JUNE 17, 2009
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
Dave Martin, Fire 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 June 3, 2009 public hearing and regular meeting, as written. Councilman Greenawalt seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
ACCEPT REPORTS: Councilman McCammon made a motion to accept the reports of the Code Enforcement Officer, Police Chief and Fire Chief, as presented. Councilman Greenawalt seconded. Councilman Martin brought to Council’s attention the decrease in fees collected by the Code Enforcement Officer since last year. The motion then passed unanimously.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE: Councilman Mumma noted that he will present a motion during the “voting” section of the meeting regarding hiring additional lifeguards.
PROPERTY AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE: Councilman McCammon reported that he is still waiting for a second bid on demolition of the house at the golf course.
STREET COMMITTEE: No report. Councilman Martin noted that he will discuss an item during the “voting” section of the meeting.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE: No report.
DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE: President Newcomer requested that the staff give an update on progress downtown.
Kevin Grubbs reported that notices have been mailed to property owners and downtown business owners affected by installation of the new water line (which was limited to Center Square and a few stores outside of the quadrant). A weekly schedule/update of progress and proposed projects will be published in The Record Herald through the end of summer. In addition, information will be provided on the Borough’s website and was forwarded to Bruce Dreisbach and the Chamber of Commerce for their information and/or distribution.
Denny Benshoff reported that work on the 12" water line has begun (and should be completed the following day). Work will then begin on the 6" water line the following week. He added that they were able to install it under the storm sewer, and that the “old water line was in bad shape”.
Kevin Grubbs noted that he met with J.D. Eckman (the general contractor) representatives several days ago to review the intersections; and advance warning signs for construction have already been placed around the perimeter of the Square. On June 29th, the traffic signal company will start work at the intersection of Third and Potomac Streets. They will be preparing a ditch to insert cables for the traffic signals. Handicapped ramps at these locations will also be brought “up to Code” at this time. They will then proceed to Grant/Main Streets, Potomac/Main Streets, Broad/Main Streets and Clayton Avenue/Main Street – skipping the Square “until the last”.
Mr. Hamberger also noted that he was advised they would be delivering the mast arms and poles the following day. .
FINANCE COMMITTEE: Councilman Greenawalt reported that “finances are pretty much the same”, but there has been a large decrease in property transfer taxes. He is hoping to “have a good handle” on the situation the following month.
MAYOR’S REPORT: The Mayor’s Report was as follows –
“On June 13th, I participated in the B.P.O.E. Lodge #731's Flag Day ceremony at Memorial Park. My thanks to the Elks Lodge for sponsoring this program. As a side note, I am disappointed that more citizens from the Waynesboro area were not in attendance. The community of Williamsport, MD has over 200 at their ceremony.”
SOLICITOR’S REPORT: Solicitor Melissa Dively noted that she had received a request from PENNVEST to revise the Letters of No Prejudice and attendant resolutions required with the loan application. Accordingly, President Newcomer signed the documents, and Council will need to affirm his action.
PUBLIC COMMENT - ITEMS ON AGENDA:
Bruce Greenshields, 201 Clayton Avenue - Mr. Greenshields thanked Council members for allowing an annual review and opportunity for residents to voice their opinions regarding the issue of high school parking. His property is located on the block of E. Third Street between Myrtle and Clayton Avenues; and he was speaking on behalf of the other two (2) property owners on that section of the street who were unable to attend but are in agreement with him on the matter.
Since the beginning of school in the fall of 2008, parking on that section of E. Third Street (on both sides of the street) has been full; and that has been constant throughout the year. He feels there are two (2) main issues regarding the high school parking – public safety and public nuisance.
Mr. Greenshields addressed the public safety issue by referring to the Borough’s Transportation and Traffic Plan, and illustrating the fact that there is a “defacto southern bypass” to avoid Main Street traffic and congestion. (He explained.). His point was that the street is very busy with traffic, and there have been several accidents at the intersection of Third Street and Myrtle Avenue. With parking on both sides, there are sight distance problems for both vehicles and pedestrians; and there is no stop sign at Third Street and Myrtle Avenue in either direction. Larger vehicles are unable to negotiate the turn until all eastbound traffic on Third Street has cleared. On a personal note, Mr. Greenshields noted he cannot see to exit his driveway safely. Student drivers also park close to the residents’ driveways (he presented pictures to substantiate this claim); and because the cars are parked tight, they must pull into the opposite lane of traffic to exit their parking spaces. In addition, there is no crosswalk at this location, and pedestrians “criss-cross” the street on many occasions.
