MINUTES BOROUGH COUNCIL May 1,2023 7P.M.  The Council Meeting was held in-person at Borough Hall. Council members present were: Ms. Jordan, Ms. Johnson, Mr. Rufe, Mr. Trotter, Mr. Blatt, Mr. Trabel and Mayor Johnson. Also in attendance were Jason Quarry (Public Works Supervisor), Ed Bachert (Police Chief), Cordula  Voges (Finance Director), Dave Berger (Solicitor), and guests.  PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  Council President Blatt called the meeting to order and asked for everyoneto rise for the Pledge As an administrative matter, Council President Blatt asked for a motion-to amendthe agenda to  to the Flag.  include the acceptance oft the bid for the Sioux Street project.  Motion 2nd  Yes No X X X  Abstain Absent  Annamarie Jordan Jamie Johnson Wilbert Rufe Doug Trotter Philip Trabel vacant Norman E. Blatt] Jr. Mayor Johnson MINUTES  X  X  Approval oft themnutesof! Mârch 6, 2023  Motion 2nd  Yes No X X X X X X  Abstain Absent  Amnamarielordan Jamie Johnson Wilbert Rufe Doug Trotter Philip Trabel vacant Norman E. Blatt. Jr. MayorJ Johnson PUBLIC HEARING    X  Council President Blatt turned the meeting over to the public hearing portion of the meeting and asked Mr. Berger to continue. Council President Blatt also noted that a stenographer was present    to record the public hearing portion. Mr. Berger invited the public to comment on the proposed Ordinance 873 to amend Chapter 27, Zoning, to revise Attachment 3, Table of Dimensional Requirements, to reduce the minimum lot areai requirement for dwelling units in the Town Center ("TC") zoning district to 1,150 square feet and reduce the minimum lot width to 200 feet. Since the public did not further comment, Council President Blatt asked ift there was a motion to  approve the Ordinance.  The public portion of the meeting adjourned at 7:05 pm.  Motion 2nd X  Yes No X X X X  Abstain Absent  Annamarie Jordan Jamie Johnson Wilbert Rufe Doug Trotter Philip Trabel vacant Norman E. Blatt Jr. Mayor Johnson  X  X  Ordinance 873 was approved by a vote offourtot two. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR/PRE'SCHEDUEED-None.  NEW BUSINESS  Appoint new:Council: Member  Council President noted that thèew council member will replace Ms. Graham for the remaining term ending on 12/31/2025. Council had interyiewed two applicants. Council President asked for nominations.: Mr. Trabel nominated Mr. Stewart McCandless and Mr. Trotter seconded his  nomination. No othor-nominations were made.  Motion 2nd  Yes No X X X X X X  Abstain Absent  Annamarie Jordan Jamie Johnsor, Wilbert Rufe Doug Trotter Philip Trabel vacant Norman E. Blatt Jr. Mayor Johnson  X  X    Council President Blatt thanked Mr. Arnold for his interest in serving on council and encouraged Then Mayor Johnson administered the oath of office to Mr. McCandless. Mr. McCandless took  him apply for any other open committee positions.  his council seat.  Appoint Norris McLaughlin as interim Right to Know Officer  Council President asked if there was a motion to appoint Dave Berger, attorney with Norris  McLaughlin, as interim Right to Know Officer.  Motion 2nd  Yes No X X X X X %  Abstain Absent  Annamarie Jordan Jamie Johnson Wilbert Rufe Doug Trotter Philip Trabel Stew McCandless Norman E. Blatt Jr. Mayor. Johnson  X  X  Council President Blatt asked to update the. Borough's website accordingly.  NEW BUSINESS  Sioux Street RegructionProrg  After reviewing all bids-Hanover: Enginecring (HEA)recommended awarding the contract to the Council President asked ifthereas a motion to award the contract to Grace Industries.  lowest bidder for the projectwith a bidramount of $264,244.75,  Motion 2nd  Yes No X X X X X X X  Abstain Absent  Annamarte Jordan Jamie Johnson Wilbert Rufe. Doug Trotter Philip Trabel * Stew McCandless Norman E. Blatt Jr. Mayor Johnson  X    OLD BUSINESS  Pool Update  Ms. Johnson reported that the necessary number oft twelve pool applications to operate the pool have not been received. She stated that the pool was: intended to open on. June 12. Since the Public Works department needs about 45 days to prepare for the opening and not enough lifeguarding staff are secured to operate the pool, Ms. Johnson recommended not to open the pool this year. However, she stressed that the Borough has a great interest in opening the pool next year and any work needed around the pool and grounds would continue. Ms. Johnson suggested partnering with the Borough ofHellertown grthe City ofBethlehem again to offer Fountain Hill residents access to a pool this summer. When inquired Mr. Berger confirmed that a motion not to open the pool thisssummer was not needed. He suggested asking for a motion to partner with other municipalities for pool access. Council President asked ift there was a motion toj partner with other municipalitieforpool  access.  Motion 2nd X  Yes No X X X X X  Abstain Absent  Annamarie Jordan Jamie Johnson Wilbert Rufe Doug Trotter Philip Trabel Stew McCandless Norman E. Blatt Jr. Mayor Johnson  Playground Update  Ms. Johnson updated Councilon the Summer Playground program. The opening date is scheduled for. June 12. As in the-past, eightcounselors are to be hired. The afternoon hours of the program were diséussed. In the past, an eyening session from 6 to 9 pm was offered, which is consistent with the general park closing-atg pm. Cougel'sg generally consented to keep an evening session. Consistentepolice: presence for15 minutes around 6 pm and additional police drive-bys were The Summer Playground program will bei re-visited and: finalized at the next two council meetings.  