PUBLIC MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2008

BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETINGS:

January 7, 2008                                    May 2, 2008                            September 4, 2008

February 7, 2008                                 June 5, 2008                            October 2, 2008

March 6, 2008                                     July 10, 2008                           November 6, 2008

April 3, 2008                                        August 7, 2008                       December 4, 2008

Council Meetings are usually held on the first Thursday of each month unless otherwise noted.  All meetings convene at 7:30 PM at the Municipal Building and are open to the public.

BOROUGH WORK SESSIONS (IF NEEDED):

January 17, 2008                                  May 15, 2008                          September 18, 2008

February 21, 2008                               June 19, 2008                          October 16, 2008

March 20, 2008                                   July 17, 2008                           November 20, 2008

April 17, 2008                                     August 21, 2008                       December 18, 2008

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS (IF NEEDED):

January 21, 2008                                  May 19, 2008                          September 15, 2008

February 18, 2008                               June 16, 2008                          October 20, 2008

March 17, 2008                                   July 21, 2008                           November 17, 2008

April 21, 2008                                      August 18, 2008                       December 15, 2008

All meetings are held on the third Monday of each month.  All meetings convene at 7:30 PM at the Municipal Building and are open to the public.

COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA, June 5, 2008

MOTION ON MINUTES:  Motion to approve Council Meeting minutes of May 2, 2008..

AUTHORIZATION FOR PAYMENT OF BILLS:  Approval to pay May invoices.

SOLICITORS REPORT:

 MAYOR’S COMMENTS ON THE BOROUGH:

PUBLIC SAFETY, WELFARE & STREETS:                 BUDGET & FINANCE COMMITTEE:

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

BOROUGH OF TRUMBAUERSVILLE

TRUMBAUERSVILLE, BUCKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING. THURSDAY APRIL 3, 2008

ROLL CALL:

OTHER OFFICIALS PRESENT:  Gregory Ghen-Solicitor, Craig Wilhelm-Fire Marshal/CEO and Larry Smock-Secretary/Treasurer.

MOTION ON MINUTES:  A motion was made by Mr. Potter to approve the council Meeting minutes of March 6, 2008.  Seconded by Mr. Trimble.  Motion passed and so ordered.

AUTHORIZATION FOR PAYMENT OF BILLS:  A motion was made by Mr. Trimble to pay the March 2008 invoices.  Seconded by Ms. Baine.  Motion passed and so ordered.

SOLICITORS REPORT:  Mr. Ghen stated that in reference to the land transfer from the UCC Church to the Borough of Trumbauersville, he did make contact with the settlement agent and we are working on the deed.  In addition, he received the paperwork from the Borough Engineer in regards to the lot-line adjustment and he will be working with him on that.

MR. KERMIT GORR-ST. LUKES EMERGENCY & TRANSPORT SERVICES:  President Child introduced Mr. Kernit Gorr from St. Lukes Emergency & Transport Services.  Mr. Gorr stated that he asked to attend tonight’s meeting in light of House Bill 1130 that was signed by the Governor about two weeks ago in reference to the Borough Code that the Borough is now responsible to have EMS service provided for them however they deem necessary.  There is a part that the ambulance service is now responsible to the Borough to ensure that we open our books and show you our finances.  This is just a bill to help communications between the EMS and the Borough.  Mr. Gorr stated that St. Luke’s provides 24 hour 7 days a week service to the Borough of Trumbauersville.  We are located at 124-126 South 10^th Street in Quakertown. We have ten (10) ambulances and eighty (80) employees of which fifty (50) are full time.  We service 9-10 different municipalities and since there have been a lot of issues with Perkasie and Dublin going out of business, this would be a good time to talk to the Borough about the service and to ensure you that we are on solid footing.  Mr. Gorr stated that that they run approximately forty-seven (47) responses a year to Trumbauersville Borough.  Mr. Gorr added that the response time to the Borough is approximately 6.94 minutes.  Some of the issues that the ambulances have been having in the county are the low medical assistance reimbursement.  Right how, it is about a $100.00 per run.  The Medicare reimbursements are 17% less than the cost of providing the service.  That is why some of the small time organizations are

