APRIL 14, 2005

                                                                WAYNESBORO, PA 17268

                                                                “TOWN MEETING”

Council President Charles McCammon called the public meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with the following in attendance:

Borough Council Members – Richard George, Lorena Newcomer, Charles McCammon and C. Harold Mumma

          Mayor Louis M. Barlup, Jr.

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

                     Dan Sheffler, Zoning-Code Enforcement Officer

                     Kevin Grubbs, Head of Engineering Services

                     Mike Benshoff, Maintenance Foreman

                     Ron Flegel, Fire Chief

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

RULES OF THE MEETING: Council President McCammon instructed the public in attendance to raise their hand if they wished to address Council, and each individual would be permitted five (5) minutes to speak.

ANNOUNCEMENT RE: BOARD VACANCIES: Mr. McCammon announced that there are currently vacancies on various boards – Recreation Board, Shade Tree Commission, and Zoning Hearing Board. Those interested in serving on any of these boards were requested to contact Mr. Hamberger or Administrative Assistant Melinda Knott. Mr. Hamberger added that the vacancy on the Zoning Heard Board is the most critical to be filled at this time.

COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL: As the meeting was brought to fruition by the Street Committee, it was turned over to Councilman Richard George. Mr. George welcomed everyone and noted that the purpose of this meeting was to provide an opportunity for the people of the community to express their opinions on matters relating to the town. This is the first meeting of this type, but it is important to for the public to have an opportunity to give input about any concerns they may have. Those concerns will be directed to the proper committees, and will ultimately be presented to Council for some type of resolution. The meeting was then opened to the public for comments.

COMMENTS/DISCUSSION FROM THE PUBLIC: Mr. McCammon began by asking for any comments regarding streets.

Jerry Flood, 125 S. Potomac Street, asked for rationale on installation of the four-way stop sign at Third and Walnut Streets. He feels there have been more accidents there since the stop was implemented than before. Councilman George noted he is aware of one accident which occurred there since that stop was installed. He explained that residents of Third Street (when discussing Rutters) presented many issues relating to that area (including traffic, speeding and accidents). The Street Committee first reviewed the intersection of Third Street/Fairview Avenue – a four-way stop was recommended, approved and installed at that location. More sight distance was required at the intersection of S. Church/Third Streets, and several parking signs were moved back to provide a better view of motorists traveling east/west on Third Street.

The Committee then reviewed the intersection at Walnut Street, which is difficult to exit due to poor sight distance. To provide appropriate sight distance, however, significant parking would have to be removed. It was felt that this was a dangerous situation and the best resolution would be the installation of a four-way stop. The Street Committee unanimously recommended this action to Borough Council, who passed the motion with only one opposing vote.

Mr. George noted that the potential for an accident exists anywhere, but feels that the accident at this location occurred because the four-way stop was new. After that accident, the matter was again reviewed by the Street Committee to determine if they still felt that a four-way stop was the right decision. He also visited several locations in Chambersburg where four-way stops had recently been installed – these areas had been marked the same as Walnut/Third Streets (minus the flashing warning lights). The Street Committee feels that the four-way stop at this intersection makes it much safer.

Jerry Flood added that the intersection of Clayton Avenue/Second Street is an “accident waiting to happen”. In addition, he asked if anything can be done about the speeding which occurs on Potomac Street. Councilman George agreed that these are areas of great concern, and added that the Street Committee is reviewing many areas, one-at-a-time, to determine ways to make them safer – these two mentioned will certainly be reviewed.

Denise Heck, 110 W. King Street, thanked Borough Council for their efforts with regard to street reconstruction and resurfacing. She noted that her mother, who lives on Park Street, received a letter regarding curb repairs required prior to the street work being done. She suggested that the Borough give more notice for such concrete work, as the contractors have complained that they don’t have enough time to get it done within the stated timeframe. Councilman George noted that he will discuss the matter with Kevin Grubbs (Head of Engineering Services) and Ray Eyler (concrete contractor). He explained that Park Street is in very bad repair, and he is anxious for the project to move forward. However, he admitted that sufficient notice may not have been provided and they will certainly keep that in mind. Kevin Grubbs added that the Borough normally gives a ninety (90) day notice for curb and sidewalk work required. They are hoping to get Park Street completed before the rainy season, but will certainly work with residents as much as possible. He also indicated that there is only one contractor in town who does concrete work, and this may be an issue that will need to be considered.

