ABSENT: 

                   Daneen McGinley

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

READING OF THE MINUTES: 

The Minutes of the June 13, 2005 Public Hearing on the HOME Program and the June 13, 2005 Council Meeting were approved on a Motion by Mr. McGowan. Second by Mr. Starniri.

PRESENTATION OF MATTERS BY PERSONS PRESENT:

1. Joseph Civitella from McTish, Kunkel & Associates appeared before Council to discuss a proposed driveway access to Hillside Avenue for the Larry O’Neill project. Mr. Civitella reviewed the letter from PennDot concerning the Highway Occupancy Permit Application NO. 059618 and the elimination of the access to/from S. 25th Street. Mr. Civitella stated that because access to Balata Street had been denied, the only alternative for a second entrance would be from Hillside Avenue. The entrance would cross on Borough property. Council had previously agreed to an egress to Hillside Avenue. Mr. Feinberg expressed his displeasure that the bike path was to have been completed six months ago and there seems to be progress on the project. Ms. Capobianco explained that the development was five to six weeks behind because of a problem with excavating rock. Mr. McGowan replied that the bike path was to have been completed years ago and he felt that the S. 25th Street entrance was not out of the question. Mr. Klass felt that the Hillside Avenue was too narrow for trucks, but could be used for local traffic only. Mr. Feinberg questioned as to why a traffic study had not been completed beforehand. Mr. Corriere responded that the S. 25th Street – Palmer Town Center project had to be completed before PennDot would consider the O’Neill traffic study. 

A very lengthy discussion ensued including a traffic signal at Hillside Avenue. Motion by Mr. Feinberg to deny the use of Hillside Avenue as an entrance to the O’Neill project. Second by Mr. Klass. Affirmation votes were cast by: Mr. Feinberg, Mr. Klass, Mr. McGowan, Mr. Reiss, and Mr. Schug. Negative votes were cast by: Ms. Lilly, Mr. Nixon, and Mr. Starniri. Motion carried by a five to three vote. Another lengthy discussion ensued on several issues including the lack of the development of the property and the bike path. Motion by Mr. Klass to authorize the use of Hillside Avenue to local traffic only. The intersection is to be signed no truck traffic or deliveries. Second by Ms. Lilly. Affirmative votes were cast by: Mr. Klass, Ms. Lilly, Mr. Nixon, Mr. Riess, and Mr. Starniri. Negative votes were cast by: Mr. Feinberg, Mr. McGowan, and Mr. Schug. Motion carried by a five to three vote. Mr. Klass requested a traffic study be completed. Mr. Reiss added the request to include Hillside Avenue. Mr. Feinberg requested a timetable for the completion of the bike path. Council requested that the portion of the bike path not affected by the Hillside Avenue entrance be completed as soon as possible. The other portion can wait until PennDot approves the Highway Occupancy Permit. Any streets adversely affected by the Hillside Avenue entrance could be made one way.

2. Dorothy Klass, Wilson Borough Tax Collector, requested at the recommendation of the Wilson Area School District that the Tax Certification Fee be raised from $5.00 to $10.00. Ms. Lohrman is willing to prepare an updated resolution for the next Council meeting to reflect this fee change.


COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS:

1. Ms. Lohrman acknowledged a letter from Benecon concerning the new Medicare Part D prescription drug program that starts January 1, 2006. Ms. Lohrman did familiar with the changes.  She had completed the Benecon survey so they would be able to assist us in deciding if we wish to continue to provide prescription drug coverage and under what format. Ms. Lohrman stated that the affected retirees pay for this coverage. Ms. Lohrman will Council abreast of any additional information.

2. A letter was received from the County of Northampton, Children, Youth & Families Division requesting the use of the pavilion area and field at Meuser Park on September 10, 2005. the Northampton County Foster Parent Association would like permission to have a picnic for foster parents and children. The event would include demonstrations by emergency personnel and a dog agility demonstration.

3. Ms. Lohrman informed Council that the Borough had received a check in the amount of $2,500.00 for the bocci court. Ms. Lilly stated that the Borough had not heard from the bocci court people. Mayor Perruso stated that the bocci people were awaiting for a response from the bank about funding. Ms. Lohrman reminded Council who had been appointed to the bocci committee.


COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR: 

1. Mayor Perruso informed Council that the total fines collected by Magistrate Koury were $4,938.75. 

2. Mayor Perruso informed Council that Chief Nace has requested permission to hire Michael Green as a part time officer in the Police department. Motion to hire Mr. Green by Mr. Klass.   Second by Mr. Nixon.

COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE BOROUGH MANAGER:

1. Ms. Lohrman informed Council that she had been requested by Mr. Starniri to place trimming of trees and the ramp at the pool on the agenda for this evening’s meeting. Ms. Lohrman had spoken to Mr. Drake about these two matters. Mr. Drake is in the process of working with Chief Collins as to what areas near the trees trimmed back. Mr. Drake informed Council that the trees would be trimmed after the playground mulch was done, but it will take same time to be completed.

Mr. Drake informed Council that he had taken a look at the ramp at the pool. Ms. Lilly stated that she also had been at the pool. The shed is right by the Olympic pool and adults sit almost up to the door of the shed. Ms. Lilly did not feel there was a problem if the equipment stays where it is until the season is over. Mr. Drake felt that the ramp was alright, but the wheels on the apparatus need to be replaced. Mr. Drake did indicate that the building needs to be renovated during the off season.

2. Ms. Lohrman has received the legal description for the subdivision at Philip Lauer Middle School and the lease for the fields at the middle school. Ms. Lohrman has forwarded this information on to Mr. Minotti for review.

3. Ms. Lohrman informed Council that the three engineers involved in the Edelman Street reconstruction project have met. They are in the process of doing the calculations for the storm water inlets. It is hoped that the construction will begin shortly.

4. Ms. Lohrman informed Council that that Borough has an $800,000.00 certificate of deposit maturing with PLGIT on Wednesday. Ms. Lohrman inquired as to what Council would like to do with the funds.

5. Ms. Lohmran has contacted Mr. Foster in West Easton regarding the southern leg of the bike path. Mr. Foster indicated that West Easton had indeed acquired the former railroad property.  Rep. Freeman and Senator Wonderling would be setting up a meeting with Wilson and West Easton to discuss the project. Ms. Lohrman will notify Council when the meeting date has been made.

6. Ms. Lohrman has contacted Linda Laubach, Weis Market Facilities Manager, about the status of the easement or right of way the Borough would like to obtain for the bike path. Ms. Laubach did receive the information concerning the area the Borough is interested in and forwarded on to the Design Department. Ms. Laubach did not know what the status of the request was at present. Ms. Laubach was not aware if any additional information was needed for Weis Markets to make a decision. Ms. Laubach will contact Ms. Lohrman for additional information.

7. Ms. Guth, Borough Clerk, has received a request from Richard Scarpantonio for a refund on garbage. When Mr. Scarpantonio purchased his home, he converted it from a two unit residence to a one unit residence. Ms. Guth was not notified of the conversion and Mr. Scarpantonio has been paying double garbage for the last five years. The total refund would be $670.00. Motion to approve the request for the refund by Mr. Klass. Second by Mr. Starniri.

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:

GENERAL GOVERNMENT:

1. Mr. Feinberg requested that Ms. Lohrman contact PLGIT and Lafayette Bank to get rates to invest $800,000.00 for an 18 month term. Motion by Mr. Feinberg to invest at the higher rate for 18 months. Second by Mr. Klass.


FIRE:

None


POLICE:

1. Chief Nace inquired about the status of the Animal Control Officer. Ms. Lohrman had contacted the gentleman who had expressed an interest in the position. He is still interested in the position, but had not received the application for employment that Ms. Lohrman had sent him. Ms. Lohrman had sent him another application several weeks ago and she still has not received it back as of yet. Chief Nace requested Ms. Lohrman to contact the gentleman again.

PUBLIC WORKS:

1. Mr. McGowan informed Council that the Public Works department has been replacing the playground mulch back to the specified depths, trimming trees, clearing catch basins, painting arrows and stop lines.

2. Mr. Drake has prepared the Bid Proposal for the streets scheduled to be repaved this year. Several of the streets were scheduled last year, but were not completed because of the hospital construction. Motion to advertise the Bid Proposal by Mr. McGowan. Second by Mr. Feinberg. Mr. Drake inquired as to when the hospital would finish the loading dock. It could be as late as October 1, 2005. Mr. Drake would not like to wait until the fall to complete the work.

