FOUNTAIN HILL BOROUGH COUNCIL MINUTES November 1, 2021 7:00 P.M The Council Meeting was held in-person at Borough Hall. Council members present were: Ms. Jordan, Mr. Blatt, Mr. Rufe, Mr. Trabel, Mr. Trotter and Ms. Halleman, Mayor Gifford attended via phone. Also, in attendance were Eric Gratz (Borough Manager), Cordula Voges (Finance Director), Jason Quarry (Public Works Supervisor), Dave Boehrer (Fire Chief), Ed Bachert Council President Blatt called the meeting to order and asked for everyone to rise for the Pledge (Police Chief), and Mr. Pete Lehr (Solicitor) and guests. to the Flag MINUTES Council President Blatt asked for a: motion to approve the minutes of October 20, 2021 as amended. Annamarie Jordan Jamie Johnson Wilbert Rufe Doug' Trotter Philip Trabel Helen Halleman Norman E. Blatt Jr, Mayor Gifford Motion X 2nd Yes X X X X X X X No Abstain Absent X PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR/PRE-SCHEDULED: none. Mayor Gifford thanked for well wishes shel has received. MAYOR'S REPORT She also commented on a wonderful trick or treat night and thanked all participants. BOROUGH MANAGER'S REPORT Inr reference to a recent repeated resident's complaint letter regarding trash pickup, Mr. Gratz reported that the number of complaints has increased. All complaints have been resolved. However, he recommended to have the solicitor potentially looki into the contract terms and send al letter to Republic Services to discuss these contract issues. Council consented. Mr. Gratz reported that Office Security Grant money is left to afford the purchase of an additional camera for the council chamber tol be able tol live stream council meetings. Council consented. NEW BUSINESS The "Gametime" tavern request for a 5-minute pickup zone in front of the restaurant (potentially 3 parkingspots) Mr. Gratz asked for Council's general standing to this request before investing in traffic studies Council generally agreed but raised concerns to potentially limit to only (two): 2 parking spots. and amendments to existing ordinances. RESOLUTIONS. -I none ORDINANCES -I none MOTIONS Council President Blatt asked for a motion to approve the temporary Fountain Hill Elementary Traffic Plan Trial for (one) 1 month. Mayor Gifford stressed that the temporary trial would encourage the dialogue between the school and the nearby church. Annamarie Jordan Jamie Johnson Wilbert Rufe Doug' Trotter Philip' Trabel Helen Halleman Norman E. Blatt Jr. Mayor Gifford Motion X 2nd Yes X X X X X X X No Abstain Absent X Mr. Gratz asked for ai motion to approve the purchase of a Pick-up Truck for the Fire Department in the amount of $71,000 funded through the Fire Fund to replace the old vehicle in the fleet. A request for bidding is not necessary because the vendoris a Costars state contractor. Motion 2nd Yes X X X X No Abstain Absent Annamarie Jordan Jamie Johnson Wilbert Rufe Doug Trotter X Philip' Trabel Helen Halleman Norman E. Blatt Jr. Mayor Gifford X X X Mr. Gratz asked for a motion to approve the side agreement between the Borough and thel Public Works Association to better match wage levels with other municipalities. Mr. Trabel inquired ift the elimination ofone Public Works position would not impair the Public Works functionality. Mr. Quarry confirmed that a total of five (5) employees would suffice to avoid service interruptions. Annamarie Jordan Jamie. Johnson Wilbert Rufe Doug' Trotter Philip' Trabel Helen Halleman Norman E. Blatt Jr. Mayor Gifford Motion X 2nd Yes X X X X X X X No Abstain Absent X Council President Blatt asked to accept with regrets the resignation of Cody Zrinski from Public Works. Motion X 2nd Yes X X X X X X X No Abstain Absent Annamarie. Jordan Jamie Johnson Wilbert Rufe Doug' Trotter Philip' Trabel Helen Halleman Norman E. Blatt Jr. Mayor Gifford X Mr. Gratz asked for ai motion to direct the borough solicitor to work on expanding and tightening the ordinances related to outdoor lighting. When reviewing residents' complaints regarding outdoor lighting intrusion, the House & Ordinance Committee discussed the PA Outdoor Lighting Commission's "Invasive Lighting" resource and recommended it to the Solicitor when reviewing the respective ordinances. Mr. Trabel inquired if the existing lighting installations would be affected by a more restrictive ordinance. Mr. Lehr will review but thinks that the ordinance could be applied retroactively. Council President Blatt asked for a motion to direct the borough solicitor to review the proposed ordinance. Annamarie Jordan Jamie. Johnson Wilbert Rufe Doug Trotter Philip' Trabel Helen Halleman Norman E. Blatt Jr. Mayor Gifford Motion 2nd Yes