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April 3, 2008

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having some issues.  What is happening now is that a lot of the cost for preparing is exceeding what we are getting reimbursed from the insurances. What is happening with a lot of Boroughs and Townships in Central and Lower Bucks is they are kicking in.  Another problem is the decrease in volunteers.  Last year we lost about $468,000.00 but St. Luke’s Hospital Health Network knows that this is a commitment that we are providing a service when a lot of these hospital based services are cutting back and cutting services.  Mr. Gorr stated that for the Borough to help out, he is asking if it would be possible to enact a resolution naming St. Luke’s the primary provider.  In addition, the Borough could provide an official to set on our board which meets every two months.  Mr. Gorr stated that we have a subscription plan which is the key to keeping the cost down.  The subscription plan is $45.00 per family per year.  Mr. Gorr asked if there were any questions.  President Child asked if they were eligible for any state grants for equipment.  Mr. Gorr stated they get money from speeding and parking tickets but because they are hospital based, they are not eligible for federal or state grants.  They are currently meeting with legislature to get that changed.  There being no further questions, President Child thanked Mr. Gorr for his presentation.

MAYORS COMMENTS ON THE BOROUGH:  None

REPORT OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:

PLANNING COMMISSION:  Mr. Potter stated that the Planning Commission reviewed the QAPC Comprehensive Plan Update and found nothing objectionable. We would like to recommend that Council adopt the latest revision of the Comprehensive Plan.  President Child stated that it has to be done by resolution which will be on the next meeting’s agenda.

ZONING HEARING BOARD:  None

PUBLIC SAFETY, WELFARE & STREETS:  None

PARK/RECREATION COMMITTEE:  Ms. Baine stated that there had been some vandalism in the park.  Graffiti was spray painted in the kitchen area of the large pavilion, on tables in the small pavilion and on the concrete slabs under some of the park benches.  Mr. MacCauley stated that the same type of markings had been seen in other areas outside the Borough.  Ms. Baine stated that it was reported to the State Police and she has seen an increase in their patrols.

PERSONNEL/ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE:  None

Mr. Trimble stated that the finance committee needs to set up a meeting with the auditor to review the 2007 Audit.  Borough Secretary stated that the Auditor is available almost any time in April with the exception of Wednesday nights.

WATER COMMITTEE:  Mr. Potter stated that we will be starting excavation at the water tower to put in a pipe to the storm drain.  We plan to start April 11^th, weather permitting.  This should take care of the overflow problem onto the Trum Tavern parking lot.  In addition, we are still waiting for parts to repair the one remaining broken hydrant.

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April 3, 2008

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UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

A letter and a drawing from Wynn Associates concerning the swale behind the Borough building were reviewed.  Borough Secretary stated that everyone has a copy of the drawing and the shaded area is what would be deeded to us.  The only concern we had was would the 15 foot side yard setback come into play.  The actual distance is slightly over 15 feet so we are okay with that.  The only thing remaining is for Council to decide whether or not they want it.  President Child asked, except for the cost of actually processing this, is it being deeded to us at no cost?  Borough Secretary stated that it was.  President Child stated that all we need is Council approval and we can get it done.  A motion was made by Mr. Potter to enter into a lot line proceeding to procure the swale behind the Borough building.  Seconded by Mr. MacCauley.  Motion passed and so ordered.

The crosswalks at the Elementary School were discussed.  Mr. Trimble stated that he and the Borough Secretary reviewed the original plans and crosswalks were only displayed at the intersection of Woodview and Evergreen Drive.  We will be getting with the school to find out how many children are walking to school.  This will help us decide if we need an additional crosswalk or some other way to ensure the children’s safety.

NEW BUSINESS:

The possibility of someone attending the Rental Property Inspection Program class was discussed.  It was decided that President Child and Mr. MacCauley would attend the class on May 6^th in Fort Washington and Mr. Potter would attend the May 15^th class in Allentown.

A job estimate from Bob Schmoyer Electric, LLC to upgrade the lighting in the Borough Building in the amount of $2,580.00 was reviewed.  A motion was made by Mr. Potter to approve the upgrade in the amount of $2,580.00.  Seconded by Ms. Baine.  Motion passed and so ordered.

