FOUNTAIN HILL BOROUGH COUNCIL MINUTES October 4, 2021 7:00 P.MI The Council Meeting was. held in-person at] Borough Hall. Council members present were: Ms. Jordan, Mr. Blatt, Mayor Gifford, Mr. Rufe, Mr. Trabel, Mr. Trotter and Ms. Halleman. Also, in attendance were Cordula Voges (Finance Director), Jason Quarry (Public Works Supervisor), Dave Boehrer (Fire Chief), Mr. Berger in absence ofMr. Pete Lehr (Solicitor) and guests. Council President Blatt called the: meeting to order and asked for everyone to rise for the Pledge to the Flag MINUTES Council President Blatt asked for a motion to approve the minutes of September 22, 2021 as amended. Annamarie Jordan Jamie Johnson Wilbert Rufe Doug Trotter Philip Trabel Helen Halleman Norman E. Blatt Jr. Mayor Gifford Motion 2nd X Yes No X X X X X X Abstain Absent X X PRIVILEGE OF THE. FLOOR/ PRE-SCHEDULED Ms. Ariana Johnson of 1451 Jeter Ave addressed Council following her email dated 10/1/2021 to the Borough Manager. She raised concerns to the unsafe situation during Council President Blatt stated that the "Want. Ad" is posted both on the Borough's website and its fbj page. Since the Crossing Guard position has not been filled yet, thel Fountain Hill Police do help out. However, Mayor Gifford pointed out that the Police Officers' first Mayor Gifford and the Police Chief are scheduled to meet with the Fountain Hill Elementary Principal on 10/13/2021 to find a solution to this problem. On behalf ofN Ms. Johnson, Council President Blatt announced that Ms. Johnson's husband offered to temporarily help out as a Crossing Guard also. Ms. Halleman asked parents to getinvolved with the students' drop off and pick up. Mr. Trabel wondered if the Fountain Hill student drop off and pick up atl Fountain Hill Elementary School. obligation is to respond toi incoming calls. Elementary Schooll has a School Safety Patrol Officer through the School Safety Program. Mayor Gifford confirmed that a School Safety Patrol Officer is in place though. 734 Delaware Ave Property Owner, Charles Zurick Mr. Charles Zurick of734 Delaware Ave, supported by his wife Sharon, daughter and son-in-law, addressed Council reiterating his complaint against his neighbor on 736 Delaware Ave, Equinox Property Management (Equinox), intruding on his family's home with continuous lighting and an erected barrier fence. In support ofthe complaint, Mr. Zurick referred tot thel Magistrate's citations for a nuisance against Equinox regarding the lighting. He questioned if the neighbor's permits Mr. Berger stated thatifthel light stays ona after 10PM, iti is an enforcement issue and the Borough's remedy is to issue a citation. Council President asked the Solicitor tol look into other remedies to Mr. Rufe suggested to review the Borough rules for lighting and will initiate ai respective House were rightfully issued ori ifthey can be revoked. solve thei issue. & Ordinance Committee meeting. 721 Frederick Street - Rental License Ms. Carol Gerenser received the above home as a gift from her mother. The mother continues to reside at 721 Frederick St. Ms. Gerenser does not rent the home to her mother. She asked to make an exception to the rental license requirement. Council consented with the request. Council Mr. Berger recommended to define a rental property to avoid these kinds of situations. President Blatt will talk to the! Zoning Officer in this respect. MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Gifford thanked Ms. Jordan and Mr. Rufe for helping out at bookmobile's grand opening. Mayor Gifford reminded that Trick or Treat will be held on the last Friday in October between 6 and 8 PM. BOROUGH MANAGER'S REPORT In his physical absence, Mr. Gratz informed Council by memo of: Scheduled Meeting with the Bethlehem Area School District regarding Moravia St traffic Ac cistern was uncovered at the public works building. The hired contractor filled it with AC Community Survey for Pool was added to the Borough' s website and its Facebook page. The bill cards that will be issued on 10/15/2021 will also reference the Community for 10/13/2021 at 1 pm at the school, concrete and stone, Surveyinviting residents to respond. Residents had suggested to add a blank space to the survey for comments on social media discussion forums. Ms. Jordan explained that community input will be offered at a public meeting. Establishment of an official Borough Facebook page hatps/www.facebookcom/PHBoro) The public is invited to "visit and like" it. NEW BUSINESS Council President announced the upcoming Public Budget Meeting Dates to be held on 11/3,11/10, and 11/17 (as needed). As ini the past, Council will meet as a Committee as a Whole. Elementary School student drop off and pick up. Ariana Johnson email dated 10/1/2021 to Borough Manager regarding Fountain Hill Ms. Johnson referred tol her