WILSON BOROUGH
NORTHAMPTON COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA

The Second Meeting of the Council of The Borough of Wilson was held in the Guy B. Tomaino Public Safety Building at 2040 Hay Terrace, President Reiss called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Roll call followed.

PRESENT:

 ABSENT:

Also present were: Mayor David S. Perruso, Solicitor Louis S. Minotti, Jr., Code Enforcement Officer Paul R. Corriere, Chief Richard Nace, Superintendent Greg Drake

READING OF THE MINUTES:
The Minutes of the May 9, 2005 Council Meeting were approved on a Motion by Mr. McGowan. Second by Mr. Nixon.

PRESENTATION OF MATTERS BY PERSONS PRESENT:

1. Fran Roscioli of 2426 Hay Street appeared before Council to obtain a progress report on Fisk field. Mr. Roscioli specifically was interested in what the parking situation would be for football season. Mr. Reiss explained that the Borough had not obtained permission from the state to proceed on the project. No permits have been obtained for any work to commence. The Borough does not know when the necessary permits will be received. Mr. Roscioli stated that they would be willing to put in a temporary parking lot. Mr. McGowan replied that nothing can be put down without the permits. Mr. Reiss stated that a permit would have to be issued from PennDot for an entrance off Wood Ave. as it was a state road. Easton Suburban Water Authority is willing to put in a temporary parking lot and get the permit from PennDot. The Borough does not know when this might happen. Ms. Lilly has spoken to the City of Easton and they do not want the football association parking on the City’s property. Mr. Roscioli will contact Bean, Inc. about parking on their property.

Mr. Roscioli also requested Mr. Drake’s assistance in moving equipment at Fisk field and also for repairing the holes on the field and rolling it. Mr. Drake will help the association when the field dries out enough to work on it.

COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS:

1. A letter was received from Heather Flank requesting permission to hold a Block Party on the 2100 block of Hay Street on Saturday, July 2, 2005 from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
   
   
2. An email was received from Bill Modzelewski asking Council to pave the alley behind the 1500 block of Spruce Street. Several fences would need to be moved and a large tree removed if the alley were to be paved.
   
   
3. Ms. Lohrman has received information from Sara Pandl concerning a Public Hearing for the submission of the HOME program application. The hearing will be held before the next Council meeting on June 13, 2005 at 6:30 p.m.
   
   
4. Ms. Lohrman reminded the Police Pension Board that there would be a meeting on Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at 3:30 p.m.
   
   
5. A letter was received from James McGowan requesting permission to hold a Block Party on the 1800 block of Fairview Avenue on Monday, July 4, 2005.
   
   
   

COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR:

1. Mayor Perruso has received a call from Fr. Scott about a reception this Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Fr. Farrell Hall. Mayor Perruso requested Council’s permission to have parking on both sides of the street during the reception. People will be coming and going during this period of time. Motion to approve request by Ms. Lilly. Second by Mr. McGowan.

COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE BOROUGH MANAGER:

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:

GENERAL GOVERNMENT:

1. Mr. Feinberg informed Council that the Borough had received a large check in the amount of

$1,400,000.00 from the sewer authority. Mr. Feinberg felt the Borough should deposit the funds with PLGIT. Our other PLGIT account matures on June 25, 2005. Mr. Feinberg felt the money should be deposited for 18 months. Mr. Reiss suggested splitting the funds into smaller amounts in case the Borough might need funds for projects or emergencies. Ms. Lilly suggested coming back to Council with rates. Mr. Feinberg made a Motion to invest the funds with PLGIT in the amount of $500,000.00, $500,000.00 and $400,000.00. Second by Mr. Nixon.

2. Mr. Feinberg inquired as to the status of the bike path. Mr. Minotti informed Council that he had been told today by Mr. O’Neill that the construction had begun on the bike path. Mr. McGowan stated that they were still dumping dirt at the site. Mr. Drake stated that they had started cleaning up around our manhole covers, but only because he had requested it to be done. Mr. Corriere and Mr. Drake will visit the site tomorrow. Mr. Minotti suggested putting constant pressure on them. Mr. Minotti was willing to contact Mr. O’Neill’s attorney about the escrow account.

A short discussion was held on the two lease agreements on the Victor Balata property. One was an agreement between Mr. O’Neill and Palmer Township and the other is between Mr. O’Neill and Wilson Borough

3. A question arose about correspondence with Weis Markets and the bike path. Ms. Lohrman has not received a reply about the right of way. Motion by Mr. Starniri to have Mr. Minotti contact Weis Markets about the right of way. Second by Mr. Feinberg. Ms. Lohrman will forward the necessary paperwork to Mr. Minotti.
   

FIRE:

1. Mr. Starniri informed Council that the aerial ladder truck had returned from the fire show.

POLICE:

1. Chief Nace inquired about the status of 2001 Ferry Street. Mr. Corriere has sent a letter to condemn the property. The owner has 30 days to respond. Chief Nace stated that the grass is now 3 feet high in the yard. Ms. Lohrman will have Mr. Heller cut the grass at the property. The owner is still in the 30 day time frame before the Borough can take further action.
   
