BOROUGH OF CARROLL VALLEY
REGULAR BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2005 – 7:00 P.M..
BOROUGH OFFICE
MINUTES

 

Council President Laura L. Scudder called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. She led the Pledge of Allegiance. The attendance was as follows:

BOROUGH COUNCIL MEMBERS	BOROUGH OFFICIALS, ETC
Present
Laura L. Scudder, President Roger W. Butt, Vice President Kristin S. Jones N. Kenneth Lundberg Raymond F. Rabenold Steven J. Semiatin Thomas P. Wolf	James R. Becraft, Mayor Richard L. Hileman, Acting Borough Mgr. Barbara M. Hertz, Borough Secretary Howard Rodriguez, CEO/LDC Thomas R. Campbell, Solicitor

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 15, 2005 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

Mr. Semiatin asked for corrections to Page 2, under Open to the Public, first paragraph next to the bottom line “Ranch Section” should be “Carroll Common Park”, and last line should have added “, according to Michael McDonald.” 

***S. Semiatin moved, R. Butt seconded, that Council approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 15, 2005 as amended. Motion carried with Mr. Rabenold and Mr. Wolf abstaining since they were not present.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Mayor Becraft said Mr. Ron Schultz, ACTV Board of Directors, wished to address Council but could not attend. Mr. Raymond Gouker, Executive Director, was present in his place and asked Council to consider a provision in the next cable franchise agreement to manage the public TV and government channels for Carroll Valley . They want Adelphia to collect a 25¢ per subscriber monthly charge to pass through to ACTV. He described the ACTV programming and funding. The Borough agreement with Adelphia will expire in May of 2005 and the Mayor stated there has been contact with Adelphia. Mr. Wolf volunteered to serve on a committee to negotiate with Adelphia.

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

Proposed Resolution #1-2005 appointing Borough Manager. Mr. Campbell made a few changes to the Resolution and Mr. Hileman needed to consolidate them into the original for signature.

***R. Butt moved, K. Lundberg seconded, that Council amend the agenda to move on and bring this item up later. Motion carried unanimously.

MAYOR’S REPORT – J. BECRAFT

Mayor Becraft welcomed Mr. Wolf back after his recent surgery.

Governor Rendell presents funds for FASD. The information circulated referred to a $57,000 grant to the Fairfield Area School District for a walking path from the school to K Section. The Borough was represented by Rick Hileman at the presentation in Littlestown.
 
Pillow Tax Summary for 2004. A newspaper article was circulated with information regarding an increase in the tax revenue; however Carroll Valley ’s allocation was not increased from $5,000. Mayor Becraft felt the Commissioners should be asked to increase the share. There was further discussion and Ms. Scudder suggested the Commissioners be asked to attend a Council meeting.

ACBA Meeting on March 21. An announcement regarding the meeting to be held in Littlestown was circulated. The program will be an overview of the Littlestown downtown revitalization project and the countywide bidding process for trash/recycling services.

At this time Council went back to item 3.

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

Proposed Resolution #1-2005 appointing Borough Manager. Solicitor Campbell stated Council made an offer to hire David Hazlett as Borough Manager and he has accepted. The resolution sets the terms. The changes were pointed out by Mr. Campbell. Mr. Hazlett will begin employment on April 11. Mr. Semiatin asked if a background check had been done. The Mayor responded that all feedback has been positive.

***R. Butt moved, T. Wolf seconded, that Council approve Resolution #1-2005 as revised at this meeting. Motion carried unanimously.

Ms. Scudder thanked the search committee who spent many hours reviewing applications and interviewing candidates. She said it paid off.

Mr. George Fisanich, 7 Snowplow Trail, asked that the Borough consider additional street lights in K Section because of the school walking path.

Proposed Resolution #2-2005 appointing Inspector for Sprinkler Systems.
Ms. Scudder said this resolution would appoint Bruce Hisley to inspect the new sprinkler systems until the Middle Department Inspection Agency is qualified.