Regarding public nuisance, Mr. Greenshields stated that teenagers are parked in their cars with their engines running from 7:00 to 7:30 a.m. playing loud music, smoking, and displaying “appalling behavior”. In addition, after school behavior includes obscenities being yelled, vehicles “squealing out”, congregating around the cars, spitting and littering cigarette butts.
Accordingly, Mr. Greenshields proposed that the same policy be instituted on both sides of Third Street as on the west side of Myrtle Avenue (no school parking from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.). He mentioned that many municipalities prohibit student parking in residential areas around schools or colleges. He noted that the Waynesboro School District has taken the attitude that they can’t control the kids’ behavior because it is occurring on public streets; but he suggested that driving to school should be a privilege and awarded to kids based on some sort of merit (and the school should provide the parking). He also added that part of the school taxes paid is to provide for buses for children who do not live close enough to walk to school.
Nancy Funk, Myrtle Avenue - Mrs. Funk noted her appreciation for the Borough’s ruling for “no parking between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.” on school days on the west side of Myrtle Avenue, as it has worked out very well for her personally. Based on Mr. Greenshields suggestion, she recommended that Council consider increasing the “no parking” elsewhere in the Myrtle Avenue and Third Street vicinity.
Jill McKenzie, 121 Myrtle Avenue - Mrs. McKenzie noted she was also speaking on behalf of her mother who lives at 125 Myrtle Avenue. They are very frustrated with the parking along Myrtle Avenue. The kids park very close to their driveways and it is dangerous trying to exit. They have posted “No Trespassing” signs on their properties, but students continually ignore them and walk through their yards. Litter and trash is being thrown not only in the street, but in their yards. She feels bad that the kids have no place else to park, but thinks that the school needs to do something about it. Councilman Martin asked if they would prefer “no parking” on the east side of Myrtle Avenue also; and she responded in the affirmative.
H. J. Faye, representing his parents who live in the house on Second Street next to the High School - Mr. Faye stated “ditto, ditto, ditto”. He commented also about the difficulty in exiting from the driveway. Because of the chainlink fence and cars parked at the intersection of Virginia Avenue and Second Street, he has to pull halfway into the intersection to see if there is anything coming. He feels this is a safety issue that should be addressed before someone gets hurt. He added that no one follows the 25 mph speed limit during school hours.
Frank Bittner, 842 Anthony Avenue - Mr. Bittner noted his support for these residents, and proposed that something be done to get the school kids back in the buses provided. He feels that the buses are making routes with too many empty seats. He commented that schools in Virginia charge students $150.00 for a parking permit, which might be an incentive to ride the bus.
Louis Barlup, Jr., 111 Myrtle Avenue - Mr. Barlup agreed that this is a problem. School law requires that buses be provided for every student within its route, but it doesn’t require them to ride. Many of the buses he observes are only one-half to 2/3 full. The School District could mandate the students to park on school property, but the students could still park on public streets. He added that the high school renovations were a tremendous project, but they did not provide for parking in the interim. It is reported that when the project is complete, they will have more parking than before; but efforts should have been made to take care of the student population. He noted that the possibility exists for extending Third Street to the school parking lot. On occasion, students have parked close to their driveway – but notes placed on the vehicles seem to remedy that situation. He has also had to clean up debris from both sides of Myrtle Avenue, which is somewhat of a nuisance. Mr. Barlup feels there has to be a way to have more control over the parking, but the only way it seems it can be done is to require “no parking”. He added that he hates to see the signs on the street, though. Mr. Barlup also recommended that Borough Council attempt to put pressure on the School Board to rectify the situation.
Mr. Greenshields commented that if the school provides parking for the students after the renovation project, it won’t solve the problem because smoking is not permitted on school property and they will continue to park on the public streets.