   
2. Mayor Perruso informed Council that the parking meters are in the process of being certified. They are in pretty good shape. Mr. Drake added that the process should be completed tomorrow and the certification will good for 3 years.
   

PUBLIC WORKS:

1. Mr. Drake informed Council that Mr. Loxley will not be returning to us this year. He also has received information that Mr. Kovacs will indeed have his driver’s license before he starts work this summer. No other applications are on file for part time help. Mr. Reiss stated that the Borough would not be advertising again as it was too expensive.
   
   

PARKS AND RECREATION:

1. Ms. Lilly inquired as to whether the pool contract had been executed. Ms. Lohrman responded that it had been as of today.
   
   
2. Ms. Lilly inquired if anything could be done about the manhole in Jeffrey field. She asked if anything could be put over it. Mr. Drake responded that it had never been a problem before. Mr. Drake will look into the matter.
   
   
3. Ms. Lilly informed Council that older kids are playing baseball at Jeffrey field and balls are flying over the fence. Mr. Reiss felt that it was not the Borough’s problem if cars parked in the Jeffrey field lot were damaged by baseballs during non-sanctioned activities.
   
   
4. Ms. Lilly had met with Jim Gallop and the employees who will be working at the pool this summer. The new manager’s name is Rich Crouse. He has coached the Allen swim team. Mr. Drake informed Ms. Lilly that CO₂ will be needed at the pool shortly as chlorine has been added to the water. Aqua Serve will be handling the water in the pools going forward. Ms. Lilly thanked Ms. Behler and Ms. Guth for their assistance with the pool passes and food vendors. Mr. Gallop also serves the pools in Nazareth and Palmer. He will be looking at the food prices we charge at the pool. Mr. Reiss felt that the prices for pool parties should be reduced.
   

ATTORNEY:

         None

MECAB:

1. Mr. McGowan reminded Council that the MECAB tour will be held on Wednesday, May 25, 2005  The tour will begin at the community center and then travel on to Nazareth and Freemansburg.  
   
   After a canal boat ride, the trolley will proceed onward to the Pen Argyl area. Dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. and cost is $20.00 per person. Mr. McGowan and Mayor Perruso expressed their displeasure on the turnout by Wilson officials.
   

OLD BUSINESS:

          None

DEFERRED BUSINESS:

1. Ms. Lilly made a Motion to approve the request for a Block Party on the 2100 block of Hay Street. Mr. Feinberg inquired about whether other Council members had received an unsigned letter concerning the Block Party. Mr. Reiss stated that they had, but do not take into consideration unsigned letters. Second by Ms. McGinley.
   
   
2. Motion by Mr. Starniri to approve the request for a Block Party on the 1800 block of Fairview Avenue. Second by Ms. Lilly.
   
   
3. Mr. Drake informed Council that he had been down to take a look at the alley behind the 1500 block of Spruce Street. Alleys should be 15 feet in width, but they should be a minimum of 11 feet. Mr. Drake stated that he had measured the alley and the average width was 9.4 feet. The narrowest portion of the alley was 8.4 feet. There are several fences, telephone poles, and a large tree obstructing the alley. Mr. Minotti stated that there is some question whether or not the alley is public. Even if the alley was public, the Borough may not have the right to open it as it has not been open in the last 21 years. Mr. Drake stated that he’s been employed by the Borough for 30 years and the alley was never opened. It may be necessary to condemn the properties abutting the alley or at a minimum have a majority of the property owners request the public alley be opened. If the alley is private, the Borough has no right to open the alley. We would only have a right of way to the sanitary sewer line. Mr. Minotti also mentioned that deeds to the properties along the alley may call for the alley to remain unopened. Mr. Minotti stated that he has had several of his clients who live in other municipalities contact him about similar problems. Motion by Ms. McGinley to leave the alley as it is. Second by Mr. Feinberg.
   
   
4. Motion by Ms. Lilly to approve request for Ms. Lohrman to obtain a Visa or Mastercard in the Borough’s name. Ms. Lohrman will have the card in her possession. Second by Ms. McGinley.
   
   

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Ms. Lilly informed Council that the sidewalks were to have been redone at the property located at 21^st and Freemansburg Avenue, but they have not been as of yet. Some questions arose as to who would be responsible for the problems with the gutters getting higher. Mr. McGowan will discuss the matter with Mr. Drake.
   
   
2. Mayor Perruso has been contacted by the Bingo people from St. Jane’s Church. Fr. Farrell Hall will be redone in June and they will be unable to hold Bingo for several weeks. Mayor Perruso inquired as to whether or not Council would be willing to lower the rental fee at the community center for the organization. Weichert Realty pays $50.00 a week for their meetings. Motion by Mr. Starniri to charge St. Jane’s bingo $50.00 a week for the use of the community center on Monday nights for up to 12 weeks. Second by Ms. McGinley. Cleanup will be monitored.

ORDINANCE:

        None

RESOLUTIONS:

       None

BILLS AND ACCOUNTS:

       Bills of $78,966.30 were paid on a Motion by Ms. McGinley. Second by Mr. Starniri.

ADJOURNMENT:

      Mr. McGinley made a Motion to adjourn at 8:50 p.m. Second by Mr. Starniri and Council concurred.

Transcribed from a tape.