OCTOBER 1, 2008

                                                                WAYNESBORO, PA 17268

                                                                REGULAR MEETING

Council President Craig Newcomer called the regularly scheduled meeting of the Waynesboro Borough Council to order at 7:35 p.m. with the following in attendance:

Borough Council Members – C. Harold Mumma, Benjamin Greenawalt, Craig Newcomer, Ronald Martin, Charles McCammon and Jason Stains

          Mayor Richard Starliper

          Borough Staff – Lloyd R. Hamberger, II, Borough Manager

                     Kevin Grubbs, Head of Engineering Services

                     Melissa Dively, Borough Solicitor (Salzmann Hughes, PC)

                     Denny Benshoff, Maintenance Superintendent

                     Dan Sheffler, Zoning-Code Enforcement Officer

                     Mark King, Police Chief

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Starliper led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVE MINUTES: Councilman McCammon made a motion to approve the minutes of the September 17, 2008 workshop and regular meeting, as written. Councilman Greenawalt seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

PERSONNEL COMMITTEE: Councilman Mumma noted that six (6) individuals have expressed an interest in serving on the Rental Inspection Program Committee: Robert Correll, Pat Crouse, Tamar Osterman, Doyle Helfrick, Patrick Burns and David Unger II. Councilmen Craig Newcomer and Harold Mumma, as well as Fire Chief David Martin, will also be involved. Mr. Mumma noted he will make a motion regarding these appointments later in the meeting.

PROPERTY AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE: No report. Councilman McCammon thanked members of Borough Council and the staff for the fruit basket they sent following his recent surgery.

STREET COMMITTEE: Councilman Martin noted that he will bring up several matters during the “voting section” of the meeting.

INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE: No report.

DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE: President Newcomer stated that he will present a report during the “New Business” portion of the meeting.

FINANCE COMMITTEE: Mr. Hamberger noted that information regarding the upcoming budget meeting schedule will be presented later in the meeting.

MAYOR’S REPORT: The Mayor’s Report was as follows –

“I had the privilege to be invited and participate in two Pennsylvania Army National Guard Deployment ceremonies – the first being at the Gettysburg Armory on September 19^th with members of Battery B First Battalion 108^th Field Artillery from Gettysburg and Detachment 1 from Waynesboro (this unit has our own Patrolman Robert Stansfield, who for the next year will be Staff Sergeant Stansfield); and on September 20^th, the Waynesboro Armory members of Troop C Second Squadron 104^th Cavalry RSTA Deployment ceremony.

On September 26^th, I attended the Waynesboro Chamber’s TGIF Breakfast. Speakers included Waynesboro Hospital’s Dick Marks and Scott Parker.

On Saturday, September 27^th, I attended the Fort Ritchie Community Center’s grand opening and dedication ceremony – if you get the opportunity, please check it out (terrific operation that they have up there).

On Sunday, September 28^th, along with six (6) other members of the Borough and their spouses and friends, I did the American Heart Walk at Greencastle. Thanks to D’Lynn and Melinda for organizing this – as a Borough, we raised over $1,500.”

On September 30^th, along with Borough Manager Hamberger and his wife, Councilman Mumma and his wife, and Councilman Martin, I attended the Tri-County Boroughs Association meeting in New Cumberland; which, for all practical purposes in February, will be called “Cumberland/Franklin County Boroughs’ Association”.”

SOLICITOR’S REPORT: No report.

PUBLIC COMMENT - ITEMS ON AGENDA: None.

VOTING ON ITEMS FROM COMMITTEE REPORTS: Councilman Mumma made a motion to appoint the previously mentioned individuals to the Rental Inspection Program Committee. Councilman Stains seconded. Councilman McCammon noted that he has “a simple solution to this without getting a lot of people involved”. He feels that the inspections should be done in-house (by Code Enforcement Officer Dan Sheffler) at no charge; if faults are found, there would be a charge to the property owner when Mr. Sheffler returns to re-inspect. He continued that Mr. Sheffler should inspect properties on a complaint basis first. Solicitor Melissa Dively explained that they are pursuing a system-wide program that is authorized by a stand-alone ordinance to require that all landlord-owned properties be inspected (and Mr. Sheffler would have authority under that ordinance to go into the property and do inspections). Currently, however, he doesn’t have authority to enter a property under the Property Maintenance Code unless he receives a complaint or a violation is visible from the outside. President Newcomer added that the Planning Commission has worked on a proposed ordinance; and this proposed committee would review it and provide input to ensure that the program is fair to all parties involved. Whether all properties should be inspected or not is a policy matter that should be discussed. Council members were asked to provide, in writing, any specific items they wish to be addressed by the committee. A vote was then called on appointment of the Rental Inspection Program Committee. The motion passed 5-1 (Councilman McCammon opposed).

