New Britain Borough

 

 

 

 

AGENDA FOR THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE

NEW BRITAIN BOROUGH COUNCIL

May 8, 2012

 

                              

7:30 p.m.    

2.       Roll Call

3.       Minutes of April 10, 2012

4.       Correspondence

5.       March Treasurer's Report

6.       April Tax Collector's Reports

7.       Fire, Building, Zoning, Road & Phone/Visitor Reports

8.       Manager's Report

9.       Mayor’s Report

10.     Review April Expenditures

11.     Old Business

                                     -  Agreement with Doylestown Township

                             4.    Open Space – Apple Orchard Update

                             5.     Tamenend Ave. PCE site – Update

                             6.      Nominating Committee Update  

                             2.    Consider Adoption - Fire Inspection Ordinance

 

         

         

                         

New Britain Borough

Minutes

April 10, 2011

 

The monthly meeting of the New Britain Borough Council was called to order by President Robert Belchic at 7:30 PM.  All council members were present except Mr. Jeffrey Gilmore.  Also present were Mr. Mark Hintenlang, Mr. J. Thomas Yatsky, Solicitor Michael Goodwin, Ms. Robin Trymbiski and Mayor David Holewinski.  Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski motioned to approve the minutes of the March 13, 2012 council meeting as written; seconded by Mr. Joseph Cangelosi and approved.

 

Ms. Margaret Remmey motioned to hire Jeffrey Moffet as a full time police officer for New Britain Borough; seconded by Mr. Craig Sturza and hired.  Chief Donnelly assisted as Mayor David Holewinski swore in Officer Moffet.  Office Moffet was greeted with a warm welcome from Council and those in attendance.

 

Mr. Toby J. Kessler of Gilmore and Associates attended the meeting to report on his findings concerning the water contamination problem in the Borough known as the Tamenend PCE Site.  Mr. Kessler was engaged by the Borough to review the Tamenend PCE Site, talk with the DEP and report back to Council with recommendations on how to proceed.  Mr. Kessler asked the DEP the status of their decision which he was told is final and would require legal action to change.  He also asked if the DEP would consider reimbursement if the Borough were to put in public water.  Mr. Patel of the DEP said it was possible but would have to go through legal council because it would change the decision and that they would not reimburse anyone who already has a treatment system.  Their decision is to supply the contaminated households with a whole house filtration system, monitor those systems for one year and monitor the DEP’s monitoring wells for 2-3 years.  The DEP considers this to be a final remedy.  Mr. Kessler reported that the DEP is not trying to eliminate the problem; they are just protecting the health and well being of the people affected.  They will not be doing anything for the commercial properties affected, because it is the law that they have to provide clean drinking water.  After a discussion by Council and questions being directed to Mr. Kessler, it was decided that Mr. Kessler needs to complete a written report which will include expert recommendations for Council on what is the best action for the Borough to take to help those residents affected now and possibly in the future (if the plume was to move).  Council also asked Mr. Kessler to include grants and loans which would help if expenditures were necessary by the Borough.  Ms. Marie Coia interjected that there are no restrictions to public water being installed in the historic district, a concern brought up by the DEP.

 

Ms. Marie Coia reported on the New Britain Historic Preservation Committee.  Ms. Coia reminded Council that the Borough Hall will be 100 years old next year.  It was built by the New Britain Library and Literacy Committee.  The Historic Preservation Committee would like to plan some events related to the Borough Hall.  They will be holding a “Tour of the Cemetery” at the New Britain Baptist Church on May 24^th at 7:00PM.  Information will follow in the next newsletter, which can be viewed on newbritianboro.com.  Ms Coia also asked Councils approval for the Historic Preservation Committee to raise funds and become involved in “Wreaths Across America”.  Everyone was in agreement.  The committee will be purchasing wreaths for the veterans buried in the Baptist Church Cemetery.  Ms. Coia also brought to council’s attention that the cemetery is badly in need of restoration.  They will be investigating ways in which to help with that effort.

 

Correspondence: for the month was reviewed.

 

Tax Collector’s Report: for the month of March was reviewed.

 

Fire, Building, Zoning, Road and Phone/Visitor Reports: for the month were reviewed.

 

Manager’s Report:

Administration: Everyone received a copy of a letter from Robert C. Lewis. As a long time resident and business owner in New Britain Borough, Mr. Lewis would like to provide the Borough with insurance which would mean changing brokers.  Mr. Craig Sturza motioned to make Mr. Robert Lewis our new insurance broker; seconded by Mr. Peter LaMontagne and approved.

