WILSON BOROUGH
NORTHAMPTON COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA
JUNE 13, 2005

ABSENT: 

Daneen McGinley, Ronald Nixon, Bob Reiss

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

READING OF THE MINUTES: 

The Minutes of the June 13, 2005 Council Meeting were approved on a Motion by Mr. McGowan. Second by Ms. Lilly.


PRESENTATION OF MATTERS BY PERSONS PRESENT:

1. Cindy Rosenkranz of the Wilson Swim Team appeared before Council to request permission to hang a record board near the entrance where the flag is located. The swim team would supply the hardware, put up the sign, and remove the sign at the end of the season. The hooks will remain intact. Motion to approve request by Mr. Klass. Second by Mr. Feinberg.

Ms. Rosenkranz inquired what could be done about installing a ramp to their shed at the pool. The swim team is currently using wooden pallets to take in and out the reel lines for meets. The pallets are difficult to use. Motion to have Mr. Drake install the ramp by Mr. Schug. Second by Mr. Feinberg.


COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS:

1. Ms. Lohrman informed Council that Mr.Reiss was out of town working and Ms. McGinley had recently taken ill and had been in the hospital twice in the past week. Ms. McGinley may not be able to return to Council until after the birth of her child.

2. A letter was received from the Wilson Youth Soccer Association requesting the use of Jeffrey field beginning September 12, 2005 for practices and games for the five and six year olds. The season will last approximately eight weeks. Council recommended that the Borough Manager handle the bookings for the field as had been done in the past.

3 A letter was received from Harold and Carole Helm requesting that their directional marker be reinstated at the corner of Butler and 25th Streets. Mr. and Mrs. Helm suggested placing the marker on the traffic light post at the northeast corner – 25th & Butler Shopping Center side. Mr. McGowan stated that the directional markers had been removed during the recent construction at 25th Street and being stored at the Public Works garage. Mr. Schug suggested putting the signs 
on the same pole as Palmer is using. Ms. Lohrman was requested to check with Palmer Township and see if the Borough can use their pole. If the Borough cannot use the Palmer’s pole, the Borough will have to put their own pole up.


COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR: 

1. Mayor Perruso informed Council that the total fines collected by Magistrate Koury were $6,020.53.

2 Mayor Perruso informed Council that the new Expedition is now in service. Mayor Perruso requested that Jeep #2 be taken out of service and given to Mr. Corriere to use. Detective Crouse and others could then use Mr. Corriere’s former vehicle. Motion to approve Mayor Perruso’s request by Mr. Feinberg. Second by Mr. Klass.


COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE BOROUGH MANAGER:

1. Ms. Lohrman reviewed that letter the she had sent to the state concerning the bike path. Ms. Lohrman had received a call informing her that the bike path grant was due to expire on June 30, 2005. Ms. Lohrman had explained the reason for the delay of the project. The State requested a letter asking for a grant extension. Ms. Lohrman complied.

2. Ms. Lohrman informed Council that she had solicited CD rates from several sources. Layfayette Bank was willing to give the Borough the best rate by approximately ½%. Ms. Lohrman invested the money for a one year term in $500,000.00, $500,000.00 and $400,000.00 denominations. Motion to ratify the CD investment retroactively by Mr. Feinberg. Second by Ms. Lilly.

3. Ms. Lohrman reminded Council that the next Business Steering Committee meeting would be held tomorrow, June 14, 2005 at 8:00 a.m. in the Caucus room.


REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:

GENERAL GOVERNMENT:

None


FIRE:

1. Mr. Starniri requested a Caucus on a personnel matter.

2. Chief Collins informed Council that the Fire Department had a training session with the City of Easton.  The training consisted of a high angle rescues using the rides at the Lions Fair at Meuser Park. Mr. Starniri thanked the Wilson Lions and the ride owners for their cooperation.

3. Chief Collins has been having a problem with tree limbs and branches catching on the bucket of the new ladder truck. Chief Collins is concerned that damage could be done to the bucket. Although the trees are the responsibility of the homeowners, Chief Collins wondered whether the Borough could trim back the trees as Forks Township does. Mr. McGowan suggested only doing major streets. Mr. Feinberg suggested discussing the matter with Mr. Drake.


POLICE:

1. Mr. Starniri requested a Caucus on a personnel matter.

2. Chief Nace suggested that when Mr. Corriere takes possession of the Jeep that the light bar be fitted with a yellow light. Some of the lettering on the vehicle will also be removed.