Councilman Martin made a motion that the following crosswalks be painted: S. Potomac Street/Third Street (south side), King Street/Wayne Avenue, Walnut Street/Second Street (south side), S. Broad Street/Second Street (south side), and Clayton Avenue/Second Street (south side). Councilman Stains seconded. Councilman Martin amended his motion to include that the intersections would have the appropriate signage. Councilman Stains seconded the amendment. The motion passed unanimously.

Councilman Martin noted that Council previously voted to establish parallel parking at Tool Company (E. Sixth Street) instead of head-in parking, but the lines have not yet been painted. Denny Benshoff noted that he will do those as soon as possible. Discussion ensued, and it was agreed that evidence of the angled parking should be covered. If problems persist, Council can discuss further action at that time.

Councilman Martin made a motion to erect 25 mph signs on W. King Street from N. Grant to N. Church Street. Councilman Greenawalt seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

Councilman Martin made a motion that the “No Parking Except Sunday” signs on the north side of W. King Street 25' to the east and west of Elder Avenue remain, but the others to the west be removed. Councilman Greenawalt seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

Councilman Martin made a motion to install a 4'x4' manhole with cover in front of the Susquehanna Bank in Center Square for the community Christmas tree. Councilman Greenawalt seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

PROPOSED WEED ORDINANCE: Mr. Hamberger noted that the Solicitor prepared a proposed Weed Ordinance, which the staff has reviewed/revised and recommended for adoption. Councilman Martin made a motion to advertise the proposed ordinance for adoption. Councilman Mumma seconded. Solicitor Dively explained that the Borough’s long-standing Weed Ordinance was eliminated when they adopted the Property Maintenance Code. This new ordinance will essentially bring back the “old” Weed Ordinance. The motion passed 5-1 (Councilman McCammon opposed).

STORMWATER ENGINEERING FOR CENTER SQUARE: Mr. Hamberger advised that Dennis Black Engineering agreed with Council’s proposal on this matter.

NEW BUSINESS

REQUEST FROM ANTIETAM HUMANE SOCIETY FOR “WALK FOR THE ANIMALS”: Mr. Hamberger presented a request from the Antietam Humane Society for their annual “Walk for the Animals” to be held on October 19^th, beginning at 12:00 noon. Councilman Greenawalt made a motion to approve the request. Councilman Martin seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

LETTER RE: STREET CLOSING FOR CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY: Mr. Hamberger noted that the request for closing Main Street was left out of Mainstreet Waynesboro’s request for the Tree Lighting Ceremony to be held on November 21^st, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Councilman Martin made a motion to approve the street closing for this event. Councilman Mumma seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

REVISED BUDGET MEETING SCHEDULE: Mr. Hamberger noted that he revised Council’s proposed budget schedule so that members can attend the Chamber’s annual dinner meeting on October 16^th. Accordingly, their first budget meeting will be held on October 9^th, the second meeting on October 14^th, and so on (according to the initial schedule) – all meetings will begin at 7:00 p.m. Councilman Mumma made a motion to approve the revised schedule. Councilman McCammon seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

RESIGNATION OF POLICE OFFICER: Chief King noted that he received verbal notice on September 19^th (and written notice on September 22^nd) of Officer Michael Broas’ resignation, effective October 2^nd. Councilman McCammon made a motion to accept Officer Broas’ resignation. Councilman Greenawalt seconded. Mayor Starliper noted that he was not included in the exit interview held with Officer Broas, and he requested a written report on the interview from the Personnel Committee Chairman. President Newcomer noted that Council’s interview is done to determine reasons for officers going to other departments; and he suggested that the Mayor could hold an interview on his own as well. Councilman Mumma added that several items will be discussed at Council’s upcoming budget meeting (most likely in executive session, due to personnel issues). A vote was called on acceptance of the resignation. The motion passed unanimously.

REQUEST FOR YELLOW RIBBONS: Mr. Hamberger presented a request from Karen Keefer to place yellow ribbons on the lamp posts in Center Square (and any other areas which Council would find appropriate) to honor the 1-108th Field Artillery, Bravo Battery Family Readiness Group, who were deployed on September 19^th. Discussion followed regarding the length of time the yellow ribbons would remain and details regarding a maintenance program for the duration. Councilman McCammon made a motion to approve the request. Councilman Greenawalt seconded. More questions were asked, and President Newcomer suggested Council table the matter until he can contact Ms. Keefer for additional details. Councilman McCammon withdrew his motion for approval and Councilman Greenawalt seconded.