 

The following items will be covered in New Business: Constellation Energy, Fire Inspection Ordinance and Fee Schedule amendment.

 

Finance: Styer and Associates have filed the auditor’s report with the state.

 

Groner/Nature Preserve:  The Nature Preserve Committee would like permission to move the monument on Miriam’s Meadow back from the road at a cost of $200.  Mr. LaMontagne also added that they would like to approve the annual maintenance to the meadow at an estimated cost of $1720 and bronze plaques recognizing Carol and Ken Miller for allowing the Borough to purchase a property easement from each at the estimated cost of $950.   Mr. Peter LaMontagne motioned to approve the above expenditure; seconded by Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski.  After a short discussion it was decided to eliminate the Miller plaques at this time. The maintenance of the meadow was also discussed.  Mr. LaMontagne informed Council that there will be knowledgeable people present to watch the work being done so that the Nature Preserve volunteers can do the work in the future.   Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski motioned to approve the $200 expenditure to move Miriam’s plaque in the meadow and the meadow maintenance by Larry Weaner landscape associates with a cap of $1800; seconded by Mr. Craig Sturza and approve.  Mr. LaMontagne will contact Larry Weaner Landscape Associates and inform them of the $1800 cap.  Ms. Trymbiski mentioned that Ms Lynn Bush, director of the Bucks County Planning Commission, said the Borough can use open space money to maintain parks.  Ms. Trymbiski will give Mr. LaMontagne the list of municipalities who have used open space money in this way.

 

Mayor’s Report:  Mayor Holewinski reported on his, and several residents, attendance at the SEPTA Bus Meeting.  The Mayor and several others were allowed, at the end of the meeting, to speak “on record” about New Britain Borough’s concern and opposition to the discontinuing of weekend stops at the New Britain Borough Train Station.  The Mayor felt going to the meeting was well worth the effort and the Borough should be hearing from SEPTA in about a month.

 

Expenditures:  Mr. Joseph Cangelosi motioned to pay the monthly expenditures; seconded by Ms Margaret Remmey and approved.

 

Old Business:  Ms Mary Pat Holewinski reported on her attendance at the Bike and Hike Committee Meeting.  The Borough area was not on the agenda.  They spoke mostly about the link between Buckingham and Doylestown.  Mr. LaMontagne added that the New Britain Bike and Hike Committee will be revising their plan since the route along the railroad proved to be extremely expensive.

 

Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski reported on the “Parkway” progress and reminded Council of the “Picnic on the Parkway” scheduled for Sunday, September 16^th.  She will keep Council up to date on those details.

 

Mr. Mark Hintenlang gave an update on the “traffic calming” project for Keeley Avenue.  Because we share ownership of the northern end of Keeley Avenue with Doylestown Township, they asked that we sign an agreement between the two municipalities.  Ms Mary Pat Holewinski motioned to sign the agreement between New Britain Borough and Doylestown Township for the purpose of facilitating the construction by the Borough of certain traffic calming devices on Keeley Avenue.  The agreement states that the two municipalities agree to ownership, traffic calming devices, consent and that the Borough shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Township and shall reimburse the Township from any loss, liability, claim, damage expense arising from the design, installation and maintenance of the traffic calming devices; seconded by Mr. Joe Cangelosi and approved contingent on Doylestown Townships approval of the Boroughs insurance coverage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Business:  The Open Space Committee met about updating the Open Space Plan.  They discussed the procedure they will follow and have begun work on the update. 

 

Mr. Goodwin has prepared an Ordinance requiring an annual fire inspection of commercial and Industrial properties.  Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski motioned to advertise the Fire Inspection Ordinance; seconded by Mr. Craig Sturza and approved.

 

Mr. Joseph Cangelosi motioned to amend the Fee Schedule by Resolution 2012-6; seconded by Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski and approved.

 

 Mr. Goodwin reviewed the contract with Constellation Energy.  The projected annual savings is approximately $4,000/year.  Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski motioned to sign the four year contract with Constellation Energy; seconded by Mr. Craig Sturza and approved.