X X X X X X X No Abstain Absent X X Council President Blatt also brought up the subject of rental qualifications. He asked for a motion to ask the solicitor to review and refine the definition ofrental properties and related licensing requirements. Motion 2nd X Yes X X X X X X X No Abstain Absent Annamarie Jordan Jamie. Johnson Wilbert Rufe Doug' Trotter Philip" Trabel Helen Halleman Norman E. Blatt Jr. Mayor Gifford OLD BUSINESS x Council President Blatt reminded everyone ofthe Wednesday, November 3rd 6pm first Committee of the Whole budget meeting. The General Fund and Liquid Fuels Fund. will be discussed. Hei reminded that the public is invited to observe. COUNCIL PRESIDENT'S REPORT Council President Blatt was happy that the trick or treat night was changed from Friday to Sunday Council President Blatt reminded everyone ofNovember 2nd election day. Polls will open at 7 am due to rainy weather. He thanked the residents for participating, and close at 8 pm. Council President Blatt noted that parking on Delaware Ave is already tight during snow emergencies. The current traffic situation on Bergen between Delaware Ave and School Street might remove parking restrictions. SOLICITOR'S REPORT Mr. Lehr reported on the status oft the ongoing litigation with Salisbury' Township. The court had referred the matter back to the parties to: mitigate and reach ai mutually acceptable agreement. He: noted that the Perpetuity" issue is still upheld by Salisbury Township, but should ber removed and is being negotiated. COMMITTEE REPORTS A. Finance (Trotter, Blatt, Jordan) Mr. Trotter asked for ai motion to approve payment of the bills as presented. Motion 2nd X Yes X X X X X X X No Abstain Absent Annamarie Jordan Jamie. Johnson Wilbert Rufe Doug' Trotter Philip Trabel Helen Halleman Norman E. Blatt Jr. Mayor Gifford B. Public Works Borough office as needed. C. Police X (Jordan, Trotter, Rufe) Mr. Quarry noted that Public Works started the leaf pickup and asked residents to contact the (Blatt, Trotter, Johnson) Chief Bachert stated that the new reporting system currently does not provide the usual monthly police reports. He also reported that the unused medication drive was completed recently. D. House & Ordinances (Rufe, Halleman, Jordan) Mr. Rufe reported that the Lighting ordinance, rental definition, and potential speeding limitations on Long Street were discussed. The committee did not find a large-scale speeding problem on Long Street requiring to take any action. He asked to notify the residents accordingly. E. Fire (Trabel, Halleman, Rufe) Mr. Trabel reported that the delivery of new fire truck might bej postponed to February 2022. The Christmas Tree sale will start again a week early like last year (before Thanksgiving); each tree will sell for $40. Details willl be] published on the Volunteer Firel Department's facebook page. Dave Boehrer recited some of the fire report incidents. He also stressed again that volunteers are Since thel Borough Manager is qualified and fully licensed to drive the critical Fire Vehicles, Dave Boehrer asked if Mr. Gratz would be allowed to drive a truck during. the daytime = as his time still needed - training and gear will be provided. allows - when no volunteer is available. Council and Mr. Gratz consented. F. Recreation (Johnson, Rufe, Trabel) Ms. Johnsont thanked resident for participation in trick or treating. Light refreshments will be served, and Santa will be on site. She also reminded that a' Tree Lighting ceremony will bel held on Sunday, December 5th at 4 pm. Ms. Jordan noted that in the past year residents had asked to delay the ceremony to 5 pm because it was still light at 4 pm. Ms. Johnson will coordinate with the Firel Department. G. Health & Sanitation (Halleman, Johnson, Trabel) Ms. Halleman read the Sewer & Garbage collection reports for October. H. Personnel (Trotter, Blatt, Jordan) -1 none SPECIAL OR SELECT COMMITTEES Ms. Jordan reported that "Books on1 the Hill" is going well. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR - Discussion on Non - Agenda Items The resident of678 Ostrum Steet, introduced himself as the Region 1 appointed Director. He serves as the: neighborhood candidate for the school board. EXECUTIVE SESSION (as needed) -1 none ADJOURNMENT At 7:49 PM Council President Blatt asked for a motion to adjourn. Ms. Johnson made thei motion, seconded by Ms. Jordan and unanimously approved. BOROUGH OF FOUNTAIN: HILL LEHIGH COUNIV,PENANSYIVANIA By: Norman E. Blatt. Jr.- President of Council SUBMITTED By: Cordula Voges, Finance Director ATTEST: By: Eric Gratz, Borough Manager Next Ordinance - 865 Next Resolution- - 2021-18