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| Subject (Category) |
Date (Time) |
End Date (Time) |
| Minutes -Committee of the Whole (Board Meetings) |
7/20/2010 (7:30 pm) |
7/20/2010 (9:00 pm) |
NORRISTOWN MUNICIPALITY
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
The Council Meeting of Tuesday, July 20, 2010 was called to order by Council President, William Caldwell, at 7:30 pm in Council Chambers.
There was a Moment of Silence followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
The following Council members were in attendance:
Cathy Lawrence William Caldwell
Mila Hayes Bill Procyson
Linda Christian Gary Simpson
Marlon Millner
Also present were:
Sean Kilkenny, Municipal Solicitor
Chief Russell Bono, Norristown Chief of Police
Jayne Musonye, Director of Planning and Development
Vanessa Nedrick, Acting Director of Public Works
Richard Zawisza, Director of Finance
Presentations:
House Decorating Contest - 1st place Cancel Family
2nd place Jones Family
Councilwoman Christian and Council President Caldwell presented the Cancel Family with a $200 check and the Jones Family with a $100 check for winning the 4th of July House Decorating Contest.
Approval of Minutes of the Council Meeting held on July 6, 2010 - There was a motion on the floor to approve the Minutes by Councilwoman Christian with a second by Councilwoman Lawrence. All in favor. Motion carries. Councilman Procyson abstained from voting because he was not present for the July 6, 2010 Council Meeting.
Public Comment
David and Ravon Lopez, 450 Forrest Avenue - Mr. Lopez explained that he had sent a letter to David Forrest regarding setting up a food cart in the Courthouse area. He noted that he has had to go on welfare. He stated he “needs to make a living” and “doesn’t want to go to Philly.” Council President Caldwell explained that David Forrest is on vacation and that he is welcome to talk to any Council member following the meeting until he receives a response from Mr. Forrest.
Announcements by Councilwoman Christian.
The Norristown Preservation Society will be having a “Selma Clean Up Day” on Saturday, July 24. Come out and help preserve Norristown’s most historic house. The Society will be continuing to clean, paint and repair the Selma Mansion, home of the Revolutionary War General Andrew Porter, located on the corner of Airy and Selma Streets. The Theater Horizon will be presenting “Shakespeare on the Square” at Swede Street and Main Street on Thursday, July 22 at 12 noon. Admission is free. Norristown welcomes these new businesses: Botanica Ochun at 404 West Marshall Street. They sell candles, oils, rosaries, perfumes, plants, etc. and Just Jerk at 1500 Powell Street which specializes in Caribbean Cuisine and J & J Auto Tag at 412 East Main Street. The Sunday, July 25 Concert at the Bandshell will feature Quiet Storm (doo-wop music) and on Saturday, July 31st at 4:00 4 groups will be performing Gospel music. There will be a Youth Empowerment on July 27, 28, 29 featuring Steve Ferguson - we are looking for volunteers.
Communications: None.
PLANNING/ECONOMIC/BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Plazita Mini Mall - Custom Sign - Discussion - Gabriela Prete, Business Development Coordinator, spoke regarding 506 West Marshall Street. She noted that these businesses feel “they’re not getting visibility with their signage.” She passed out a selection of pictures of signs being considered. Councilwoman Lawrence explained that this was brought before Planning and commented that “it looks like an entranceway.” Councilman Millner stated he was not in favor of this and noted he “would like to see the actual owners making the request.” Ms. Prete stated that “DMS owns the property and chose the sign request be brought before Council.” Councilwoman Hayes suggested the business owners “look at other options.” Councilwoman Lawrence commented “This business is not visible - it’s not that complicated. They’re asking for something that works.” Council President Caldwell suggested to Ms. Prete to bring back a proposal.
Haws Avenue Development - Presentation - Mr. Doug Olsen and Seth Shapiro of Barton Partners, Inc., conducted a Power Point presentation regarding their proposal for a development plan on Haws Avenue involving 36 town homes.
Recommendation to award Riverfront Park Master Plan Project - Discussion - Director Musonye explained “we had to match CDBG Funds.” She noted that 17 proposals were received and JMT of York, PA was chosen. She also noted that Council has not received the package of information so this will be continued with at the next Council meeting.
TC - Town Center client-based businesses - Discussion - Solicitor Kilkenny explained that Henry Sekawungu of Planning/Development noted there are some questions for Council. The Planning Committee Chairman was present to explain non-profits. Councilman Millner asked “Do we need to specify government entity?” Director Musonye provided an explanation.
400-430 East Johnson Highway Time Extension - Discussion - The equitable owners provided background information regarding the property at 400-430 East Johnson Highway and the proposed 3 townhouses. It was explained that the closing never occurred and it is currently in litigation. They are requesting an additional 5-year protection period. Solicitor Kilkenny suggested putting this in the form of an Ordinance and voting on it in two weeks.
Multi-family apartment conversions Ordinance - Director Musonye explained there are times when conversions are allowed if they are a “mix” with special exception. Council President noted this could be voted on at the next Council meeting. Councilman Simpson stated “I would like to vote on this now so it can take effect immediately.” There was a motion on the floor to approve the Ordinance by Councilman Simpson with a second by Councilwoman Lawrence. A Roll Call Vote was taken resulting in:
Cathy Lawrence yes
Mila Hayes yes
Linda Christian yes
William Caldwell yes
Bill Procyson yes
Gary Simpson yes
Marlon Millner yes
Motion carries unanimously.