Edgar Hykes, 25 Myrtle Avenue - Mr. Hykes stated that he hasn’t heard much complaint from his neighbors, and the kids have not parked close to his driveway during this school year.
Councilman Martin asked if there was anyone in attendance from the west side of Virginia Avenue. No one responded.
Mayor Starliper noted that Council members received correspondence from Bill Pflager, 133 Myrtle Avenue, and he read the letter at this time. (A copy of the letter is included herein.)
Councilman Martin suggested postponing action on the matter until the next meeting. He noted that he would like to express the residents’ thoughts to Caroline Dean (Business Administrator for the School District) and see what (if any) progress has been made on the School District’s part. President Newcomer requested that he also reiterate to her that the School District promised there “would be plenty of parking”, and they need to make that happen. In the meantime, Mr. Martin would also like to review the plan approved for the high school’s renovations to determine where parking was to be provided. He mentioned that Council may have to “get hard” regarding the parking spaces before an occupancy permit is granted. President Newcomer agreed.
Councilman Stains mentioned that if permit parking is required on the street, perhaps that would be an incentive for kids to ride the buses. But he noted that if Myrtle Avenue and Third Street are dealt with, then residents from Clayton Avenue, Third Street, Second Street, etc. will be experiencing the same difficulties. He recommended that Council consider prohibiting student parking as far back as Broad Street.
Councilman McCammon voiced his opinion that this is the “school’s problem”, and he questioned why Council is concerned about it. President Newcomer noted that they want to do what is right for the residents.
Councilman Martin noted that he will report back regarding the matter at Council’s next meeting.
VOTING ON ITEMS FROM COMMITTEE REPORTS: Councilman Mumma made a motion to hire Andrea Metz, Hunter Buterbaugh and Stephanie Stachmus as Lifeguards at Northside Pool. Councilman Stains seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
Councilman Martin reported that a request was received for “no parking” and a street closing for Summer Jubilee activities, but it was his recollection that this had been approved previously. Several Council members agreed, but Councilman Mumma made a motion to affirm approval for their requests. Councilman Mumma seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
Councilman Martin noted that discussions were held at the last meeting regarding several vacant properties where weeds were a problem, and Code Enforcement Officer Dan Sheffler was instructed to work with Solicitor Dively and contact the mortgage companies involved. Of the six (6) properties he was concerned about, three (3) of those have been taken care of. Still remaining, however, are 442 Fairview Avenue, 323 S. Church Street, and 203 Mt. Airy Avenue. Mr. Sheffler advised that he has sent notices out and contacted the mortgage companies for these addresses, but nothing has been done. Councilman Martin made a motion for the Borough to mow the properties and place liens against the properties (for the services plus costs). Councilman Stains seconded; the motion passed unanimously. Mayor Starliper questioned if Mr. Martin wanted to include any resultant fines, but Councilman Martin said he is only concerned with having the properties cleaned up.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
AFFIRM PENNVEST RESOLUTION AND LETTER OF RESPONSIBILITY: As reported by the Solicitor earlier, Mr. Hamberger explained that President Newcomer executed the appropriate documents for PENNVEST, and Council will need to affirm his actions. Councilman Martin made a motion to affirm the Council President’s actions as described. Councilman Mumma seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION NO. 2009-11
RESOLUTION TO APPLY
The Undersigned, an authorized representative of The Borough of Waynesboro, hereby certifies that at a meeting held on the 17th day of June, 2009, after due notice, at which a quorum was present, The Borough of Waynesboro unanimously adopted the following Resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Borough of Waynesboro shall be, and the same hereby are authorized to submit a Financial Assistance Application to the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST), substantially in the form presented at this meeting for the purpose of financing/partially financing the construction, rehabilitation and/or extension of the water/sewer system. Appropriate officers of the Governing Body are hereby authorized to execute all certification and documentation required in connection with the application.”
Complete copy on file at Borough Hall.
S. POTOMAC STREET FIRE STATION: Kevin Grubbs reported that a meeting was held the previous week at the Fire Hall to review estimates submitted by three (3) contractors for renovations to the roof and bell tower (and to discuss the possibility of removing the bell tower, due to the costs involved in repairs). He noted that it is the staff’s recommendation that the bell tower be removed.
