DECEMBER 3, 2008
WAYNESBORO, PA 17268
REGULAR MEETING
Council President Craig Newcomer called the regularly scheduled meeting of the Waynesboro Borough Council to order at 7:30 p.m. with the following in attendance:
Borough Council Members – Benjamin Greenawalt, Jason Stains, C. Harold Mumma, Craig Newcomer, Charles McCammon and Ronald Martin
Mayor Richard Starliper
Borough Staff – Lloyd R. Hamberger, II, Borough Manager
Denny Benshoff, Maintenance Superintendent
Dan Sheffler, Zoning-Code Enforcement Officer
Kevin Grubbs, Head of Engineering Services
Melissa Dively, Borough Solicitor (Salzmann Hughes, PC)
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 November 19, 2008 meeting, as written. Councilman Greenawalt seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE: Councilman Mumma noted that he will have recommendations on two (2) re-appointments to the Recreation Board during the “voting section” of the meeting.
PROPERTY AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE: No report.
STREET COMMITTEE: Councilman Martin reported that the Street Committee met on November 21st and discussed the following --
• Rotary Parking Lot - Council was requested to put in additional parking in front of the Mulberry Laundry Center. After review, it is the Street Committee’s recommendation to establish one (1) row of parking spaces in front of the laundromat (keeping a 20' opening for ingress/egress). A motion will follow during the “voting section” of the meeting.
• Former Biser Furniture Store Building - The Street Committee spoke with Craig Mahrle (property owner) regarding the fact that the former Biser Furniture Store building is not connected to public sewer and has no septic system. This matter is being reviewed and pursued.
• Myrtle Avenue (Third to Fourth Streets) - The Street Committee is working with residents in the area about the possibility of abandoning this section of Myrtle Avenue; and consideration is being given to extending Fourth Street in the future. (Third Street will be extended by the School District in the spring/summer.)
• Street Light on “Becks’ Curve” - The matter has been discussed with Allegheny Power – a new transformer would cost $2,000, but they could run a line off the pole at Eastland Road at a cost of $550. The monthly fee for the light would be $18.00/month; and Mr. Hamberger is requesting that Washington Township pay half the costs. Discussion regarding an additional light at Eastland Road can be held at a later date. Mr. Hamberger noted that the transformer at Eastland Road is a small one, and it may need to be replaced if another light is added. This will be discussed at the Street Committee’s next meeting.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE: No report.
DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE: President Newcomer advised Council to read the letter from Salzmann Hughes regarding the pursuit of infrastructure funding, and this matter will be discussed at a later date. He also reported that a $500,000 grant has been awarded for brick pavers and sidewalks, which will be a nice addition to the downtown. (Samples are available for the public to view.)
FINANCE COMMITTEE: No report. President Newcomer noted that he would like to appoint Councilman Greenawalt to the Finance Committee; and Mr. Greenawalt accepted the appointment.
MAYOR’S REPORT: The Mayor’s Report was as follows –
“On November 21st and 22nd, the Tree Lighting and Parade was held in downtown. I wish to thank the Greater Waynesboro Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Manager, and Main Street Inc. for their efforts in organizing these events.
On November 25th, I had the privilege of swearing in my three new officers, Rebekah Deeds, Ryan Ramsey and Donald Rowe. My congratulations to them.
On December 3rd, I attended a meeting in Chambersburg in reference to Franklin County’s 225th Anniversary on September 9, 2009. The Committee is setting out to create a plan to host events in the five Boroughs in the County over the course of the year, with a parade over Labor Day weekend, 2009. More information to follow.”
SOLICITOR’S REPORT: No report.
PUBLIC COMMENT - ITEMS ON AGENDA:
Marjorie Benson, 2 W. Third Street - Ms. Benson noted her appreciation to Stephen Monn and the Planning Commission members for their work on the parking regulation ordinance.
VOTING ON ITEMS FROM COMMITTEE REPORTS: Councilman Mumma made a motion to re-appoint Craig Koons and Debbie Beck to the Recreation Board. Their new terms will expire on 12/31/2013. Councilman Stains seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
Councilman Martin made a motion to approve the request received for a handicapped parking space at 245 S. Church Street. Councilman McCammon seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Martin noted that Dan Sheffler received a request from the Waynesboro Area Girls’ Softball League to place a registration sign on the Waynesboro Mall property from January 5-19. They have secured the property owner’s approval, and the sign will be sufficient anchored down. Councilman Martin made a motion to approve the off-premises sign, as requested. Councilman McCammon seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
Councilman Martin made a motion to instruct the staff to paint one (1) additional row of parking spaces on the Rotary parking lot (in front of the Mulberry Laundry Center), as outlined previously. Councilman McCammon seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
DOWNTOWN PARKING ORDINANCE: President Newcomer noted that the proposed ordinance was discussed at Council’s workshop held earlier this morning, and several changes were recommended. Councilman Martin made a motion to move forward with the ordinance, as revised by the Solicitor and staff; and further, to schedule a public hearing regarding the matter prior to Council’s second meeting in January. Councilman McCammon seconded. It was clarified that the proposed ordinance will be forwarded to the Waynesboro Planning Commission and Franklin County Planning Commission for their review and comments. A vote was called and the motion passed unanimously.
RECREATION STUDY REQUIREMENT: Mr. Hamberger noted that he and the Solicitor have reviewed the requirements for a Recreation Study, and feel that the “short form” will be the most expeditious. Ms. Dively advised that she will meet with the Recreation Board on Tuesday evening to discuss the matter, and added that the study is required in order to have a legal ordinance with regard to the recreation impact fees being proposed.
