JULY 15, 2009
WAYNESBORO, PA 17268
REGULAR MEETING
Council President Craig Newcomer called the regularly scheduled meeting of the Waynesboro Borough Council to order at 9:13 p.m. with the following in attendance:
Borough Council Members – Benjamin Greenawalt, C. Harold Mumma, Craig Newcomer, Charles McCammon, Ronald Martin and Jason Stains
Mayor Richard Starliper
Borough Staff – Lloyd R. Hamberger, II, Borough Manager
Melissa Dively, Borough Solicitor
Mark King, Police Chief
Denny Benshoff, Maintenance Superintendent
Kevin Grubbs, Head of Engineering Services
Dave Martin, Fire Chief
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Starliper led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
NEW BUSINESS
PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS:
Waynesboro Hospital Land Development Plan - Kevin Grubbs presented the Waynesboro Hospital’s Land Development Plan for a 10' x 75' addition along the front of their building near the intersection of Enterprise Avenue, for relocation of the mobile MRI unit. The Franklin County Planning Commission reviewed the plan and offered no comment. A variance to encroach 10' into the 30' setback line has been granted. The Waynesboro Planning Commission reviewed the plan and recommended approval, as submitted. Councilman McCammon made a motion to approve the Hospital’s Land Development Plan. Councilman Stains seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
Sam Campbell Land Development Plan - Solicitor Dively noted that, after the last meeting when Council decided to take no action on the plan, it was discovered that there was an error in calculation of the review period. (It was originally thought that the meeting that evening was the last day of the review period.) Accordingly, it was felt that the matter should be brought “back to the table” for re-consideration.
At this time, Mr. Campbell has met all requirements of the Subdivision/Land Development Ordinance and has offered an agreement to include the obligation of stormwater maintenance. Mrs. Dively advised Mr. Campbell that if the plan is approved (or deemed approved), he will still be obligated because the offer was made to the Borough. Mr. Campbell agreed. Councilman Martin then made a motion to approve the Land Development Plan and agreement regarding stormwater maintenance, subject to securing the appropriate bonding for the project. Councilman McCammon seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
APPROVE MINUTES: Councilman McCammon made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 1, 2009 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 Stains seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE: Councilman Mumma noted he has several items for discussion during the “voting” section of the meeting.
PROPERTY AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE: No report.
STREET COMMITTEE: Councilman Martin noted he will discuss several items during the “voting” section also.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE: No report.
DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE: President Newcomer noted that he will present information during the “voting” section of the meeting.
FINANCE COMMITTEE: Councilman Greenawalt provided Council members with a report on revenues of the Borough, as compared with last year’s figures, as follows --
2008 2009 Difference
Real Estate Tax 935,535 963,479 +27,944
Earned Income Tax 441,988 443,277 +1,289
Local Service Tax 72,089 97,115 +25,026
Real Estate Transfer Tax 112,077 85,105 -26,972
Subdivision Fees 18,807 4,574 -14,233
He concluded with the statement that, for all the taxes, “we are ahead $13,054". Councilman Martin, however, added that most of that amount is due to the transfer of the former Tool Company and E-Z Dumper.
MAYOR’S REPORT: The Mayor’s Report was as follows –
“On July 4th, I participated in the parade sponsored by the Brothers of the Brush. My congratulations to their organization for the many years they have sponsored this event. Also to the Summer Jubilee and their members for the great event and fireworks.
On July 5th, along with Representative Rock, Officer Lange of the Waynesboro Police Department, Darryl Burns of the Waynesboro Fire Police, Robert Shank of the Waynesboro Fire Department, and Freddie Johnson of the Waynesboro Ambulance Squad, I attended the Otterbein Church Musical Tribute to July 4th and to the local organizations who keep this community safe and sound. It was a great evening of music.”
SOLICITOR’S REPORT: None.
PUBLIC COMMENT - ITEMS ON AGENDA: None.
VOTING ON ITEMS FROM COMMITTEE REPORTS: Councilman Mumma made a motion to re-appoint Ron Flegel to the Waynesboro Civil Service Commission, whose term expires on August 1, 2009. Mr. Flegel’s new term would expire on August 1, 2015. Councilman Greenawalt seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
Councilman Mumma reported that he received a favorable evaluation for Scott Crum. He made a motion to approve a step increase for Scott Crum to salary level 12C ($19.19/hour). Councilman Mumma seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
Having completed five (5) years of service, Councilman Mumma made a motion to promote Travis Carbaugh to Police Officer III and grant longevity compensation of 3% in accordance with the police contract, effective July 5, 2009. Councilman McCammon seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
Councilman Mumma made a motion to remove Rebekah Deeds, Donald Rowe and Ryan Ramsey from probationary status and to promote them each to the position of Police Officer I ($20.25/hour), effective July 7, 2009. Councilman Stains seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
Councilman Mumma made a motion to approve a step increase for Byron “Rick” Bowser to salary level 4D ($12.27/hour), effective June 29, 2009. Councilman Stains seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
Councilman Mumma read a letter of resignation from Paul Gunder from the Main Street Facade Improvement Program’s Design Review Committee. Councilman Mumma made a motion to reluctantly accept his resignation from this position. Councilman Greenawalt seconded; the motion passed unanimously. It was noted that Mr. Hamberger should send a letter of appreciation to Mr. Gunder for his service.