PUBLIC IN ATTENDANCE - NON-AGENDA ITEMS:

Frank Bittner, 842 Anthony Avenue - Mr. Bittner complimented Council on the decision to hold their regular meeting in the same format as their earlier workshop (seated near the audience).

FOR INFORMATION ONLY

INVITATION TO 96^TH ANNUAL FALL CONVENTION OF THE FRANKLIN COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS (OCTOBER 23, 2008): Council members were invited to attend the Annual Fall Convention of the Franklin County Association of Township Supervisors on October 23^rd, beginning at 6:30 p.m., at the Fayetteville Volunteer Fire Department Social Hall. Those interested in attending were asked to respond by October 3^rd.

INVITATION TO PENNDOT’S WINTER SERVICES/EXPECTATIONS MEETING: Council members were invited to PENNDOT’s Winter Services/Expectations meeting on October 23^rd, at 9:00 a.m., at NORLO Park. RSVPs are requested by October 10^th.

INVITATION TO FRANKLIN COUNTY DRUG TASK FORCE 2008 FALL BREAKFAST: Council members were also invited to attend the Drug Task Force’s Fall Breakfast, scheduled for November 7^th, at 8:00 a.m., at the Antrim House Restaurant. Those wishing to attend were asked to respond by October 31^st.

CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATION SCHEDULED: Mr. Hamberger reported that the Civil Service Commission has scheduled the Police Officer’s examination for October 20^th, at 7:00 p.m.

COUNCIL AND STAFF COMMENTS: Mr. Hamberger reported on the Tri-County Boroughs Association meeting the previous evening. They emphasized the importance of a bond issue referendum on the ballot in November. The proposed $400 million bond issue would raise funds for the Commonwealth to lend to municipalities/authorities through the PENNVEST Program for water and sewer projects. He added that the Borough has utilized PENNVEST funds several times in the past; and the Borough Authority is currently utilizing it for their new well off Route 316. The Boroughs Association is encouraging a positive vote on this matter.

Councilman Martin also mentioned a proposed referendum for tax credits to employers who permit their employees to serve as EMS and volunteer firefighters during work hours. Mr. Hamberger clarified that there is proposed legislation regarding this matter in the House and Senate; he will talk with Senator Punt and Representative Rock to request their support.

PAY BILLS: Councilman Mumma made a motion to void Check No. 47035; and to approve the payment of Check Nos. 47036 thru 47114. (He added that the check numbers are “off” by one number, due to a computer error.) Councilman Greenawalt seconded. Councilman Martin commented that he will not vote on the payment of bills again if he doesn’t receive a copy of the voucher listing “ahead of time”.

President Newcomer asked for an update on the new billing/accounting software. Mr. Hamberger noted that training will be “done soon”, and Mr. Newcomer urged him to expedite the matter.

Councilman Greenawalt reported that he attended the mobilization of the local National Guard recently, and commended Mayor Starliper on his speech in Senator Punt’s absence.

Councilman McCammon thanked Council members for the cost-of-living adjustment granted to retirees recently. He also questioned what is being done at the former Sheetz location on E. Main Street. Dan Sheffler responded that they were required (by state law) to drill three (3) test wells, which will be tested periodically, after removal of their underground storage tanks.

Denny Benshoff noted that the banner advertising MarketFest fell down and just missed a car. He feels that the fastening mechanism is not appropriately secure, so the banner will not be re-installed. He stressed the need for poles to be erected for this purpose. Kevin Grubbs added that he is working on that project and anticipates erection of the poles sometime during the winter.

At Council’s request, Kevin Grubbs provided an update on C.V. Avenue. He noted that things “are progressing”. They anticipate placing the first layer of base between Main and North Streets on Friday. That portion of the street will then be opened the following week, and they will start excavation of the lower end from North Street down. Weather permitting, he anticipates that blacktop will be down soon. Allegheny Power has all their work done (they are finishing at the lower end, as are Embarq and Comcast).

Mr. Grubbs also reported on E. North Street. There are some issues there with old services (and they are changing them over), but things are progressing well. The second grade work will begin on one end the following day; and hopefully, they will be paving by the end of next week.

The Turkey Hill project is also moving along. They are putting block up this week. Mike Cermak (Accredited Services) noted that they plan to open the new laundromat before they demolish the former one, which is anticipated by the end of this month.

Chief King advised Council members that the upcoming Drug Task Force meeting is “one that will be of special interest to our community” He encouraged Council members to try to attend the meeting on November 7^th.

Having no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 8:42 p.m. on a McCammon/Greenawalt motion which passed unanimously.

                                                                Respectfully Submitted,

                                                                Melinda S. Knott

                                                                Administrative Assistant