Fire Marshal report was reviewed and accepted as presented.

CEO report was reviewed and accepted as presented.

MAYORAL SELECTION:  President Child stated that this brings us to filling the position of Mayor.  The position was declared vacant at our last Council Meeting.  We received five (5) applications of which one (1) was withdrawn as of today.  We currently have four (4) people interested in filling the position.  President Child asked the Borough Secretary to distribute a pamphlet to the candidates that briefly describes the duties of a Mayor.  President Child stated to the applicants that there is a time commitment that goes with the position.  It is the same for both Mayor and Council as they will be assigned to one or two of the six committees.  What we expect is that applicants should be available for monthly Council meetings, occasional work sessions and committee meetings.  President Child stated that the four (4) applicants are; Ms. Melissa Baine, Mr. James Black, Mr. Tom Palushock and Mr. Christopher Betz.  President Child asked if any of the applicants wished to withdraw their name for consideration for the position of Mayor.  Mr. Christopher Betz stated that in light of the opening on Council, he would withdraw

Borough Counncil

April 3, 2008

his application for Mayor and in turn would apply for the opening on Council.  President Child stated that leaves us with three (3) candidates.  President Child stated that to make sure we do this right, in consultation with our Solicitor and the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs, the process we had been using in the past to fill vacancies has not been correct.  President Child asked the Borough Solicitor to explain the process.  Mr. Ghen stated that the first thing he has to do is ask Ms. Baine to step down because she is an applicant.  Mr. Ghen stated we now have three (3) candidates remaining for the position of Mayor.  The first step is to call for nominations on any of these names and he will call them in the order they were given.  These nominations are made only by members of Council.  Because there are only four (4) members of Council, any nominee must receive three (3) votes to win.  Mr. Ghen added that because there are multiple candidates and if multiple candidates get nominated, the first candidate to get the majority of votes wins and it is over.  Mr. Ghen asked if there were any nominations for Ms. Baine for Mayor.  Mr. Potter nominated Ms. Baine.  Mr. Ghen asked if there was a nomination for Mr. Black.  There were no nominations.  Mr. Ghen stated that Mr. Black is not a candidate.  Mr. Ghen asked if there was a nomination for Mr. Palushock.  There were no nominations.  Mr. Ghen stated that Mr. Palushock is not a candidate.  Mr. Ghen added that the only candidate that has been nominated is Ms. Melissa Baine.  Mr. Ghen requested that all in favor of appointing Ms. Melissa Baine as Mayor please signify by saying “aye”.  The vote was unanimous to appoint Ms. Baine as Mayor.  President Child stated that we will have a second vacancy on Council once Ms. Baine resigns.  The vacancies were just created this evening and PSAB strongly discourages making appointments the same night the vacancies are available.  Borough Council will have an already advertised meeting on April 17, 2008 for the specific purpose of interviewing and selecting people for the two (2) vacant Council seats.  President Child stated that under the Borough Code, Section 1030, when the President or Vice-President of Council is to act as Mayor, whenever the Mayor is absent, incapacitated or there is a vacancy in the office, the duties of the office shall be discharged by the President of Council.  President Child stated that by authority of the Borough Code, Section 1030, he would now swear in Ms. Baine.  Mr. Ghen stated that Ms. Baine must resign from Council first.  Ms. Baine stated that she would like to verbally submit her resignation from Borough Council.  A motion was made by Mr. MacCauley to accept the resignation of Ms. Baine from Borough Council.  Seconded by Mr. Trimble.  Motion passed and so ordered.  Acting Mayor Edward A. Child administered the Oath of Office to Ms. Baine.  President Child stated that according to the Borough Code, Mayoral appointments must be made by Resolution.  President Child read Resolution #03-08, Mayoral Appointment.  A motion was made by Mr. Trimble to adopt Resolution 03-08, Mayoral Appointment.  Seconded by Mr. MacCauley.  Motion passed and so ordered.

There being no further business, a motion was made by Mr. Potter to adjourn.  Seconded by Mr. MacCauley.  Motion passed and so ordered.

