PENNSBURG BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, March 1, 2011 – 7:00 P.M.

The regular meeting was called to order by President John K. Lear at 7:00 P.M.  President Lear led with the Pledge of Allegiance.  Answering roll call were Council Members: Bruce Lord, William C. Clinton, Joan Wieder, Douglas Landis, Vice President Michael Mensch and President John K. Lear.

Also present this evening was Mayor Ethel G. Ritchey, Borough Solicitor Charles D. Garner, Jr., Borough Engineer John Katsaros, Roads Assistant Rick Krupp, Administrative Assistant Lisa Hiltz and Administrative Manager/Secretary-Treasurer Jeanne W. Hopkins.

Public Comment Period – None

Communications
Congressman Charles Dent will be holding a “town hall” meeting on April 28^th at 10 a.m. in the Pennsburg Borough Council Chambers. 

Consent Agenda
A Motion was made by Wieder, seconded by Landis and unanimous to approve as written, the Minutes of the February 15, 2011 Borough Council Meeting, February Treasurer’s Report and Fire Police services for the YMCA 5K Run and Fun Walk on May 7, 2011.

Fire Company and Safety
 Councilor Lord reported a meeting was held in February.  No report at this time.

Revitalization
Councilor Clinton reported the Montgomery County Planning Commission will be conducting a ten-year review of the revitalization program.  The revitalization committee will meet on March 14th to discuss how Pennsburg will be responding.  Our response is due by the end of March.

Solid Waste & Recycling
Councilor Landis reported the three borough’s trash and recycling committees will be meeting to begin the process of negotiating a new trash contract.  The current contract expires at the end of 2011.  East Greenville will be leading the negotiations.

Roads
Councilor Mensch reported a meeting was held earlier in the evening.  No report at this time.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Borough Council seat vacancy
 Letters of Interest were received from borough residents, Jeffrey Spencer, Kristopher Kirkwood and Lori Blackburn.  Each candidate was given time to provide a brief history of themselves.  Council Members asked various questions of each candidate.

A Motion was made by Landis, seconded by Mensch and unanimous to enact a Resolution to nominate Kristopher G. Kirkwood to fill the term of office, expiring January 2, 2012.

Mayor Ethel G. Ritchey gave the Oath of Office to Mr. Kirkwood.

Mr. Kirkwood was warmly welcomed by the elected officials and staff members and immediately took his seat as a new Borough Council member.

Christman Subdivision, Main Street 2 lot subdivision
Solicitor Garner reported it was discovered the Deeds of Dedication were never accepted by Borough Council.  A Motion was made by Clinton, seconded by Lord and unanimous to authorize the Solicitor to advertise the ordinance for consideration of adoption at the April 5^th meeting

NEW BUSINESS

CVS Traffic Signal status
Solicitor Garner gave a brief history of the land development and traffic signal, since most recent council members were not council members when the CVS/Dampman project was developed. 

Two traffic studies have been conducted by PennDot.  These traffic counts do not warrant a fully working signal according to PennDot’s standards.  This is the reason the signal remains in the flashing mode.  In recent talks with the developer, he has offered to post a $153,000.00 bond for five (5) years.  After five years, the traffic light will be revisited to determine if the intersection warrants a traffic light. John Katsaros commented the remaining parcel in the development has not been developed which was supposed to be a fast food restaurant. That additional business was expected to generate more traffic, warranting a traffic signal. 

Councilor Wieder asked if the development of the undeveloped lot could be tied to the traffic light and its cost.  Solicitor Garner answered that the developer is the one who wanted the traffic light initially and her suggestion may help in negotiating a resolution.  This matter will be discussed again at the April 5^th meeting.

Spring PSAB Conference
A Motion was made by Wieder, seconded by Lord and unanimous to approve the conference fee and costs for meals and mileage for the attendance of Councilor Clinton when attending the conference for one day. 

New financial bank account
A Motion was made by Mensch and Lord to authorize the Treasurer to deposit budgeted savings for 2010 and future years into the existing Tri County Federal Credit Union account.

The March bills for payment were approved with a Motion made by Landis, seconded by Wieder and unanimous.

Revitalization Streetscape
A Motion was made by Mensch, seconded by Clinton and unanimous to direct the Administrative Manager to make application to the Montgomery Planning Commission Revitalization Board for a grant to complete Main Street streetscape improvements.

Community Day
Community Day is scheduled for September 10^th.  Cardboard collection will be moved to the 3^rd Saturday in September.

Public Comment – None

There being no further business to come before the Borough Council at this time, a Motion was made by Clinton, seconded by Wieder and unanimous to adjourn the meeting at 7:48 P.M.

Respectfully submitted

 Jeanne W. Hopkins
Administrative Manager