suggested todeter disruptive behavior,  CDBG'Grant 2022-. Jeter Ave (Kieffer to NJ Hoffert St)  Mr. Berger reported that any of the bidders fulfilled the requirements under the CDBG Grant. Ms. Smith with Hanover Engineering is still communicating with the Lehigh County representative. Mr. Berger recommended to table any decision on this project. Mr. Trotter made the motion to table the decision on this project. Council President Blatt confirmed with Mr. Berger that no one was needed to second the motion. Council unanimously consented to table the matter.    MAYOR'S REPORT  The Little League had a great opening day.  Mayor. Johnson thanked all contributors to and participants in the Arbor Day celebrations.  COUNCIL PRESIDENT'S REPORT  Council President Blatt thanked the Community Coalition for their efforts and their work at the Council President Blatt apologized for not having the last council meetingslive streamed due to Council President Blatt thanked everyone for a wlorhstmgiAi0y, program. Council President Blatt reminded that no roadside parking,willl be permitted on Delaware Avenue on! May 15 and 16 (potentially even 3 days weather depending) during theToad construction. The Community Coalition held a successful borough-clean-up. Council President Blatt asked  pool.  technical issues, However, the recordings were made available.  residents toj pick up after their dogs and clean, up thepropertys: A Memorial Day program is planned on Friday,May 26at the Triangle  SOLICITOR'S REPORT -N None. COMMITTEE REPORTS  Finance  (Trotter,Blatt, Jordan)  Mr. Trotter asked for a motion to approve payment ofthe bills as presented.  Motion 2nd"  Yes No X X X X X X X  Abstain Absent  Annamârie Jordan Jamie Johnson Wilbert Rufe Doug Trotter Philip Trabeh Stew McCandless Norman E. Blatt Jr. Mayor Johnson  X  X   Public Works  (Jordan, Trotter, Rufe)  Mr. Quarry reported that Hill Street between Clewell Street and Kieffer Street is being paved.    Police  (Blatt, Trotter, Johnson)  Chief] Bachert noted that the Delaware parking restrictions will be handled in ai relaxed manner.  House & Ordinances  (Rufe, Jordan) None. (Trabel, Rufe)  Fire  Mr. Trabel presented last month'si fire report.    Recreation  (Johnson, Rufe, Trabel)  Ms. Johnson referenced the earlier discussions on the pool and playground.  Health & Sanitation  (McCandless, Jolinson,Trabel)  Mr. McCandless presented last month's Sewer/Garbage collectionreport.,  Personnel  (Trotter, Blatt, Jordan) None.  PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR - Discussion onl NonAgenda Items  Mr. Jason Brandon of701 S Hoffert Street was disappointed that Council decided not to open the pool this summer. He complained that thehiring oflifeguards was not done timely enough. Council President Blatt respondedthat the public was given many opportunities to address Council during the "Privilege of the Floor" over,the Dastrweeks and added that other municipalities are facing the same staffing problems. Ms. Vohnson noted that the decision whether to open also depended on the Public Works Departmeht's preparatory work needed to de-winterize the pool etc. Ms. Johnson statedt that aleffortswere made to provide staffing for the pool. Finally, Mr. Rufe recollected that the coalition was expressly formed to assist in hiring staff to work in tandem with the borough. He reiterated that all municipalities experiençe staffing problems Heencouraged the coalition to apply the current experience to ai future campaign. Ms. Johnson statedthat the work to repaint the building and caulk the sidewalk will be done over Council President Blatt acknowledged Mr. Brandon's disappointment with how the pool was handled. Hé recommended coordinating any work at the pool with the Public Works department. He also remindedal volunteers to submit the liability release forms and drop them off at Borough Mr. Brandon asked Council to consider a commemorative plaque at the Triangle to honor Mr. Mr. Albrecht, member of the Volunteer Fire department, expressed his disappointment that the pool would not open. He asked if reduced hours were considered. Ms. Johnson replied that not  the summer Mr Brandonwas waiting for a start date for the caulking.  Hall.  Freeman' s business serving the borough for decades. Council will look int it.  enough staffwere available to even offer reduced hours.    SPECIAL COMMITTEES  Mr. Rufe reported that the Bethlehem Area Public Library held its open house after construction.  EXECUTIVE SESSION  At 8:07 pm, Council President Blatt asked for a motion to adjourn into an executive session to  discuss the appointment of an Interim Borough Manager.  Motion 2nd  Yes No X X X X X X  Abstain Absent  Annamarie Jordan Jamie Johnson Wilbert Rufe Doug Trotter Philip Trabel Stew McCandless Norman E. Blatt Jr. Mayor. Johnson  X  X  At 8:34 pm Council President Blatt brought the public meeting back to order after having discussed the filling of the Interim Borough Manager position on a temporary basis. Council President Blatt asked if there was a motion to appointMr. Jason Quarry as the Interim Borough  Manager at the current borough manager' sTâte as of5/2/2023.  Motion. 2nd  Yes No X X X X X X X  Abstain Absent  Annamarie Jordan Jamie Johnson Wilbert Rufe DougTrotter Philip Trabel Stew McCandless Norman E.Blatt Jr. MayorJohnson ADJOURNMENT  X  At 8:42 pm Council President entertained ai motion to adjourn. Ms. Johnson made the motion,  seconded by Mr. Trabel and unanimously approved.  BOROUGH OF FOUNTAIN HILL LEHIGH COUNTY,PENNSYLVANIA  By:    Norman E. Blatt - President of Council  SUBMITTED & ATTESTED Cordula Voges, Finance Director  BY:  Next Ordinance - Next Resolution - 2023-14  -  874    %