 

Mr. Peter LaMontagne motioned to form a Nominating Committee; seconded by Mr. Craig Sturza.  Mr. Peter LaMontagne led a discussion on the idea of a Nominating Committee.  This idea was first mentioned at the March council meeting.   It was decided that a committee, called the Recommendation Committee would be established.  It will consist of the chairman of the Planning, Zoning Hearing, Nature Preserve and Community and Business Committees and one Council member.  The committee will act as an advisory committee.  They will establish a list of residents interested in serving in an appointed position on any of the numerous Borough boards and commissions.  The Recommendation Committee will make recommendations to Council when a vacancy occurs.  Council may also make recommendations of candidates to fill positions.  Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski motioned to amend the original motion, calling the new committee the Recommendation Committee and containing the above list of members; seconded by Mr. Craig Sturza and approved.

 

Mr. Peter LaMontagne commented that resident Dan Kitner agreed to set up a website for the Nature Preserve Committee. Mr. Kitner has an intern that would be doing the work and asked for a $300 stipend to cover her time.  Mr. Peter Lamontagne motioned that the Borough approve the expenditure of $300 for a website design and set up for the Nature Preserve; seconded by Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski and approved.

 

Resident’s Remarks:  Ms. Jackie D’Agostino, a resident with a contaminated water supply, thanked Council for all they are doing to remediate the problem.  She also asked to be considered for the vacancy on the Zoning Hearing Board.  Ms. Margaret Remmey motioned to appoint Ms D’Agostino to the New Britain Borough Zoning Hearing Board as an alternate; seconded by Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski and approved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Robert Binkley questioned the high property taxes in New Britain Borough.  He wanted to let Council know that residents are questioning the reason for such high taxes and are unhappy with the situation.  Mr. Binkley did not want an explanation, but President Belchic did add that one of the hopes of a police merger is that it will alleviate some of the high cost of having a police force and resident Marie Coia added that as a previous auditor for the Borough she knows first hand that the Borough does not collect nearly the amount of EIT as in surrounding municipalities.  Also Ms Coia added that she is aware of the frugal way in which the Borough is run.

 

Ms Mary Pat Holewinski motioned to adjourn; seconded by Mr Joseph Cangelosi and the meeting ended at 9:32 PM.

 

 

 

 

New Britain borough

Minutes

March 13, 2012

 

The monthly meeting of the New Britain Borough Council was called to order by President Robert Belchic at 7:30 PM.  All Council members were present.  Also present were Mr. Mark Hintenlang, Mr. J. Thomas Yatsky, Solicitor Michael Goodwin and Mayor David Holewinski.  President Robert Belchic publically thanked David Donahue for his many years of service to the Borough government and the community.  Mr. David Holewinski added that Dave will be missed as an integral part of the New Britain Planning Commission.  Ms. Margaret Remmey regretfully motioned to accept David Donahue’s resignation as Councilperson and Planning Commission member; seconded by Mr. Jeffrey Gilmore and approved.  Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski nominated Mr. Craig Sturza to fill the council vacancy; seconded by Mr. Joseph Cangelosi.  Mr. Peter LaMontagne nominated Mr. F. Scott Woodrow to fill the council vacancy; seconded by Mr. Jeffrey Gilmore.  Mr. LaMontagne led a discussion on having a “nominating committee”.  Mr. LaMontagne would like to see interested parties for official appointments be interviewed by the committee and recommendations made to Council.  Because of the time restraints, it was concluded that this particular vacancy be filled at this meeting and that the discussion be continued at a later date.  It was suggested that the filling of the Planning Commission vacancy may be the first job for a “nominating committee.  The President asked for those in favor of Mr. Sturza and the voting went as follows:

Ms. Mary Pat Holewinki – yea

Mr. Jeffrey Gilmore – nay

Mr. Peter LaMontagne – nay

Ms. Margaret Remmey – yea

Mr. Robert Belchic – yea

Mr. Joseph Cangelosi – yea

Mr. Craig Sturza was voted to fill the council vacancy by Resolution 2012-4.  Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski nominated Ms. Margaret Remmey as Vice-President of Council; seconded by Joseph Cangelosi and Ms. Remmey was unanimously approved.

 

Mayor David Holewinski and Chief James Donnelly presented Officer Scott Stewart with a commendation on his arrest and investigation in a three counts of thief from an auto case.  Officer Stewart was met by a warm round of applause.

 

Mr. Michael Bueke of Showalter and Associates attended the meeting with his client Mavji Shah.  The purpose of their visit was seeking preliminary/final approval of a simple two lot subdivision.  Mr. Bueke reviewed Mr. Hintenlang’s letter, dated February 10, 2012, which included Mr. Hintenlang’s comments and the waivers being requested.   

Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski motioned to approval subject to compliance with Mr. Hintenlang’s letter dated February 10, 2012, including but not limited to 1. Zoning;

2. Land Development & Subdivision points 1, 2 & 6 specifically and the approval of waivers listed in points 3, 4, 5, 7 & 8; seconded by Mr. Joseph Cangelosi and approved

 

Correspondence: for the month was reviewed.

 

February Treasurer’s Report: for the month was reviewed.

 

January & February Tax Collector’s Repots: for the month were reviewed.

 

Fire, Building, Zoning, Roads & Phone/Visitor Report: for the month were reviewed.

 

Manager’s Report:

 

Administration: The Borough Office had 74 boxes of old records shredded by Titan Shredding Company.  The retention guidelines were followed.

 

Now that the Borough can include the electric for street lighting, Ms. Trymbiski will be reinvestigating the possibility of saving money for the Borough by contracting with Constellation Energy to purchase electric.

 

Ms. Trymbiski and Ms. Coia met to discuss a quarterly newsletter.  Because of the date there will be three newsletters this year and four starting 2013.

 

Dan Jenkins, Borough Fire Marshal, gave Ms. Trymbiski information on a Fire Safety Program and an ordinance for fire inspections.  Mr. Yatsky and Mr. Goodwin are continuing to work on a program to monitor the storing and disposal of hazardous materials in the Borough.  Mr. Goodwin will propose and ordinance.

 

Police: Officer Shawn McGuire resigned from the Borough Police Force and has taken a job in New Britain Township.  Chief Donnelly is actively searching for a new officer.

 

Planning:  Mr. Hintenlang developed a plan to help remedy the erosion along the creek next to the Covered Bridge Park.  A discussion was led by Mr. Hintenlang and Mr. LaMontagne.  It was decided that there was not enough time to apply for the DCNR Grant which would be used to institute the plan.  Mr. LaMontagne requested Planning continue to explore the project so they will be ready to apply if the grant is offered again next year or an appropriate grant is offered in the future.  Mr. Holewinski asked Mr. Hintenlang to get a cost estimate for the April Planning Meeting.

 

Zoning:  It has become apparent that the current ZHB fees collected by the Borough are not adequate to cover the Borough’s costs.  Ms. Trymbiski is in the process of comparing fees collected in neighboring municipalities.  A revision to the Fee Schedule will be prepared for next month.

 

Groner/Nature Preserve:  There are several dead trees on the Groner property which need to be removed and stone for the Nature Preserve parking lot and paths.  Mr. Peter LaMontagne motioned to spend $1300 (quoted by Bob Tumelty Tree Service) to have the trees cut down; seconded by Ms. Margaret Remmey and approved.  Mr. La Montagne discussed the two stumps on the Groner property and the five or six in the nature preserve which need to be ground down so not to interfere with mowing.  Council asked Mr. LaMontagne to get a price on having the work done.

 

Expenditures: Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski motioned to pay the monthly expenditures; seconded by Mr. Jeffrey Gilmore and approved.

 

Old Business: Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski reported on the Doylestown Bike and Hike Committee.  They will be using the most recent grant for phases 2 and 3.  This development will affect the Borough in that they plan to come through the Beulah Cemetery up through the Nature Preserve and on to the Chalfont Train Station.  Ms. Holewinski assured Council that they are aware that the Borough will not approve a paved path through the Nature Preserve.  Ms. Holewinski also informed Council that the Doylestown Bike and Hike has never paid for land or easements when developing their paths.

 

Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski reported on the “parkway” progress.  Sunday September 16, 2012 will be a completion celebration called “Picnic on the Parkway”.  More information will follow and will hopefully be included in the appropriate newsletter.

 

Mr. Hintenlang reported that the “sign consolidation” plan for the Keeley Avenue traffic calming has been sent to the neighboring municipalities.  Mr. Hintenlang is waiting their response.

 

Council was asked to consider the non-uniform pension increase.  Jeffrey Gilmore motioned to set a special meeting date of June 4, 2012 to compile all questions on the subject; seconded by Mary Pat Holewinski and approved.  The meeting will be advertised.  On the completion of the above reference meeting Council will make an appointment to meet with the Borough pension consultant Ron Bittner and decide exactly what terms they will be offering the three non uniform pension employees.

 

Mr. Mark Hintenlang continued an on going discussion of the water contamination known as the Tamenend PCE Site.  The most recent figures for public water were discussed.  The information from the DEP concerning their proposed approach was once again reviewed.  Council discussed the two proposals for hiring an expert to help guide the Borough in this matter.  Ms. Margaret Remmey motioned to hire Gilmore and Associates to assist the Borough in addressing the PCE contamination problem; seconded by Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski and approved.