QUINCY TOWNSHIP FIRE AGREEMENT: Mr. Hamberger noted that this agreement was also discussed at Council’s workshop meeting this morning, and he recommended that it be approved as modified. Councilman McCammon made a motion in accordance with the Borough Manager’s recommendation. Councilman Greenawalt seconded. President Newcomer advised the public that Council met with representatives of Quincy Township several times to negotiate this agreement. Ultimately, they will be billed “per call” with an equipment-based fee. Accordingly, he noted that the taxpayers of Waynesboro will not be paying for Quincy’s fire service. A vote was called on the motion, and it passed unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
LANDIS TOOL COMPANY PLAN: Attorney Timothy Misner was present, and reiterated his request from the previous meeting. He noted that Landis Tool Company must be subdivided into three (3) parcels because of environmental covenants placed on the parcels. Parcel A (on Sixth Street) and Parcel B (at the corner of Ninth and Ringgold Streets) both have street frontage, but Parcel C does not. They are proposing that Parcel C be a lot addition – but they would like the flexibility of making it a lot addition to either Parcel A or Parcel B at the time of sale. He clarified that Parcel B can be built on, but with a few more restrictions than on Parcel C.
Pursuant to Article 9 of the Subdivision & Land Development Ordinance, Council is being requested to a grant hardship in allowing the flexibility to put Parcel C with the individual(s) purchasing either Parcel A or B. Mr. Misner’s written request has been submitted to the Borough. Solicitor Dively confirmed that the proposed language for the deeds has been submitted and is sufficient. She read the information from an email, which will become part of the records regarding this matter.
Councilman McCammon made a motion to grant the request, as proposed in Mr. Misner’s November 25th correspondence. Councilman Martin seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
FACADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT APPLICATION (WAYNE DRISCOLL, 310 W. MAIN STREET): Mr. Hamberger presented an Application for a Facade Improvement Grant for Wayne Driscoll, 310 W. Main Street. He noted that the Design Review Committee has approved the application, and it is being presented for Council’s final approval. Councilman Martin made a motion to approve the application. Councilman McCammon seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
PUBLIC IN ATTENDANCE - NON-AGENDA ITEMS: None.
RIGHT-TO-KNOW RESOLUTION: Mr. Hamberger presented a proposed resolution with regard to the Right-to-Know Law. He explained that, effective 01/01/09, all municipalities in Pennsylvania are adopting a similar resolution (which has been recommended by the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs). Councilman McCammon made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2008-23, as presented. Councilman Martin seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION NO. 2008-23
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF WAYNESBORO ESTABLISHING AN ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS POLICY IMPLEMENTING THE PENNSYLVANIA RIGHT-TO-KNOW LAW.
Complete copy on file at Borough Hall.
FOR INFORMATION ONLY
BUDGET ADOPTION SCHEDULE: Mr. Hamberger reported that the proposed 2009 budget has been placed on public display, and has been advertised for consideration at Council’s next meeting.
UPCOMING LAUNCHES (COMCAST CABLE): Information was provided to Council regarding Comcast’s offering of new services and new channels, as well as a rate increase.
CIVIL SERVICE ELIGIBLE LIST (POLICE OFFICER): Mr. Hamberger noted that the Civil Service Commission has provided an updated eligibility list for Police Officer. Council members have received copies for their review and consideration.
PAY BILLS: None.
COUNCIL AND STAFF COMMENTS: Councilman Martin commented that a lot of ideas were heard and incorporated into the new downtown parking ordinance, and he feels it will be beneficial. He added that he is looking forward to the two (2) new restaurants Bruce Dreisbach has promised will be forthcoming.
Kevin Grubbs asked for Council’s approval to move forward with the field work required for submission of the Highway Occupancy Permit for the sidewalk projects downtown. Councilman Martin made a motion to grant approval as requested. Councilman McCammon seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Grubbs also reported that work on the street print at the Rotary parking lot project is “coming along well” and it looks very nice. The work should be completed within the next several days, if weather permits.
Police Chief Mark King advised that the Department has received $6,393 (to date) in donations for the new K-9, which is half-way to their goal. He thanked local businesses and organizations, as well as the community as a whole, for donating to this cause. He also reported that he attended the graduation ceremony for their three (3) new officers, at which time Rebekah Deeds received top academic honors.
Councilman Greenawalt noted that the new street lights at the west end of Main Street are a “nice improvement”, and he is hopeful that the other lights will be updated so they look as good.
Mayor Starliper asked if anything is required of Council for the detour for the upcoming state project. Kevin Grubbs noted that he met recently with Mike Lapano (PENNDOT) regarding the bridge construction on SR 2002 (Marsh Road). Detour signs will be put in place; and if there is any impact on the Borough’s streets, PENNDOT will take care of the damages. He presented a Memorandum of Understanding from PENNDOT for the Borough to “sign off” on. Councilman Mumma made a motion to authorize the appropriate Borough staff to execute the document. Councilman Greenawalt seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
President Newcomer announced that arrangements have been confirmed with Congressman Bill Shuster for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at C.V. Avenue/Main Street on December 4th at 2:00 p.m.
Having no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 8:01 p.m. on a McCammon/Mumma motion which passed unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
Melinda S. Knott
Administrative Assistant