Caryl Stalick, 15 W. Third Street, asked if anything can be done about noisy cars – does the Borough have an ordinance to prohibit these? Mr. Hamberger explained that the Vehicle Code has been changed to permit after-market mufflers. The Borough has adopted a Noise Ordinance, but there is continual discussion regarding the legality of it. The matter is being researched further, and various communities’ ordinances are being reviewed. It is his understanding that a decibel meter would be required, which must be calibrated, and it is a “very technical matter”. He will discuss the issue again with the Police Chief in the near future.

Denise Heck discussed traffic in the alleys. A few of the alleys in Waynesboro are one-way, but many aren’t. She would appreciate Council considering making more one-way to make them safer.

Audrey Smith, 833 Summit Avenue, noted her concern regarding traffic through their development (which is in Washington Township). She feels that traffic will be increased when Lowes and Walmart are open in the Township, and fears that someone may be hurt. She suggested that a traffic light be considered at the intersection of N. East Avenue/Main Street. Councilman George noted that the Street Committee is still looking at that intersection, and investigating the possibility of placing a traffic light there without having to do all the other things included in the proposal from several years ago. He explained that, after the decision was made to place a light at that location, the state decided that there needed to be dividers in the street and modifications to the entrances/exits to Waynesboro Mall. Council decided at that time that it was too involved. However, they are still considering the placement of a light at the intersection (without the additional items).

Former Councilman Allen Porter, 932 Sunset Avenue, also spoke regarding the traffic light issue. During the time he served as Street Committee Chairman, members of Council felt that it was desirable to place a light there. Senator Terry Punt secured funding for the project, but Borough Council turned it down due to disagreements regarding the modifications required. Mayor Barlup also recalled that several residents from Prospect and Sunnyside Avenues voiced opposition to the traffic light.

As the entirety of Eastland Hills is in Washington Township, Borough officials have discussed the matter with Washington Township Manager Mike Christopher many times. Even though they have no jurisdiction over the traffic signal at the N. East Avenue intersection, perhaps they could re-align traffic patterns to curtail vehicular activity in the development.

Roy Tressler, 121 W. Third Street, commended Council for their efforts on street repairs and requested that the Street Committee consider the possibility of installing a stop sign at the intersection of Cleveland Avenue and Third Street, due to speeding conditions in that area.

Richard Starliper, 46 W. Third Street, questioned if a “no parking” area will be established on the west side of Philadelphia Avenue from Third Street to the end of the Rutters property. Jon Fleagle, Chairman of the Waynesboro Planning Commission, replied that they had recommended that during the plan approval stage and Councilman George noted that he will confirm the matter. Discussion ensued regarding the entrances/exits for Rutters, and Kevin Grubbs clarified that there will be entrances off Potomac Street and Philadelphia Avenue (not Third Street)

Gilson Martz, 700 Prospect Avenue, discussed the Borough’s water system. He noted concern regarding the amount of money it cost to add Zullinger to the Borough’s supply. Due to the increased population and additional businesses going in, he asked, “where will we get the water?” Mr. Martz also discussed the recent lawsuit between WTMA over the Zullinger system, and the amount of money it cost Waynesboro taxpayers. WBA Chairman Jon Fleagle noted that WBA spent $150,000 and Zullinger spent approximately $100,000 – at this point in time, their return is 25%, and it is felt that this was a good investment. Mr. Fleagle also clarified that the amount of water utilized by the Borough per day is approximately 120 mgd., which is less than was used in the 1970's. He attributed this to the industries’ cut-back in water usage, as well as the Borough’s successful leak detection program. In addition to the impounding dam, WBA is also in the process of developing additional wells for potential future use.

Discussion ensued regarding the “interconnect” between the Borough’s system and Washington Township’s system. Mr. Fleagle clarified that there is no physical interconnect between the two systems – there is an area where the two systems could be connected together in an emergency situation (by adding pipe and connectors); but under normal day-to-day operations, the systems are separate. Mr. Fleagle also added that Township residents served by the Borough pay retail price for their water consumption.

Councilman George assured the public that the WBA is very conscious of the Borough’s future needs, which is proven by the fact that they are continually looking for future wells. He is sure that they will not sell more water than they are capable of selling and jeopardize the Borough residents’ needs.

Water restrictions imposed in the past were also discussed. Jerry Flood suggested that the residents received a rate increase the year following the restrictions because the water consumption was less than the year before. Councilman George assured him that that was not the reason for the increase, but rather the necessary system improvements and source development matters.