address at thel beginning oft the Council Meeting. RESOLUTIONS Council President Blatt asked for a motion to approve the below resolutions. Resolution 2021-16 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF FOUNTAIN HILL, LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANI4, AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH THE PENASILYANIADEPARIMENTOFTRANSPORTATIONFONFORTHEACCEPTANCEOFTASET ASIDE FUNDS. Motion 2nd X Yes No X X X X X X Abstain Absent Annamarie Jordan Jamie. Johnson Wilbert Rufe Doug Trotter Philip' Trabel Helen Halleman Norman E. Blatt Jr. Mayor Gifford X X Resolution 2021-17 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH COUNCLL OF THE BOROUGH OF FOUNTAIN HILL, LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANI4, AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORIATION FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF REMBURSEMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF ADA RAMPS DURING THE MULTMODAL IRANSPORIAIIONPUND GRANTPROJECT: Motion 2nd Yes No X X X X X X Abstain Absent Annamarie Jordan Jamie Johnson Wilbert Rufe Doug Trotter Philip Trabel Helen Halleman Norman E. Blatt Jr. Mayor Gifford ORDINANCES -None. MOTIONS X X X Council President Blatt asked for ai motion for the below items: 2021-2022 Agreement with Humane Society for the safe shelter ofstray animals Police Chiefwelcomes the agreement. Motion 2nd X Yes No X X X X X X Abstain Absent Annamarie Jordan Jamie. Johnson Wilbert Rufe Doug Trotter Philip Trabel Helen Halleman Norman E. Blatt Jr. Mayor Gifford X X Mattress Trash Bag Cost Deferral Council agree that the Fountain Hill: residents ppofofresidmsereqpuna) will be allowed toj pick up ai mattress trash bag for free at Borough Hall. Motion 2nd X Yes No X X X X Abstain Absent Annamarie Jordan Jamie Johnson Wilbert Rufe Doug Trotter Philip Trabel X X Helen Halleman Norman E. Blatt Jr. Mayor Gifford OLD: BUSINESS - None. COUNCIL PRESIDENT'S REPORT X X Council President Blatt hopes that the Books on the Hill will be successful. He also reminded ofFire prevention week next week. The Fire Chief said no events are scheduled this year. Council President Blatt recommended to check the batteries in smoke detectors and review a family escape plan. Fire ChiefBoehrer added that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors Ms. Halleman thanked Mr. Boehrer for his many years of volunteering for the fire department. even come with batteries lasting 10 years. SOLICITOR'S REPORT Mr. Berger reported that the developers fori the 1336. Russell Avej project are: ready toi move: forward with the new plans tol be presented at the next council meeting. COMMITTEE REPORTS A. Finance (Trotter, Blatt, Jordan) Motion to pay the bills as presented Motion 2nd Yes No X X X X X X Abstain Absent Annamarie Jordan Jamie Johnson Wilbert Rufe Doug Trotter Philip Trabel Helen Halleman Norman E. Blatt Jr. Mayor Gifford X X X Motion to pay the MMO for 2021 as presented by Ms. Voges Motion 2nd Yes No X X X X X Abstain Absent Annamarie Jordan Jamie Johnson Wilbert Rufe Doug Trotter Philip Trabel Helen Halleman X X X Norman E. Blatt Jr. Mayor Gifford X B. Public Works (Jordan, Trotter, Rufe) Mr. Quarry reported that the Public Works crew is wrapping up the paving season He reminded Ms. Halleman specifically thanked the Public Works department for a great paving job at the residents to report any potholes before winter sets in. intersection ofTumbler and Ostrum streets. C. Police (Blatt, Trotter, Johnson) - None. (Rufe, Halleman, Jordan) D. House & Ordinances Mr. Rufe will report at the next Council Meeting. E. Fire (Trabel, Halleman, Rufe) Mr. Trabel present the September Fire report. The Voluntary Fire Department will assist the police with handing out candy for Halloween. Christmas trees will be sold again this season at the park. F. Recreation G. Health & Sanitation (Johnson, Rufe, Trabel) - None. (Halleman, Johnson, Trabel) Ms. Halleman read the Sewer & Garbage collection report for September. H. Personnel (Trotter, Blatt, Jordan) -] None. SPECIAL OR SELECT COMMITTEES Ms. Jordan thanked Council and Mayor Gifford for their continuous support for "Books on the Hill". She extended her gratitude to the Public Works Department for helping to set up the book mobile. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR - Discussion on Non Agenda Items - None. EXECUTIVE SESSION (as needed) - None. ADJOURNMENT At 8:08 PM Council President Blatt asked for ai motion to adjourn. Ms Jordan made the motion, seconded by Mr. Trabel and unanimously approved. BOROUGH OF FOUNTAIN HILL LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Norman E. Blatt Jr.- President of Council By: SUBMITTBD By: Cordula Voges, Finance Director ATTEST: By: Eric Gratz, Borough Manager Next Ordinance- - 865 Next Resolution- - 2021-18