 

New Business:  Mr. LaMontagne expressed his thoughts on having the Open Space Plan updated.  It was decided that an updated comprehensive plan for open space would be created.  The Open Space Committee consisting of Mr. Peter LaMontagne, chairman, Mr. Robert Binkley and Mr. Tom Price will undergo that task and report to Planning when complete.

 

Mr. Jeffrey Gilmore motioned to approve Resolution 2012-5 stating that the Borough of New Britain believes that SEPTA’s reduction of service during weekends at the Tamenend Avenue Station will create hardship for Borough residents and result in more traffic on local roadways in consequence of the fact that these SEPTA patrons would then be required to drive to other, more remote stations or to their ultimate destinations, in consequence of the lack of public transportation; seconded by Mr. Joseph Cangelosi and approved.  This resolution will be sent to the County Commissioners.

 

Resident Jim Chant asked, if the Borough is hiring Tumelty Tree Service to cut the trees on the Groner property why doesn’t the Nature Preserve Committee ask him to give a price on the grinding of stumps, hoping to get a discounted rate.  Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski motioned to approve the grinding of the stumps with a $500 cap; seconded by Mr. Joseph Cangelosi and approved. 

 

Mr. Jeffrey Gilmore in retrospect felt he should not have voted on the motion to hire an engineering firm.  He explained that he is related to the owner of Gilmore and Associates, but has no financial interest in the business.  That said he would feel more comfortable in a revote.  Ms. Margaret Remmey motioned to hire Gilmore and Associates to assist the Borough in addressing the PCE contamination problem; seconded by Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski.  Mr. Jeffrey Gilmore abstained, all other Council members voted to approve.

 

Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski motioned to adjourn; seconded by Mr. Peter LaMontagne and the meeting ended at 9:00 PM.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Britain Borough

Minutes

February 14, 2012

 

The monthly meeting of the New Britain Borough Council was called to order by President David Donahue at 7:30 PM.  All Council members were present.  Also present were Mr. Mark Hintenlang, Mr. J. Thomas Yatsky, Solicitor Michael Goodwin, Mr. Lloyd Vansant, Mayor David Holewinski.  Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski motioned to approve the minutes of the January 10, 2012 meeting as written; seconded by Mr. Peter LaMontagne and approved.

 

Correspondence: for the month was reviewed.

 

January Treasurer’s Repot: for the month was reviewed.

 

December Tax Collector’s Report: for the month was reviewed.

 

Fire Building, Zoning and Road Reports: for the month were reviewed.

 

Manager’s Report:

Administration: General Code has completed the Manuscript of the Codification of Borough Ordinances.  The portfolio and manuscript must be reviewed and the editorial analysis must be completed by June 29, 2012.  Mark Hintenlang, J. Thomas Yatsky and Robin Trymbiski have started this process.  It will then be passed to Mr. Michael Goodwin to complete the process.

 

Solicitor Michael Goodwin reported on the water contamination problem, “Tamenend Ave. PCE site”.  He has been in contact with the director of the DEP and has looked into sources of funding for public water through grants and low interest loans.  Solicitor Goodwin explained the DEP’s reason for installing the filtration systems rather than providing public water to the affected homes.  They believe the continued pumping of the plume through the filtration systems will help to keep the plume from spreading and eventually helping it to disappear.  Mr. Goodwin questioned why they had not recommended pump extraction systems in the area.  He was told they only do that when the numbers indicating the contamination are much higher.  Mr. Goodwin’s recommendation to Council is to hire an expert to make sure we are getting the correct information and help the Borough determine the best course of action.  Mark Hintenlang presented a proposal from Boucher & James.  Mr. Peter LaMontagne did not think the proposal covered the scope of work the Borough wanted.  Mr. Goodwin and Mr. Hintenlang will make sure by letter that all proposals including Boucher & James understand what the Borough would like accomplished by an environmental engineer.  Mr. Joseph Cangelosi motioned that Mr. Goodwin and Mr. Hintenlang seek proposals for an expert to provide guidance for the Borough concerning the “Tamenend Avenue PCE site”; seconded by Mr. Jeffrey Gilmore and approved.  Finance: The audit of the Borough finances for 2011 began last week.  The report from Styer and Associates is forth coming. 