PUBLIC WORKS:

None


PARKS AND RECREATION:

1. Ms. Lilly informed Council that there is little usage of the basket room at the pool. Ms. Lilly felt that the expense to run the basket room may not be worth it. Mr. Klass suggested discussing the matter at the committee level along with other issues.


ATTORNEY: 

1. Mr. Minotti informed Council that he felt that more information was needed before he approached Weis Market about the bike path right of way. The Borough did not have the meets and bounds of that portion of the property needed for the bike path. The Borough may only need a construction easement. Mr. McGowan suggested contacting Weis Markets and get their feeling about the project. Mr. Minotti stated that the Borough could probably condemn the area if we had to.

2. Mr. Minotti informed Council that the Borough had received a letter inquiring on whether or not the Borough would release the bond on the Bogusky/Calantoni subdivision. Mr. Minotti had instructed Ms. Lohrman to decline the release as the project had not been completed. The cost of the doing the work has greatly increased. The bond should stay in effect until the last home and road are completed.

3. Mr. Minotti informed Council that Eastern Comfort Assisted Living had filed an appeal on the County’s decision. The records are in the process of being transcribed and turned over to the Appellate Court. Mr. Minotti stated that the Borough could enforce the Wilson Zoning Board’s decision. Chief Collins had recently completed an inspection and found 31 persons living in the premises. If Eastern Comfort refuses to comply with the Board’s decisions, they could be held in contempt.


MECAB:

1. Mr. McGowan stated that MECAB is on summer hiatus. MECAB had received several notes from our PSAB representatives from Harrisburg thanking them for the great time they had on the annual tour and banquet. The Board will meet on June 29, 2005 in Freemansburg to plan for the next year’s program.


OLD BUSINESS:

None


DEFERRED BUSINESS:

None


NEW BUSINESS:

1. Mr. Corriere reminded Council that last year they had provided him with help during the summer to file some blue prints. Mr. Corriere has more blue prints to file and 45 to 50 old HOME program judgments that have not been satisfied. Mr. Corriere requested Council’s permission to have someone come in for a week or two to complete the work. Mr. Minotti suggested having he and Mr. DeEsch satisfy the judgments. Mr. Minotti will need the original transcripts.

2. Ms. Lilly inquired about the 27 meters that did not pass the recent certification. Ms. Lohrman responded that the meters were replaced by spares. 

3. Mr. Perruso has received an application from John Mazzeo for the position of part time police officer. Motion to hire Mr. Mazzeo by Mr. Feinberg. Second by Mr. Klass. Affirmative votes were cast by: Mr. Feinberg, Mr. Klass, Ms. Lilly, Mr. Schug and Mr. Starniri. A negative vote was cast by Mr. McGowan. Motion carried by a five to one vote.

4. Mayor Perruso received a phone call from Leon Rudy. West Easton would like to proceed with the southern leg of the bike path. Mayor Perruso pointed out that Wilson Borough is part owner of the bridge over Iron Street. Mr. Feinberg stated that he wanted assurances from West Easton that the project would be completed. Mr. Feinberg made a Motion to request that Ms. Lohrman contact West Easton and have them present a plan to Council. Second by Mr. Klass. Affirmative votes were cast 
by: Mr. Feinberg, Mr. Klass, Ms. Lilly, Mr. McGowan, and Mr. Starniri. A negative vote was cast by Mr. Schug. Motion carried by a five to one vote.

5. Mr. Schug inquired on the status of the property located at 2001 Ferry Street. The property was condemned.

6. Ms. Lilly inquired as to whether or not the crosswalk on S. 22nd Street would be repaired. She was assured that it would be.

7. Mayor Perruso informed Council that the bandshell was never swept or cleaned. Ms. Lohrman will have Mr. Drake take care of the matter.


ORDINANCE:

None


RESOLUTIONS:

1. Resolution 1119 – Supplemental Reimbursement Agreement #050007-B. Motion to approve by Ms. Lilly. Second by Mr. Feinberg.

2. Resolution 1120 – Authorizing the Filing of an Application for Funds with the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), Commonwealth of PA. Motion to approve by Ms. Lilly. Second by Mr. Feinberg.


BILLS AND ACCOUNTS:

Bills of $59,087.70 were paid on a Motion by Mr. Feinberg. Second by Mr. Schug.


ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Feinberg made a Motion to adjourn at 8:42 p.m. Second by Mr. Schug and Council concurred.

Transcribed from a tape. 
KAREN A. LOHRMAN, BOROUGH SECRETARY