Comprehensive Plan - Matthew Edmond, Chairman of the Planning Commission and Jean Holland, County Planning Commission were available to answer any questions. There was a motion on the floor to approve the Comprehensive Plan by Councilwoman Christian with a second by Councilwoman Lawrence. A Roll Call Vote was taken resulting in:
Cathy Lawrence yes
Mila Hayes yes
Linda Christian yes
William Caldwell yes
Bill Procyson yes
Gary Simpson yes
Marlon Millner yes
Motion carries unanimously.
900 East Fornance Street - Variance - Discussion - Councilman Simpson explained he had a meeting with PCS regarding adding an additional six antennas to connect weak signal areas. He noted that other areas to put the antennas were exhausted. Director Musonye provided handouts and Councilman Simpson explained the diagrams. Councilman Millner asked for an explanation of any community objections. Councilman Simpson remarked to let Zoning make the decision.
There was a motion on the floor to open the agenda for a Motion of Intent to Award the Simmons Park Project by Councilwoman Christian with a second by Councilman Millner. All in favor. Motion carries. Director Musonye provided contract details. There was a motion on the floor to issue a Notice of a Motion of Intent to Award to Construction Services of Warrington, PA in the amount of $351,964 by Councilman Millner with a second by Councilwoman Lawrence. All in favor. Motion carries.
PUBLIC WORKS
Motion to approve Intent to Award the Contract for the Gabion Repair to Laffredo Construction of King of Prussia in the amount of $20,085.00 - Vanessa Nedrick, Acting Director of Public Works, stated she received information that this project needs to be done immediately. She noted she is requesting that Council allow the project to be re-bid. Councilwoman Lawrence asked “Why was this brought to us four months later?” Councilman Millner asked for an explanation of events that led to this. Councilman Procyson suggested “raising the threshold of $10,000.” It was suggested by Solicitor Kilkenny to reject the current bid and to re-bid. There was a motion on the floor to reject the current bid and to re-bid the contract for the Gabion Repair by Councilman Simpson with a second by Councilwoman Hayes. Councilwoman Christian opposed. Motion carries 6-1. Councilman Simpson stated “When things are ‘found out,’ we need to ‘find out.’” Councilwoman Christian remarked that she didn’t know of any Norristown residents in the apprenticeship program. Councilman Millner commented that the MCO’s federal rules need to be translated to local rules.
New Public Works truck - Discussion - Councilman Procyson explained that he was told by Steve Pinder of Public Works “We can’t get through another winter.” Councilman Procyson wanted to bring this to the attention of Finance and the possibility of re-financing.
FINANCE
Motion to approve Monthly Disbursements:
General Fund $318,258.20
Parks & Recreation Fund 1,041.15
Real Estate Tax Account 18,516.30
Payroll Account 2,582.60
There was a motion on the floor to approve the Monthly Disbursements by Councilwoman Lawrence with a second by Councilwoman Christian. All in favor. Motion carries.
Amended Consolidated Fee Resolution - Discussion - Chief Bono explained that in combination with Public Safety, take all the costs and lump into Chapter 305, entitled “Vehicles and Traffic” of the Administrative Code. Chief Bono asked to move this forward because the West Marshall Street parking plan cannot be implemented until “305.” Solicitor Kilkenny explained that the final changes for the General Code are not complete - it is now in Ordinance form. Solicitor Kilkenny commented “The Fee Resolution should be looked at once a year.” Councilman Millner asked “Where does the Snow Emergency Route stand?” Solicitor Kilkenny replied, “It’s excepted out.” Councilman Millner also inquired about the language “passing on the cost of third parties.” Fire Chief O’Donnell provided an explanation. Solicitor Kilkenny noted there are 2 matters related to this and that Council could advertise the Ordinance and send the related discussion to David Forrest’s inbox. Councilwoman Lawrence commented “I would like to see all fees go through the Finance Director.” There was a motion on the floor to advertise the Ordinance by Councilman Millner with a second by Councilman Simpson. All in favor. Motion carries.
Safer Grant - Discussion - Chief O’Donnell explained the grant would be used to hire 2 firefighters for 2 years. This will be brought back to the next Council Meeting. Councilman Simpson asked if other funding options could also be discussed then.
Motion to approve Handicapped Parking at 108 Hamilton Avenue and 618 East Main Street (item f on agenda) - Chief Bono explained that the applications were complete and Officer Rambo investigated. There is no off-street parking available. There was a motion on the floor to approve the handicapped parking by Councilwoman Christian with a second by Councilwoman Lawrence. All in favor. Motion carries.
Contract with Imperial Security Company for the Norristown Transit Center - Discussion - Chief Bono explained that the Municipality requested funds to hire a security guard for the Norristown Transit Center. An RFP was sent out and Chief Bono and David Forrest conducted interviews. The recommendation was made for Imperial Security for approximately $38.000. Council President Caldwell noted this will be on the next Council Meeting agenda.
Council President Caldwell noted that Council met in Executive Session tonight and on July 14, 2010 to discuss real estate issues.
ADJOURNMENT
There was a motion on the floor to adjourn the meeting by Councilman Simpson with a second by Councilman Millner. All in favor. Motion carries.
Respectfully submitted,
Roseann M. Santangelo
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