MARCH 2, 2005

WAYNESBORO, PA   17268

 

 

Council President Charles McCammon 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 B Richard George, C. Harold Mumma, John Cook, Charles McCammon and Andrew Benchoff (Lorena Newcomer was sworn in midway through the meeting)

 

Mayor Louis M. Barlup, Jr.

 

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

Ray Shultz, Police Chief

Kevin Grubbs, Head of Engineering Services

D. Lloyd Reichard, II, Borough Solicitor

Ron Flegel, Fire Chief

Denny Benshoff, Maintenance Superintendent

 

 

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

 

RESOLUTION #2005-04 (AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF 2005 CDBG PROGRAM APPLICATION): Councilman George made a motion to adopt Resolution #2005-04, which authorizes submittal of the Borough=s 2005 CDBG Program Application to the appropriate authorities.  Councilman Cook seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

 

RESOLUTION #2005-04

 

RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF WAYNESBORO

AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF AN APPLICATION FOR STATE COMMUNITY

DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2005

 

Complete copy on file at Borough Hall.

 

APPROVE MINUTES: Councilman Benchoff made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 29, 2005 special meeting and the February 16, 2005 regular meeting, as written.  Councilman Mumma seconded; the motion passed 4-0 (Councilman George abstained).

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

PERSONNEL COMMITTEE: Councilman Mumma reported that Gary Fike=s term on the  Shade Tree Commission is due to expire on March 4, 2005.  Mr. Fike has expressed interest in being re-appointed.

Councilman Mumma noted that Evaline Cook=s term on the Shade Tree Commission is also due to expire on March 4, 2005, however she has stated that she does not wish to be re-appointed.  Accordingly, a replacement will be needed on this board in the near future.

 

PROPERTY AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE: No report.  Councilman Benchoff stated that the Property Committee=s joint meeting with the Personnel Committee to be held on March 14^th has been rescheduled to March 7^th at 7:00 p.m.

 

STREET COMMITTEE: Councilman George reported that the Street Committee met on February 28^th.  During their meeting, they discussed the newly-installed four-way stop at Walnut and Third Streets.  He stated that he conducted a survey earlier in the day (from 3:12 to 3:42 p.m.) and provided statistics on the number of cars which passed that intersection during that time period B 300 cars, six of which did not obey the stop sign.  In addition, he reported on the amount of time it takes for the vehicles to stop and start again at that location, and added that the area needs to be monitored periodically to determine if it is an answer to some of the known problems in the area. 

 

The Street Committee also discussed the need to update their list of proposed street projects for the year with regard to S. Welty Road.  As was pointed out by Borough staff, there is major development planned in the area for the next year or two.  Accordingly, it was suggested that S. Welty Road be taken off the construction list at the present time.  Council concurred.

 

He reminded Borough Council members that they had requested that the Waynesboro Borough Authority consider making modifications to their planned projects in conjunction with the Borough=s proposed street projects for 2005.  The WBA has provided a response indicating that they have modified their 2005 budget to include any necessary water line projects on the streets that are being rebuilt.  Mr. George noted that their cooperation will certainly help to get the projects completed with the appropriate water and sewer service upgrades done.  He noted that he will send correspondence to the WBA expressing the Borough=s appreciation for their assistance.  Mr. George also noted that the WBA requested that the Borough provide a list of projects proposed for 2006 in sufficient time for discussion during their budget deliberations.  He noted his assurance that that information will be provided to them in a timely manner.  

 

A recent ALetter to the Editor@ was also discussed.  The letter mentioned the condition of the sidewalk in front of the property owned by the Borough on E. Fifth Street.  Councilman George stated that the Borough realizes they are responsible for repairing the sidewalk, and the work will be done as soon as possible.  The letter also suggested that crosswalk  and playground signs be installed in the area, and he will recommend that the Engineering Department determine appropriate locations for such signs.

 

The Street Committee also discussed various other items, but none require action at this time.

 

INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE: Mr. Hamberger stated that the joint meeting between the Waynesboro Planning Commission and the Washington Township Planning Commission has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 29^th at 7:00 p.m.  The meeting will be held at Borough Hall.

 

DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION AND FINANCE COMMITTEE: Councilman Cook noted that the Recreation Board has provided a recommendation on lifeguard salaries for the 2005 season.  These incentives are an attempt to Aentice@ the guards to work the entire summer.  They are still working on an additional incentive for guards who work during the last week of August. 