Respectfully submitted,

Larry Smock
Secretary/Treasurer

BOROUGH OF TRUMBAUERSVILLE

TRUMBAUERSVILLE, BUCKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

BOROUGH COUNCIL WORK SESSION, THURSDAY APRIL 17, 2008

ROLL CALL:

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 

A recommendation by the Borough Solicitor, Mr. Gregory Ghen, Esquire, to acquire the land from the UCC Church by a Deed in lieu of Condemnation was reviewed.  A motion was made by Mr. Trimble to authorize the Borough Solicitor to proceed to finalize the acquisition of the church land by Deed in lieu of Condemnation and to obtain title insurance from Heritage Land Transfer Company.  Seconded by Mr. George.  Motion passed and so ordered.

A motion was made by Mr. Trimble to adopt Resolution #05-08, QAPC Comprehensive Plan Update.  Seconded by Mr. MacCauley.  Motion passed and so ordered.

NEW BUSINESS:

A motion was made by Mr. Potter to adopt Resolution #04-08, Special Events.  Seconded by Mr. Trimble.  Motion passed and so ordered.

A layout for new conference room tables and chairs was reviewed.  After a brief discussion, it was decided to purchase the tables and eight (8) chairs.  A motion was made by Mr. Potter to expend a maximum of $3,995.00 for the purchase of conference room tables and chairs.  Seconded by Mr. Trimble.  Motion passed and so ordered.

APPOINTMENT OF NEW COUNCIL MEMBERS:

President Child stated that before we get into the nominating and voting process, we would like to hear a little bit about each candidate.  President Child added that the candidates are; Mr. Christopher Betz, Ms. Roberta Recenes and Mr. James Black.  Each candidate, in turn, introduced themselves and gave a brief summary as to how long they have lived in the Borough, what they like about the Borough and most importantly, why they would like to be on Council.  President Child stated that we have three (3) candidates to fill two (2) positions and to be considered you must be nominated by a member of Council.  President Child stated he would like to thank each candidate for their interest in the Borough.  President Child asked if there was a nomination for Mr. Christopher Betz.  Mr. Potter nominated Mr. Betz.  President Child asked if there was a nomination for Ms. Roberta Recenes.  Mr. MacCauley nominated Ms. Recenes.  President Child asked if there was a nomination for Mr. James Black.  There were no nominations for Mr. Black.  President Child stated that the nominations are now closed.  President Child stated that we have two (2) open positions and only two (2) nominations so instead of voting for them one at a time, he asked the Borough Secretary to ask for a show of hands to appoint both nominees to the two (2) positions.  Borough Secretary asked for a show of hands to appoint Mr. Betz and Ms. Recenes to fill the two (2) open Council seats.  The vote was unanimous.  President Child stated that the next step is to appoint the new Council members by Resolution.  President Child stated we need a motion to adopt Resolution #06-08, appointing

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April 17, 2008

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There being no further business, a motion was made by Mr. George to adjourn.  Seconded by Mr. Potter.  Motion passed and so ordered.

Respectfully submitted,

The regular meeting of the Borough Council was held on the above date in the Municipal Building, One
Evergreen Drive.  President Edward Child called the meeting to order.

ROLL CALL:

MOTION ON MINUTES:  A motion was made by Mr. Trimble to approve the February 7, 2008 minutes.  Seconded by Ms. Baine.  Motion passed and so ordered.

AUTHORIZATION FOR PAYMENT OF BILLS:  A motion was made by Mr. Trimble to pay the February 2008 invoices.  Seconded by Mr. DiNatale.  Motion passed and so ordered.