Councilman Martin reported that he has talked with some members of the fire company, and they reportedly have no sentimental attachment to the tower ... only the bell. They have asked for permission to store the bell in their basement until they have determined an appropriate location for it to be displayed. Fire Chief Martin agreed with Mr. Martin. He also requested that a small roof be added over the entrance door at the station and the door (which is in bad shape) be replaced. Councilman Martin made a motion to approve the necessary repairs to the roof, removal of the bell tower, permission for the bell to be stored in the Fire Hall’s basement until the fire company finds an appropriate location for its placement, the addition of a small roof over the door entrance into the building, and replacement of the door as requested by Chief Martin. Councilman Mumma seconded., the motion passed unanimously.
MYRTLE AVENUE RIGHT-OF-WAYS: Mr. Hamberger noted that the request for abandonment was discussed at previous meetings, and a letter from the Finns has been received regarding indemnification from the Morningstars (and an explanation from the Solicitor regarding legal consequences of the limited indemnification).
Councilman McCammon made a motion to reject the petition for abandonment. Councilman Greenawalt seconded. Councilman Martin agreed that this is best because of the potential liability involved, and stated that the matter could be re-visited in the future if circumstances change. President Newcomer disagreed, noting that an indemnity agreement was received. A vote was then called. Voting in favor of rejecting the request for abandonment were Councilmen McCammon, Greenawalt and Martin; and voting in opposition were Councilmen Newcomer, Stains and Mumma. Being a tie vote, Mayor Starliper voted nay (rejecting the motion).
Councilman Mumma made a motion to grant the request for abandonment. He commented that the Borough has abandoned other areas; and the land is of no value - nothing can be built on it and no one else would be interested in buying it. He clarified that the motion would be to grant the petition and to accept the indemnification. Councilman Stains seconded.
Councilman McCammon reiterated his opinion that the Borough should not give away their land. Councilman Martin agreed that the Borough has abandoned other areas, but those did not involve a threat of litigation. He feels that all three (3) families who have petitioned for the abandonment should indemnify the Borough. If a lawsuit is initiated, the Borough will have to defend their actions. President Newcomer noted that he has spoken with Mr. King, and he doesn’t feel that there is a legitimate threat because he will not be losing any land.
Ms. Dively advised that the indemnification agreement is a “standard indemnification”, and it is her legal opinion that there would be more security in the matter if all the petitioners were to sign an indemnification. Of course, this would be a policy decision.
Councilman McCammon asked for a “show of hands” from the public in attendance if they, as taxpayers, want the Borough to give their land away. He explained the situation, and Solicitor Dively provided further clarification. Under Pennsylvania’s Borough Code, Boroughs can have ordained streets either open and maintained, or unopened with sufficient maintenance to keep the street “on the books”. A process is provided whereby property owners adjoining the unopened portion may petition for the Borough to abandon the street. If abandoned, the adjoiners would then own the property to the middle of the street or alley. In this instance, because the Kings are actually adjoiners on both sides, they would own the whole portion.
Amos Miller, a member of the public, suggested that all the property owners involved should “say yes”. President Newcomer explained that all except Mr. King have agreed, but he feels that Mr. King’s issues are personal (and a lawsuit has been threatened).
Ron Finn, one of the petitioners for the abandonment - Mr. Finn stated that 80% of the residents are in favor of the abandonment but do not want to sign the petition, and Mr. and Mrs. Morningstar have agreed to provide indemnification to the Borough. Mr. King has indicated he would be in favor of the abandonment, but wants Fourth Street closed in exchange (which cannot be done). The Morningstars, the Finns and the Greenshields own both sides of the “open ditch of land” beside the Kings and Dr. Garcia. They plan to keep the property as unopened. Dr. Garcia is to the left on Third Street and “unopened Myrtle”, and owns up to the Greenshields’ property. He is in favor of the abandonment, but did not want to enter into the petition and cause “any problems”. The street they are talking about doesn’t reach Third Street, so it will most likely not be opened.