 

Mr. Cook also noted that the Committee reviewed a proposed ordinance, prepared by the Borough Solicitor, in response to the public=s request regarding obstructions in the downtown area.  He read the proposal, and added that he will be requesting Council=s approval for the ordinance to be advertised for consideration at the next Council meeting. 

MAYOR=S REPORT: No report.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT - ITEMS ON AGENDA: None.

 

VOTING ON ITEMS FROM COMMITTEE REPORTS: Councilman Mumma made a motion to re-appoint Gary Fike to a full term on the Shade Tree Commission; said term will expire on March 4, 2010.  Councilman Cook seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

 

Councilman Mumma made a motion that the Borough forward a letter of appreciation to Evaline Cook for her past service on the Shade Tree Commission.  Councilman Benchoff seconded; the motion passed 4-0 (Councilman Cook abstained).

 

Councilman George made a motion to establish a crosswalk on E. Fifth Street near Memorial Park (exact location to be determined by the Engineering and Maintenance Departments).  Councilman Cook seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

 

Councilman George made a motion to erect playground signs on E. Fifth Street in the vicinity of Memorial Park (exact location to be determined by the Engineering and Maintenance Departments).  Councilman Cook seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

 

Councilman Cook made a motion to advertise the proposed amendment to Ordinance No. 625, as previously read.  Councilman Benchoff seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

 

Councilman Cook made a motion to approve the Recreation Board=s recommendations regarding pay scales at Northside Pool.  Councilman Mumma seconded; the motion passed unanimously.  (A copy of this new salary schedule will be affixed in the Borough=s Policy Book.)

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

AWARD BIDS FOR SLUDGE HAULING/APPLICATION, STONE AND PAVING MATERIALS: Mr. Hamberger informed Council that S & L Enterprise of Waynesboro was the low bidder for the sludge hauling/land application bids, and the staff is recommending that the contract be awarded to them.  Councilman Mumma made a motion to award the sludge hauling/land application contract to S & L Enterprise.  Councilman Cook seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

 

Mr. Hamberger noted that Valley Quarries was the only bidder for stone products, and the low bidder for paving materials.  Accordingly, Councilman Cook made a motion to award the stone and paving materials bids to Valley Quarries.  Councilman Mumma seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

 

UPDATE HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN:  Mr. Hamberger reminded Council that a tentative Hazard Mitigation Plan for Franklin County was approved in the fall.  Don Ringer, the Borough=s Emergency Management Coordinator, has recommended several additions/modifications to the plan dealing specifically with the Borough of Waynesboro.  Councilman Cook made a motion to approve the modifications presented, and authorize that the plan be forwarded to the County.  Councilman Mumma seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

REQUESTS FROM WAYNESBOROFEST COMMITTEE: Requests were received and reviewed from the WaynesboroFest 2006 Committee.  The event will take place during the week of June 30 to July 9, 2006, and will include activities similar to past celebrations, coupled with several new activities. 

 

Their plans include a Classic Car Show, as well as a new event called AA Taste of Waynesboro@, involving local restaurants and caterers, to be held downtown.  The concept will require closing off Main Street from Walnut Street to Potomac Street, including the Church Street entrances to the square, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., on July 1^st.  Sidewalk sale activities with downtown merchants will be coordinated to coincide with the event.   

On July 8^th (the following weekend), they will conduct AThe Siege of Waynesboro@, involving hundreds of Civil War re-enactors who will move from an encampment at Memorial Park along three routes to Center Square for a demonstration.  The Committee is asking for assistance with traffic control from the fire police, and that Main Street from Walnut to Potomac Streets (including the Church Street entrances) be blocked off from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  As they are requesting to use Memorial Park as a campsite for the re-enactors, they will also need Council=s permission to allow campfires for cooking (under the condition that the grounds will not be harmed or will be restored).

 

Police Chief Shultz requested to discuss several concerns regarding the requests with the Downtown Revitalization and Finance Committee.  Fire Chief Flegel noted no problems with the request for campfires, as they will be utilized for cooking and that is permitted in the Borough=s ordinance.   

 

Councilman Cook stated that the WaynesboroFest requests merit support from Council and the citizens of Waynesboro.  Councilman George suggested writing the Committee a letter indicating Council=s willingness to cooperate; and noting that they will take action on the requests as soon as additional information has been obtained.  Council concurred with his suggestion, and the Borough Manager was instructed to respond to the Committee. 

 

COUNCIL VACANCY: Council President McCammon reported that Borough Council members recently held a vote by secret ballot for the vacant seat on Council in the second ward.  It was noted that, during the vote, Mrs. Newcomer was considered the #1 candidate and Jason Stains was the #2 candidate.  Councilman Mumma made a motion to appoint Lorena Newcomer to the vacancy.  Councilman Cook seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

Lorena Newcomer was asked to come forward and receive the Oath of Office and Loyalty Oath for her position on Borough Council.  She then took her seat with the other Council members.

