FOUNTAIN HILL BOROUGH COUNÇIL MINUTES June 7,2021 7:00 P.M. Due to Governor Tom Wolf's Coronavirus (COVID-19) Emergency Disaster Declaration on March 6, 2020, a virtual/remote public Council Meeting was held viaj phone/zoom. The remote participation option for residents was published on1 the Borough's website www.ountainhll.org. Remotely participating Council members were: Ms. Jordan, Ms. Johnson, Mr. Trotter, Mr. Blatt, Mr. Rufe, Mr. Trabel, Ms. Halleman and Mayor Gifford. Also remotely participating were Cordula Voges (Finance Director), Chief Bachert, Tom Wargo (Zoning Officer), Jason Quarry (Public Works Supervisor), and guests. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council President Blatt called the meeting to order and asked everyone to pledge allegiance to the Flag. MINUTES Motion to approve of the May 19, 2021 Minutes Motion x 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 PRIVILEGE OF THE LOOR/PRESCHEDULED - None MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Gifford will schedule a Borough cleanup for the future. In the meantime, she appealed to residents tol keep the Borough beautiful BOROUGH! MANAGER'S REPORT In the absence of Mr. Branco, Ms. Voges, the Finance Officer, reported that the Application for COVID-19 ARPA Local Fiscal Recovery Funds was submitted online. The COVID-19 ARPA Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Grant totals $491,840.62 to be disbursed ini two equal tranches. The monies must be used for categories specifically outlined in the COVID-19 ARPA Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Grant guidelines. Council President Blatt asked to schedule al Finance Committee meeting to discuss future use oft these funds. NEW BUSINESS Request for a Handicap space at 1113 Jeter Ave. by Maryann Kipila Neither Chief Bachert, nor Mr. Quarry, the Public Works Supervisor, had inspected the parking situation yet. Council President Blatt asked to table the decision to the next meeting. Cleaning Services Proposals (1-day pre week) a) J&L Cleaning Services $125.00/wk. ($500/mo.) ) Cox Building Services $120.00/wk. ($480/mo.) D.W. Services $349/wk. ($1,396/mo.) Council decided to offer the contract to Cox Building Services (Cox) with the understanding that Cox will furnish all cleaning supplies and that the agreement may be terminated at any time with aminimum oft thirty (30) days written notice from either party. Council President Blatt asked for ar motion to offer the contract to Cox. 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 X 13th annual Stickball Classic - Saturday August 7,2021. The organizers for this event asked to reserve the playground, courts and building for three (3) days - Friday August 6th to setup, Saturday August 7th for the event and Sunday August Council President Blatt asked for a motion to approve the request and then notify the gth for rain date. The organizers will havei insurance for the event. organizers. Motion 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 RESOLUTIONS X x RESOLUTION202-12 ARESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGHCOUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF FOUNTAINHILL, COUNTY OF LEHIGH, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, ESTABLISHING A STANDARD SPECIFICATION FOR ROAD RESTORATION PROMULGATED BY THE BOROUGH TO ESTABLISH PAVED ROAD SURFACE OPENING / WEARING COURSE OVERLAY REQUIREMENTS FOR. ALL BOROUGH ROADS. Mr. Trabel asked about the exhibit displayed ini the resolution, Mr. Lehr explained that the exhibit in the resolution is a standard exhibit to enter into an agreement with any utility company. Since no ordinance was previously adopted in regard to road construction, a resolution suffices. 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 Ms Halleman asked about the status of the Broadway Road construction. Council President Blatt explained that it is PennDot's responsibility to schedule road construction ofa state. road. RESOLUTION: NO.2021 -13 ARESOLUTION OF THE. BOROUGH COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF FOUNTAINHILL, LEHIGH COUNIAPEANSVIVANA, REVISING POOL ADMISSION FEES Mr. Trabel asked for ai motion to furtherincrease the pool admittance fees in light oft the increased YMCA management fee. Nobody seconded the motion. Council approved the revision oft the Pool Admission Fees as presented in Resolution 2021-13. Motion x 2nd x Yes 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 X RESOLUTION 2021 - 14 ARESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF FOUNTAIN HILL, LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA - APPOINTMENT OF INTERIM BOROUGH Council President Blatt asked for a motion to extend Mr. Branco's employment as Interim Manager on the basis of $100/hr. for no more than 20 hrs./week until a successor is hired with a Mayor Gifford expressed that $100/hr. is an exorbitant rate and should be re-discussed. Ms. Jordan explained that the subject was already discussed with him and any interim managers do MANAGER 2-week transition period. receive a1 rate of$125/hr. to $175/hr. Council President Blatt then asked for ai motion to grant the extension. Motion 2nd X Yes 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 X X Black Dog Partners -1336 Russell Ave Hosey property - Extension ofLand Use Application until the end of August 2021 Council President Blatt asked for ai motion to approve the request for extending the Land Use Application until the end of August 2021. Motion X 2nd Yes 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 X SELLING THE POLICE CRUISER (VEH # 57) ON MUNICIBID Chief Bachert reported that all equipment was removed from Veh #57 and installed in the Council President Blatt asked for ai motion to authorize ChiefBachert to place the vehicle on replacement vehicle. Municibid for sale. 