Mr. Finn continued ... when the School Board began making comments about opening this portion of Myrtle Avenue and establishing a parking lot, they got upset. They offered to buy the property, but were refused. With no other recourse, they consulted an attorney and presented the petition for abandonment in accordance with Pennsylvania law. They don’t want their properties destroyed because of a parking lot for the School Board.
In response to Amos Miller’s question earlier about “all the property owners” agreeing, Solicitor Dively advised that state law only requires that the majority present a petition.
Councilman Martin questioned the reason that the Finns and Greensfields wouldn’t sign the indemnification. President Newcomer noted this was explained in their letter of June 12, and he read the letter (a copy of which is included herein).
A vote was then called – voting in favor of abandoning the portion of Myrtle Avenue in question were Councilmen Newcomer, Mumma and Stains; and voting in opposition were Councilmen Martin, McCammon and Greenawalt. The Mayor voted in favor and the motion carried.
REVISE CDBG PROGRAMS: Mr. Hamberger noted that a public hearing was held and modifications to various CDBG were advertised for Council’s consideration. Councilman Mumma made a motion to approve modifications to the 2005, 2006 and 2008 CDBG programs as outlined during the public hearing. Councilman Stains seconded. Voting in favor were Councilmen Mumma, Stains, Newcomer and McCammon; and voting in opposition were Councilmen Martin and Greenawalt. The motion passed 4-2.
NEW BUSINESS
PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS; Kevin Grubbs reported that the Planning Commission reviewed the revised Subdivision/Land Development Plan for Sam Campbell for five (5) townhouse units at Mt. Airy Avenue and Locust Street. Several revisions were requested regarding details on water services and sanitary sewer laterals, which have been taken care of. In addition, requirements regarding a stormwater facilities maintenance agreement have been provided to the Planning Commission. After review of the information provided, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the plans to Borough Council, contingent upon a note being added to page 1 referring to the stormwater facilities ownership and maintenance agreement, with a date line and recording information to be added. This has also been completed.
Council members have received a copy of the proposed maintenance agreement. Solicitor Dively noted that a Homeowners’ Association is not required for a subdivision like this, but stormwater facilities should be addressed and not become the responsibility of the Borough. She read pertinent sections of the agreement and explained that it is essentially a “mini Homeowners’ Association”.
It was clarified that these units will be built and rented, but could eventually be sold individually. Discussion followed regarding ingress/egress off Locust Street. After much discussion on the matter, Lee Royer stated they maintain the opinion that Locust Street should be kept one-way. They feel that making it two-way would be very confusing. Discussion continued, and Kevin Grubbs noted that Council has until July 23rd to make a decision on the matter.
Councilman Martin made a motion to table the matter and study it further. Councilman Stains seconded. Council members were requested to field-view the area before the next meeting. Kevin Grubbs expressed concern from the Engineering Department and Planning Commission that it is not normal practice to take any street or alley that is one-way and partially turn it into two-way without a proper intersecting street, as this creates a traffic hazard (because motorists are forced to either back up or down a hill).
Councilman Martin repeated his motion to table the matter until Council’s next meeting. Councilman Mumma seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
AWARD BIDS FOR SIDEWALKS DOWNTOWN: Mr. Hamberger noted that bids were opened the previous day for the brick sidewalk project, and the apparent low bidder was GRC. Their total bid for the sidewalk, curbing and handicapped ramp was $463,593.75; and the additional area to the rear of the 12' sidewalk (to the buildings) was $115,290.00.
Kevin Grubbs noted that the staff recommends awarding the original bid for the 12' area to GRC; and Council has thirty (30) days to make a decision on the additional item (behind the sidewalk). Melissa Dively clarified that there was a mathematical error in GRC’s bid, and any bid award should be made contingent on correction of that error.
Councilman Mumma made a motion as such. Councilman Martin seconded. Councilman Martin clarified that there is $500,000 available for the 12' brick sidewalk on Main Street from Grant Street to Walnut Street on both sides of the street (which includes handicapped ramps). As no decision must be made for thirty (30) days on the additional bid item, Kevin Grubbs noted he would like to discuss the matter further with Council. A pre-construction meeting will be held with the contractor the following Monday at 10:00 a.m.; and he would like to meet with downtown property owners before a decision is made.