 

PUBLIC IN ATTENDANCE - NON-AGENDA ITEMS: None.

 

ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS

 

MUNICIPAL NOTIFICATION - NPDES APPLICATION (QUAIL RUN SUBDIVISION/LAND DEVELOPMENT: Mr. Hamberger noted that this is a pro-forma notification that an NPDES Permit Application has been filed for a proposed subdivision/land development, Quail Run, at the corner of Welty and Amsterdam Roads.  He requested that Council members forward any comments they may have to him for submission.

 

REQUEST FROM FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR EASTER EGG HUNT: A request was received for the Fire Department=s annual Easter Egg Hunt to be held on Saturday, March 19^th, at 11:00 a.m., at Memorial Park.  Councilman Mumma made a motion to approve the request as outlined in their correspondence dated February 25, 2005.  Councilman Cook seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

 

REQUEST FROM VISION 2015 RE: GRANT MONEY FOR BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT DOWNTOWN: Mr. Hamberger read a request from Vision 2015 for permission to install hanging flower baskets on the Victorian light fixtures along Main Street from Clayton Avenue to Franklin Street.  After discussion, the following conditions were made for the approval: (1) The Borough=s engineering staff review the baskets and the pole attachments to ensure proper safety; (2)  Allegheny Power be contacted to verify that the added weight will not be a hazard or cause structural problems with the light fixtures/poles; and (3) The baskets be located in such a way that they will not interfere with the banners placed on the poles. 

Councilman Cook made a motion to approve the request from Vision 2015, subject to the aforementioned conditions.  Councilman Mumma seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

 

FOR INFORMATION ONLY

 

SALE OF PROPERTY AT 141 E. FIFTH STREET: Mr. Hamberger noted that the advertisement for sealed bids has appeared in The Record Herald, and bid documents will be available in the next day or two for sale of the property at 141 E. Fifth Street.  Two (2) Open Houses have been scheduled for Sunday, March 13^th, and Sunday, March 27^th, from 1-4 p.m.

 

President McCammon stated that he was contacted by a woman who made an offer to rent the property with the intent to own it; and she would be willing to give over $100,000.  He asked if Council members wanted to go forward with the sealed bids.  Councilman George suggested that they move forward with the bids, but keep the offer Ain the back of their minds@.

 

RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY AND PHOTO: Council members received an invitation to attend a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Photo for Simply Professional at Blue Ridge Summit on Thursday, March 10^th, at 2:00 p.m.  RSVP=s are requested B anyone interested in attending was asked to inform Melinda Knott.

 

PAY BILLS: Councilman Cook made a motion to approve the payment of Voucher Lists #VL-05-05 and 06.  Councilman Benchoff seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

 

COUNCIL AND STAFF COMMENTS: Councilman Benchoff welcomed Mrs. Newcomer to Council, and thanked Council members for moving forward on the ANo Obstruction@ Ordinance for the downtown area. 

 

Councilman George noted that there has been some question recently about whether the public was adequately informed regarding several items being considered by Council, including the four-way stop at Third and Walnut Streets and the possibility of a traffic light at the intersection of N. East Avenue and Main Street.  He suggested that Council consider scheduling a ATown Meeting@ when the public would be given a chance to register their concerns, comments and suggestions to make Waynesboro a better community.  He recommended that the meeting be held on Thursday, March 24^th, at 7:00 p.m., at the American Legion.  He then made a motion to hold the Town Meeting as discussed.  Councilman Cook seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

 

Councilman George noted that Council sent correspondence to the Franklin County Commissioners in September informing them of their desire to Atake back@ the facilities at Borough Hall now occupied by District Justice Larry Pentz.  Council recently received a response from the County indicating that no definitive plans have been made to date.  He questioned if Council should consider setting a date when they are expected to vacate the office.  Mr. Hamberger noted that he will contact the Commissioners Office the following day, and the matter can be placed on Council=s next meeting agenda for further discussion. 

 

Councilman George requested that Council hold a brief executive session following the meeting to discuss several personnel matters.

 

Councilmen Mumma and Cook welcomed Lorena Newcomer to Borough Council.

 

Council went into executive session at 8:05 p.m. to discuss personnel matters.  They reconvened to regular session at 8:55 p.m. and adjourned at 8:56 p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Melinda S. Knott

Administrative Assistant