3. Mr. Drake and Ms. Lohrman have spoken to PennDot concerning the Safe Routes to School project. Handicapped curb cuts will have to be installed at all the intersections where the Borough wishes to put in the decorative crosswalks. PennDot had indicated that the Borough should proceed with the project and complete as many of the intersections as funding permits. The Borough could reapply for additional funding to finish the project in the future. Bids must be approved by both PennDot and the Borough. Ms. Riddle is in the process of completing the project design.

PARKS AND RECREATION:

1. Ms. Lilly inquired as to the status of the bandshell. Mr. Drake responded that it had been painted, but the skateboarders are still riding across it. Mr. Reiss suggested putting up signs and surveillance cameras. Mr. Drake will look into the matter.

2. James Gallop of AquaServe informed Council that he had a misunderstanding about the video games. The video games have not been hooked up. They should not be left out all nigh because of possible vandalism. A possible 60%/40% split was discussed. Ms. Behler opposed the video games and did not want them placed in the refreshment stand at night. They could be put in the first aid office. Motion to allow the video games at the pool with a 60%/40% with 50% going to Snyder Amusements by Mr. Feinberg. Second by Mr. Schug.

3. Ms. Lilly brought to Council’s attention that the pool manager was to be working full time from June 4, 2005 through August 28, 2005. However, because the manager was a teacher and school was not out, he did not begin work until 4:00 p.m. In the mean time, Ms. Behler was working 35 hours per week. Ms. Gallop agreed that he would have someone else at the pool in the absence of the manager. A discussion of the swim team hours were held. Mr. Drake informed everyone that Ms. Behler and the pool manager were not certified in chemicals. The manager will call someone at the company to take care of the chemicals until they were certified.

ATTORNEY: 

1. Mr. Minotti has received the Collective Bargaining information from the Police Association. Mr. Minotti would like to hold a meeting with the committee on Thursday, June 30, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. The Negotiating Committee will meet prior to the meeting at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Lohrman will send a letter about the meeting to the Police Association.

2. Mr. Minotti requested a Caucus on a negotiation matter. No action will be necessary.


MECAB:

1. Mr. McGowan informed Council that MECAB was closed down for the summer.


OLD BUSINESS:

None

DEFERRED BUSINESS:

1. Motion by Ms. Lilly to allow Northampton County to use the pavilion and park for their event with the understanding that they must clean up after the dogs. Second by Mr. Nixon.

2. Mr. Feinberg requested that Ms. Lohrman again contact Weis Markets about the possible easement. Ms. Lohrman will contact Ms. Riddle about getting the meets and bounds information together. Mr. McGowan pointed out that there if an erosion problem at the bike path site on S. 25th Street.


NEW BUSINESS:

1. Mr. Starniri suggested to Council that he felt is would be a good idea if the department heads would submit to Council at budget time a 5 year plan so they could better plan expenses for staffing, training, vehicles, and equipment. It would also be advantageous to have a rotating schedule for the paving of roads. Mr. Starniri made his suggestion in the form of a Motion. Second by Mr. Klass. Mr. Starniri was directed to supply the department heads with the information he would like given to Council.

2. Ms. Lilly informed Council that the pool staff would like to have a dip and dance this summer. Chief Nace felt starting off with one officer at the event would be enough. If another dance was held and the attendance dictated more officers may be needed.

3. Mr. Corriere brought to Council’s attention that there are not any sidewalks from Mocha Mike’s to K-Mart and quite a few pedestrians are walking along the road. Mr. Reiss responded that there had never been any sidewalks there and in certain places such as along Renae Mendall’s there is not any place to put sidewalks. Chief Nace felt that the state should have projected the sidewalks into the S. 25th Street construction plan.

4. Mr. Reiss informed Council that he was removing Ms. Lilly as Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Committee and replacing her with Mr. Klass. Mr. Reiss also removed Ms. Lilly from the Recreation Board and replaced her with Ms. McGinley. Ms. Lilly objected to Mr. Reiss’actions. Mr. Reiss pointed out that the ordinance permitted him to appoint members to committee and appoint the committee chairperson. There was not a time limitation. Ms. Lilly stated that Council had appointed her to the Recreation Board and therefore Mr. Reiss could not remove her. 

Ms.Lilly stated that Mr. Reiss had given a Public Works employee a day off without pay and did not have the right to due so. Mr. Minotti replied that he was not sure what rights the Council President had. Motion by Ms. Lilly to have Mr. Minotti look into these three matters. Second by Mr. Klass.