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 No Abstain Absent X X ORDINANCES-None. MOTIONS-None. COUNCIL PRESIDENT'S REPORT Council President Blatt mentioned that the Memorial Day gathering even though limited = was nice. SOLICITORS REPORT Mr. Lehr reported on the delinquent Sewer & Garbage accounts. After the deadline for the Final Demand letters had expired, Norris law will now file Municipal Liens and a complaint with the Magistrate'soflice. Council President Blatt asked about the Salisbury Township litigation. Mr. Lehr was not aware of any filings by Salisbury TWP; the original order still stands. He remarked that the time frame for the contract will expire soon. COMMITTEE REPORTS A. Finance (Trotter, Blatt, Jordan) Motion to pay the bills as presented Motion 2nd x Yes 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 her vote as aNO. X X Since Ms. Halleman did not explain why she abstained, Council President Blatt decided to take B. Public Works (Jordan, Trotter, Rufe) Public Works is working to get the pool ready, cutting grass and painting curbs on Delaware Ave. Council President Blatt was contacted about the need for a crosswalk at the intersection of Delaware Ave and Bishopthorpe St. Mr. Lehr affirmed that a traffic study would be needed. C.Police (Blatt, Trotter, Johnson) ChiefBachert reported that some arrests were made for shooting illegal fireworks. Asaf follow-up on a recent request for additional police surveillance on Stanley Ave Ms. Johnson stressed that surveillance was still needed because Stop Signs are still disregarded. On behalf of a resident, Ms. Johnson praised the Police Department's handling of a situation involving a multi-racial man in aj psychiatric crisis. D. House & Ordinances E. Fire (Rufe, Halleman, Jordan) - none (Trabel, Halleman, Rufe) Mr. Trabel read the May Fire Report. He also mentioned that the Voluntary Fire Department is looking for new members. Council President Blatt encouraged any resident to volunteer as firefighter. F.I Recreation (Johnson, Rufe, Trabel) Ms. Johnson reported that the YMCA is still short of life guards. Only one life guard isf fully certified. She herself and two other candidates are in training. The YMCA suggested to open the pool on weekends only until life guards are found. Weekend hours would be Friday from 2PMto 7PM and Saturdays- Sundays noon to 7PM with Ms. Johnson asked for a motion to approve hiring her son, Max Johnson, as cashier to only the pools open that can be staffed by four life guards. fill one vacant position. Motion 2nd X Yes X X X X X X No Abstain Absent X Annamarie Jordan Jamie. Johnson Wilbert Rufe Doug' Trotter Philip' Trabel Helen Halleman Norman E. Blatt. Jr. Mayor Gifford x X Ms. Johnson was approached by the Cancer Society recommending to extend the current non-smoking ordinance to e-cigarettes and other non-smoke products. The Cancer Society Council President deferred voting on the matter until an ordinance will bej presented. would pay for any signage costs. G.Health & Sanitation (Halleman, Johnson, Trabel) Ms. Halleman read the May Sewer & Garbage collection report. H. Personnel (Trotter, Blatt, Jordan) Mr. Trotter inquired if the applicant for the zoning secretary position had responded. Council President Blatt reported that ai response was still outstanding. SPECIAL OR SELECT COMMITTEES - None. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR - Discussion on Non - Agenda Items Mr. Mike Langton of1215 Broadway and Mayor Gifford had attended the Memorial Day Wreath Placement on the cemetery to honor fallen soldiers. Mayor Gifford thanked the Fire and Police Departments for participating. Mr. Jeffrey Remling of1105 Delaware brought up his concerns regarding the opening of the tavern "Game Time" on Broadway. Per Mr. Remling, only four parking spaces are currently provided. He argues that the Borough's Parking Ordinance No 602 was not met and the Zoning Officer's judgment was faulty. He argues that the parking situation must Council President Blatt stated that the applicant has the right to appeal against the Zoning Officer's decision. The Zoning Hearing Board is only reviewing variances. Perl Mr. Remling the Borough would face al liability if1 legally challenged. Mr. Lehr, the Solicitor, recommended to not respond to the liability issue. Mr. Jeffrey Remling also questioned the tavern conforming to the need ofk keeping the impervious ground cover to 90% as per Ordinance No 603. Mr. Rufe commented that part oft the tavern' s property has changed because it was concreted over. Mr. Remling is considering avenues of appealing the Zoning Officer's decisions by requesting aj judicial remedy in the form ofa writ oft mandamus while forcing Council to Mayor Gifford asked about the procedure to address Mr. Remling's concerns. Council President Blatt responded and confirmed by Mr. Lehr that permits once issued can be rescinded ifthe applicant did not comply. The next step could be to bring the go before the Zoning Hearing Board. pay forl legal fees. matter before the Zoning Hearing Board. EXECUTIVE SESSION (ifneeded) - None. ADJOURNMENT Borough Hall. Council President Blatt reminded that the July 7, 2021 Council meeting will be held inj person at At 8:43 PM Council President Blatt asked for a motion to adjourn. Ms Johnson 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: SUBMITTED By: ATTEST: Cordula Voges, Finance Director By: Anthony Branco, Borough Manager Next Resolution 2021-15 Next ordinance 863