Mr. Ghen stated that he did review the interconnect agreement along with Mr. Potter and the Borough Secretary.  We found two important corrections that need to be made.  They were communicated to the attorney for the developer who sent a letter to attorney Grabowski stating as such.  Once that is revised and received, we will again review it just to be sure and then it will be ready for signing.  Mr. Ghen stated that he also reviewed the franchise agreement with COMCAST. It is a fifteen (15) year deal that expires in 2012.  There is a provision that in the last thirty-six (36) months there is a process of re-negotiation that is designed to be completed within a year.  If disputes arise, there are provisions for arbitration, court proceedings, etc.  Apparently in approximately a year, we will be into the three (3) year period.  Mr. Ghen added that he and the Borough Secretary would be looking into the administrative aspect of it and there is nothing for Borough Council to do at this time.  President Child stated that there would be a seminar, Cable Conference 2008, on Saturday April 19^th and we should have someone attend.  Mr. Ghen asked where it was being held.  President Child stated that it would be in the Bensalem Municipal Building.  President Child added that we would discuss it again at the April meeting.

Mr. Ghen stated that however slowly, progress is continuing on the taking down of the Hazlett barn.  As soon as it is down, the litigation will be terminated.

Mr. Trimble asked about the progress at the Sherwood property.  Borough Secretary stated that it is scheduled for Sheriff’s sale on March 14^th.  There is a gentleman who is interested in buying it and he is well aware of the existing problems.

MAYORS COMMENTS ON THE BOROUGH:  Mayor Haynes stated that most of you know that he will be resigning as Mayor effective at noon, March 28, 2008.  Mayor Haynes read his resignation letter where he stated that his reasons for resigning were that with three growing boys, he and his wife decided they needed more bedrooms and acreage.  They found the perfect location in Milford Township. Mayor Haynes went on to thank Borough Council, the office staff, the Solicitor and the Borough residents for all their support.  President Child thanked Mayor Haynes for his service to the Borough and stated that you are the type of friendly face that local government needs.  You have no axe to grind and only the good of the community at heart.  President Child went on to list the many accomplishments accredited to Mayor Haynes during his term in office.  President Child stated that a resignation from an elected office is not official until it is voted on so we have to have a motion.  A motion was made by Mr. Potter to accept the resignation of Mayor Haynes.  Seconded by Ms. Baine.  Motion passed and so ordered.

REPORT OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:

PLANNING COMMISSION:  Mr. Potter stated that we took a look at the plans for Building “C” that is part of the residential conversion at 19 East Broad Street.  Mr. Potter added that the plans for a twin, single family residence were in order and no variances were required.  A motion was made by Mr. Potter to approve the plans.  Seconded by Mr. Trimble.  Motion passed and so ordered.

Mr. Potter stated that the review of the QAPC Comprehensive Plan was tabled until the March 17^th meeting.

President Child stated that down here at the school, there are recently painted crosswalks and posted signs.  The painted crosswalks are at the bus entrance and the entrance to the main parking lot.  On our side of the street, there are no curb cuts.  The crosswalk comes right up to the curb.  President Child added that he would like Council to consider making the curb cuts or some other form of identifiable crosswalk.  Mr. MacCauley stated that there were some issues as to the location of the crosswalks.  Several comments were made as to children having to cross where there is potential heavy traffic.  A motion was made by Mr. MacCauley to study this problem and look into the possibility of having it adjusted.  Mr. Trimble stated he agreed, but we should first look at the plans to see if there were any crosswalks designated at those areas.  President Child asked the Public Safety, Welfare & Streets Committee to look into it and give us a report at the April meeting.  Mr. MacCauley withdrew his motion and deferred to the committee.

BUDGET & FINANCE COMMITTEE:  None

WATER COMMITTEE:  Mr. Potter stated that the Insurance Services Office (ISO) people conducted hydrant testing in the Borough today.  After they confer with the Fire Company, we will receive a report as to their findings.  In addition, one of the two hydrants has been repaired and the other should be done within a week.

NEW BUSINESS:

CEO report was reviewed and accepted as presented.

President Child stated that he received a letter from the Office of the County Commissioners concerning open space funding.  Under the new program, $26,000,000.00 will be allocated to the Municipal Grant Program.  In addition to a base allotment of $200,000.00, municipalities will receive an adjusted share based on land area and percent of total county population.  Trumbauersville Borough’s share is $218,440.00.  This is new money for open space purchases.

There being no further business, a motion was made by Mr. DiNatale to adjourn.  Seconded by Mr. MacCauley.  Motion passed and so ordered.

Larry Smock
Borough Secretary