In order to obtain additional input, Councilman Martin withdrew his motion. Councilman Mumma seconded. The matter will be discussed at Council’s upcoming workshop and placed on the meeting agenda for July 1st.
PUBLIC IN ATTENDANCE - NON-AGENDA ITEMS:
Amos Miller, 309 W. Sixth Street - Mr. Miller reminded Council that there is “more to Waynesboro than downtown”. Much has been (and will be ) accomplished there, but there are other issues throughout town which should be dealt with. He referred to the weed control problem and overgrown trees, etc. He questioned if CDBG monies could be utilized for a “Beautification Program” which would take care of issues such of these when properties are neglected and/or abandoned. A lien could then be placed on the property until its ownership is transferred. He urged Council members to expand their efforts further than the downtown area. Council President Newcomer noted that Main Street Inc. is an organization which assists with downtown revitalization; but there is also a program known as “Elm Street Inc.” which touches on what Mr. Miller is talking about. He encouraged Mr. Miller to contact Bruce Dreisbach (Downtown Manager) about this possibility.
Councilman Martin noted that the Borough has been incurring engineering costs with regard to stormwater management, but no funds have been received (or pledged) for this project yet. In addition, he has requested that the Borough Manager attempt to find available funds to reconstruct Welty Road (which has proven to be extremely difficult). He suggested that quotations be obtained from local banks for a 5-10 year loan in the amount of approximately $300,000 for the Welty Road project (and to cover these additional engineering costs). He then made a motion as such. Councilman Mumma seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
FOR INFORMATION ONLY
Mr. Hamberger noted that the Franklin County Department of Emergency Services has requested an update of the Townships/Boroughs’ mutual aid agreement. Council members have received a copy for review and discussion at their next meeting. Also, he has drafted a revised Weed Ordinance for Council’s review. This matter will also be placed on the agenda for the next meeting. In addition, as he explained in his recent memo to Council, he is recommending proceeding with an advertisement to hire a Golf Course Manager/Groundskeeper (since Harry Grove is retiring). He suggested that Council meet with members of the Recreation Board to discuss the possibility of leasing the course as an alternate, but recommended that applications be requested in the meantime. A proposed job description for the position was presented for Council’s approval. Councilman Stains made a motion to approve the job description and authorize the Borough Manager to proceed as outlined. Councilman Mumma seconded; the motion passed 4-2 (Councilman Martin opposed, because he had not yet read the job description provided).
Council President Newcomer requested that arrangements be made for members of the Property and Personnel Committees to meet with the Recreation Board regarding this matter.
PAY BILLS: Councilman Mumma made a motion to approve payment of the Voucher Lists dated 06/09 and 06/12, as presented. Councilman Greenawalt seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
COUNCIL AND STAFF COMMENTS: Councilman Martin explained to the audience that, while Council members may vote differently on some items, once a vote is taken, the majority has spoken and they all abide by it. The majority does rule. The matter is then forgotten and they work forward together; and there is no animosity after a vote is over. President Newcomer noted his statement was “well put”.
Solicitor Melissa Dively noted her appreciation of Councilman Martin’s comments. She added that was the first time she has heard a member of a governing body make such a comment; and she hopes the public appreciates it too.
Fire Chief Dave Martin thanked Council for moving forward on the roof and bell tower.
Councilman Greenawalt noted his pleasure that Council will be holding workshops in the upcoming months. He also was appreciative of the public in attendance who expressed their opinions on the parking situation at the high school.
Councilman Mumma commented that he is hopeful they can get the parking situation worked out with the School Board. He also endorsed Councilman Martin’s comments.
Mayor Starliper requested that Council research and consider an ordinance banning motorists using cell phones in the Borough. He knows of several boroughs in Pennsylvania who have adopted such ordinances, but this would be a decision for Council. Also, he responded to Councilman Martin’s inquiry regarding camera lights – this would be a Police Department matter, but he and Chief King will look into it for the 2010 budget.
President Newcomer also noted his appreciation for Councilman Martin’s comments. He advised that it may look like Council members differ in opinions on various items, but “that is democracy”.
Having no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 9:24 p.m. on a Mumma/Stains motion which passed unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
Melinda S. Knott
Administrative Assistant