approach; and Second, as part of the deal, the owner will be building a new foundation and doing rough-in utilities in the foundation for the new location of the EMS Building on Prospect near the volleyball court (the EMS building is being moved as a part of the TCE redevelopment project.)
Motion to return to Public Session followed discussion of second matter of Personnel.
Motion was passed 5-0 to accept the 9 E Park deal as described by Mr. North and Mr. Higgins. [NOTE: Certain aspects of this deal were not made known to Council or were glossed over very lightly at the time approval was requested. Council was provided NO TIME to consider the matter. There is also a serious question of legality in terms of the foundation work, as it appears to run afoul of state competitive bidding laws. I am investigating this matter - more later. - MAB] [Added 7 February 2010 - This decision was recorded on Resolution R09-159 AFTER the 28 December 2009 Council Meeting. That resolution does not accurately reflect all the terms of the vote. - MAB]
Adjourn 9:24 pm