Lloyd Hamberger explained that the Borough’s water system is owned by the WBA, which is a legal entity in itself. The WBA hires the Borough to operate their system, but WBA makes any decisions on the rates, as well as the rules and regulations regarding water usage. Plans for long-term water issues are prepared by WBA, and discussed with Borough Council. The Borough is permitted to serve residents in the Township because the WBA is an operating authority.

Richard Belisle, reporter with The Morning Herald, questioned if the WBA is governed by the PA Public Utility Commission with regard to any rate increases. Mr. Hamberger responded “no” – and any action taken on rates is conducted at a public meeting of the WBA.

Allen Porter, 932 Sunset Avenue, noted he is a strong supporter of sprinkler systems to control fires. He recalled that there was a problem in the past with sprinkler system connection rates, but he is unsure of the final resolution. He added that there are many municipalities who require sprinkler systems to be installed in new or rehabilitated construction, and suggested that this would be worth considering in Waynesboro. Fire Chief Ron Flegel noted that he is currently gathering information on these requirements, and has obtained a copy of Emmitsburg’s newly-adopted policy. Even though there is much controversy over the costs involved, he feels that this is a worthwhile cause. He will present information to the Property Committee for their review in the near future.

Jerry Flood stated his opinion that taxpayers’ money should not be utilized for downtown revitalization. He feels that the individual property owners should take more pride in their businesses instead of relying on grants to fix-up their buildings. Mr. Hamberger clarified, however, that no local tax monies are used to rehabilitate downtown buildings.

With regard to clean-up of the town, Roy Tressler suggested that prisoners be utilized (as is done in Clear Spring). Reimbursement could be provided for use of the trucks, guards, etc. He asked if the Borough would want to consider something like that program to assist in saving money in their clean-up efforts.

Jerry Flood discussed the Borough’s ordinance regarding “abandoned” vehicles, and questioned why it does not apply to a property at the corner of S. Potomac and Sixth Streets. Code Enforcement Officer Dan Sheffler replied, according to the District Justice, that is permitted because it is considered a business.

Caryl Stalick stated that Bill Kohler, editor of The Herald Mail, recently wrote an excellent column regarding trash and littering. It was also suggested that owners of the businesses could clean-up a bit, and people in general need to take more pride. Councilman George agreed, reminiscing that in Waynesboro’s “high days”, sweeping the storefront area was a top priority. Street sweeping is also done twice a week. Difficulties with street sweeping were also discussed, including vehicles which remain parked on the street. Towing and impounding the vehicles in violation results in additional difficulties, and the fines are too low to cover these costs.

Stephen Monn, who lives on Main Street, noted it is easy to forget when street sweeping will be done. Because the fines are low ($10.00), he would gladly pay them since he has no off-street parking.

Jerry Flood requested clarification on the snow emergency policy. It was noted that a snow emergency is only in effect when it is declared by the Mayor.

Mike Forney, 121 W. Third Street, asked if the Borough is enforcing its regulations regarding trimming bushes, etc. in alleyways. Dan Sheffler noted that he is doing a very aggressive job of driving through every alley in Waynesboro to locate violations, however he is only one person. Mr. Forney requested that he review the alley off of Potomac Street (between Third Street and Snider Avenue), which runs north/south. Councilman George mentioned that significant progress was made in this regard last year, and Mr. Sheffler has been doing an excellent job to continue that progress this year. Anyone who knows of a particular problem area was asked to contact the Borough Office, and the information will be forwarded to Mr. Sheffler for his attention.

Allen Porter added that the grass mowing season is approaching rapidly. He suggested that complaints regarding this matter also be directed to Dan Sheffler. It was clarified that grass/weeds cannot be in excess of 10" high.

Theodore Danyluk, Rinehart Drive, questioned if the Borough deals with Act 72 issues. It was noted that that matter is being dealt with by the Waynesboro Area School Board. Mr. Danyluk also stated that the speed limit signs on Clayton Avenue are quite confusing, as they go from 35 mph, to 25 mph, to 35 mph, within a distance of 100 yards. Kevin Grubbs noted that portions of Clayton Avenue are regulated by the state, and would therefore be a PENNDOT issue.

Borough Manager Lloyd Hamberger thanked those present for attending.

The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

                                                                Respectfully Submitted,

                                                                Melinda S. Knott

                                                                Administrative Assistant