 

The Annual Investment Report for the 2011 Uniform and Non-uniform Pensions has been circulated and is also available for review in the Borough Office.

 

Police: Mr. Walter Bair sent the Civil Service Commission a letter of resignation.  Ms. Margaret Remmey motioned to accept his resignation; seconded by Mr. Jeffrey Gilmore and approved.  The Borough will send him a letter of appreciation for his past service.  Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski motioned to appoint Mr. Daniel O’Leary to the New Britain Civil Service Commission; seconded by Mr. Jeffrey Gilmore and approved.  The Borough Office will notify him of his appointment

 

The DCED has completed the Regional Police Study.  It will be reviewed February 15, 2012 at 10:00 AM at Doylestown Township.  Mr. Jeffrey Gilmore asked if there had been any challenges to the study (not at this time) and asked when the study would be adopted to which he was told June.

 

Community & Business Committee:  Ms. Marie Coia, chairman of the committee, reported on the committee meetings in January and February.  Ms. Coia stated, the NBBCBC is a committee of the borough comprised of business professionals, residents and borough officials working together to create an environment that attracts targeted businesses, promotes our current businesses, enhances the quality of life for residents and, hopefully, improves the tax base.Committee members are David Holewinski, Bob Belchic, David Joss, Development Manager, Federal Realty Investment Trust, Chris Forlano, Duck Deli, Debbie Byrne, Byrne Sewing, Dave Fermier, Bucks-Mont Party Rental, Jackie D’Agostino, Lorraine Moxey, Donna vonLipsey and Marie Esher Coia.  Marie Esher Coia was voted chair and Donna vonLipsey acting secretary.  Lynn Bush, Executive Director, Bucks County Planning Commission attended the second meeting.  She prepared a Market Profile for New Britain and gave the committee a possible lead on a grant.

John Davis, Doylestown Borough’s manager will attend the March meeting where he will discuss Doylestown Borough’s revitalization efforts. One of the committee’s tasks is to work to promote the current borough businesses to maintain stability and decrease the possibility of more vacant properties.  One way is to expose our residents to what businesses are in the Borough.  The committee would like to increase the Borough Newsletter to four times a year and include a story about a borough business in each.  They would also like to sell advertising to help with increased costs.  Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski motioned to increase the newsletter from two to four times annually; seconded by Mr. Joseph Cangelosi and approved.

 

Expenditures:  Ms. Margaret Remmey motioned to pay the monthly expenditures; seconded by Mr. Robert Belchic and approved.

 

Old Business:  Council was to consider Tabled Ordinance #343 amending the Non-uniform Pension.  Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski motioned to table the ordinance again; seconded by Ms. Margaret Remmey and the Ordinance was tabled until the March meeting.

 

New Business: Mr. Robert Belchic motioned to adopt Resolution # 2012-2 Revising the Open Space Plan; seconded by Mr. Peter LaMontagne and approved.  The plan was amended in 2011 to include the proposed purchase of the Miller easements.  Mr. LaMontagne asked that the cover page of the Open Space Plan reflect the new amended date.  This will be stated in the resolution and taken care of on the Borough Office copy.

 

With the water contamination problem on everyone’s mind, Mr. Robert Belchic asked if the Borough has any type of inspection system in place where the housing and disposal of hazardous materials is monitered.  This he feels should be an ongoing procedure.  Ms. Trymbiski will be in touch with the Borough Fire Marshal and Mr. Hintenlang will look in to past practices. 

 

Mr. Peter LaMontagne revisited the plan to put stepping stones across Cook’s Run in the Nature Preserve.  The Nature Preserve Committee will be pursuing that effort.  Mr. LaMontagne also announced a meeting “Friends of the Nature Preserve” which will be held Monday, February 27, 2012, 7:30 in the Borough Hall Meeting Room.  The committee hopes to get community volunteers involved to help with maintenance and projects in the Nature Preserve.

 

Mr. LaMontagne also spoke of the DCNR matching funds grant which he feels would be well spent on trying to correct the erosion caused by the creek in the Covered Bridge Park.  He thought the Borough may have to lease the park from the Civic Association to comply with the grant application requirements. The Civic Association could apply, but is not interested in matching funds.  Ms. Mary Pat Holewinski motioned to have Mark Hintenlang investigate the erosion situation and come up with appropriate remedies; seconded by Mr. Jeffrey Gilmore and approved.

 

Mr. Robert Belchic motioned to adjourn; seconded by Mr. Peter LaMontagne and the meeting ended at 8:45 PM.