Councilman Mumma noted that the Personnel Committee has received applications (and held interviews) for the temporary position of Clerk/Bookkeeper. He made a motion to hire Vicky Grubbs for the position at a salary of $10.00/hour. Councilman McCammon seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
Councilman Martin made a motion to remove the handicapped parking space at 132 N. Franklin Street, as the person who requested the space has passed away. Councilman McCammon seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
Councilman Martin suggested that, while the street is “tore up”, one-inch conduit be installed around the Square for use at a later date (if needed). He noted that this would be a minimal cost (approximately $18.00/100') and made a motion as such. Councilman Stains seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
Councilman Martin pointed out that, currently the state plows snow to the edge of the parking spaces and the Borough plows out the parking spaces by placing the snow on the sidewalks. He noted that this procedure will have to cease because of the chemicals being placed on the brick sidewalks. Motorists will need to be aware that there will be approximately 1-2' of snow between their car and the curb when utilizing the downtown parking spaces.
Councilman Martin made a motion to authorize the Borough Solicitor to respond to correspondence received from the Superintendent of the Waynesboro Area School District. Councilman McCammon seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
CONSIDER PROPOSED WEED ORDINANCE FOR ADOPTION: Mr. Hamberger reported that the proposed Weed Ordinance was advertised for consideration at this meeting. Since the advertisement, however, a suggestion was made to address garden plants. Solicitor Dively has noted that this would be a de minimous change and the ordinance could be modified without re-advertisement. Councilman Mumma made a motion to approve the proposed ordinance, subject to modifications to be made by the Solicitor. Councilman Stains seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
BRICK SIDEWALKS PROJECT: Councilman Martin made a motion to authorize the construction of brick sidewalks (from the curb to the buildings) from Cleveland Avenue on the south side and the alley across from Cleveland Avenue on the north side to Walnut Street, with the understanding that MSI will contact the Main Street property owners and solicit additional funds to pay for any over-run in costs. Further, if any money is leftover, it will remain in a separate fund to extend the project to Grant Street in the future. The Borough will also agree to pay for additional costs for the portion of the sidewalk behind the public right-of-way in front of Borough Hall and the Library. Councilman Stains seconded; the motion passed 5-1 (Councilman McCammon opposed). Councilman Martin clarified that if a property owner doesn’t want the additional section of brick sidewalk, it can’t be done.
Mr. Hamberger requested that the Solicitor be authorized to prepare the proper documents for execution by the property owners. Council concurred.
Councilman Martin made another motion to set-up a separate fund for donations toward extending the project from Cleveland Avenue to Grant Street after the initial project is done (or if any money is leftover). Councilman Greenawalt seconded; the motion passed 5-1 (Councilman McCammon opposed).
REQUEST TO CLOSE A PORTION OF FRANKLIN STREET AND USE SIDEWALK BY 300 W. MAIN STREET (RIVERS OF LIVING WATER): Councilman McCammon made a motion to grant the request of the Rivers of Living Water to close a portion of Franklin Street and use the sidewalk by 300 W. Main Street for a fundraising event on July 18th from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Councilman Stains seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
BID PROPOSALS (ROOF AND BELL TOWER AT S. POTOMAC STREET FIRE HALL): Kevin Grubbs reported that he is working on the contract documents for bidding this project.
PUBLIC IN ATTENDANCE - NON-AGENDA ITEMS: None.
FOR INFORMATION ONLY
225TH FRANKLIN COUNTY ANNIVERSARY PARADE: Council was invited to attend (and/or participate in) Franklin County’s 225th Commemorative Parade on September 7th, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
PAY BILLS: Councilman Mumma made a motion to approve payment of the Voucher Lists dated 06/30 (from the last meeting) and 07/08 (from this meeting). Councilman Stains seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
COUNCIL AND STAFF COMMENTS: Councilman Martin thanked everyone involved with the brick paver project. He noted he appreciates their efforts, but the work has just started.
Councilman Mumma also thanked the public for their input, and MSI for agreeing to assist.
Mayor Starliper reported that he received correspondence from the Franklin County Drug Task Force. They note that Waynesboro’s undercover officer has been doing a tremendous job. During the first quarter of 2009, drugs valued at $35,000+ and approximately $5,500 in cash have been seized in the area.
Mayor Starliper also noted that, due to changes in equipment at Franklin County Communications, there is concern regarding the new radios (25 handheld and 8 car radios) and if they will work with the new system. Mr. Hamberger stated it was his understanding that they would, but the Mayor thought that had changed. It was suggested that a meeting be held with County representatives to obtain clarification on the matter.
President Newcomer thanked individuals involved with the brick sidewalk project to this point, but he also noted that they are “just getting started”. He was pleased to see that Council and community members discussed their options and ideas, and worked together on solutions. He is hopeful that everyone will be happy with the end result.
Having no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. on a McCammon/Greenawalt motion which passed unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
Melinda S. Knott
Administrative Assistant