***R. Rabenold moved, R. Butt seconded, that Council approve proposed Resolution #2-2005 appointing Bruce Hisley as Inspector for sprinkler systems as presented. Motion carried unanimously.

PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT – L. SCUDDER Regional Planning Update

Ms. Scudder circulated a memo regarding the workshop invitation to adjacent municipalities. She said Hamiltonban Township is considering Act 209 transportation impact fees and information will be presented on this subject along with other speakers. Mr. Semiatin thanked Ms. Scudder for pursuing this workshop.

PARKS, RECREATION AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES/ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT – R. HOLMES

George Fisanich and William Devlin represented the committee. Mr. Devlin asked for Council comments regarding the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan. Mr. Semiatin said it was reviewed and some parts will be useful. He will furnish the committee with his comments.

STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

Public Safety Committee - T. Wolf, Chairman.

Mr. Wolf stated the next meeting is scheduled for April 11 at 7 P.M. They will discuss the Neighborhood Watch Program.

Community Relations Committee – R. Butt, Chairman

Mr. Butt said they have prepared an article regarding the home occupations ordinance for the Valley Views newsletter. The committee will be working on the July 4th celebration.

Finance Committee – T. Wolf, Chairman

Mr. Wolf said the committee will meet on April 7 at 2 p.m. and will be preparing a budget calendar. They will review the first quarter budget information.

AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

Committee for Grants - S. Semiatin, Chairman.

Preliminary Grant Approval from DCNR. Mr. Semiatin said the notice has been received that a grant has been approved for $223,100 and circulated to Council. The sub-committee will need to provide prioritized list of projects for Rep. Maitland by May 1. They will meet on March 24th at 1 p.m. in the Borough office.

Mr. Semiatin will work with Ski Liberty regarding a walking trail to Carroll Common.
He will meet with Ms. Jones regarding grants for speed humps and report to Council at the next meeting.

Committee for Negotiations with Ski Liberty - T. Wolf

Mr. Wolf is still communicating with Ski Liberty. He asked that Council members not be negative.

CONSENT AGENDA

Mr. Wolf asked that the list of checks be removed from the consent agenda for separate consideration.

***R. Butt moved, K. Jones seconded, that Council approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Wolf commented that the list of checks from the new accounting software did not contain all the information previously provided. There is a more detailed report and Council will receive it in the April packets.
 
***R. Butt moved, K. Lundberg seconded, that the February List of Checks be approved. Motion carried unanimously.

ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS – Acting Borough Manager

Status of Sprinkler Ordinance. Mr. Campbell said the challenge has been filed to Adams County Court. He has not been ordered to file an answer to the petition as yet. There will be an argument date set but there probably will not be need for any additional testimony.

Update on Sanders Station Project. Mr. Hileman said they have had two problems which are being worked out with the Engineer and Contractor. The cost will increase by about $4,000. 

Fish Habitat Structures. This project was reviewed with Karl Lutz, PA Fish and Boat Commission. Mr. Hileman said other options are being considered, i.e. using log and/or rock for the structures. Design information was circulated to Council. The cost should be minor.  After further discussion regarding bank protection, work scheduling, etc., consensus was to get cost figures and continue with the project.

DEP Request for Information.  Mr. Hileman explained that the owner of Lot J-59 has requested sewer service, and this lot had been excluded from the sewer because of its difficult terrain. This is an ongoing problem and the owner contacted DEP to force the Borough to provide the sewer line. The Borough had told the owner he could connect to the sewer line at his own expense. DEP has requested written comments from the Borough and a response was presented to Council for review before being mailed. The matter had been reviewed by the Planning Commission and the Sewer and Water Authority. The Borough asked for an extension of the response time and it was granted. After discussion and some revision, the following action was taken.

***R. Butt moved, K. Lundberg seconded, that Council approve the response letter as amended for immediate mailing to DEP. Motion carried unanimously.

Adams County Interfaith Housing Corporation Offer of Rental Housing Inspection Services. After discussion, consensus was to take no action on this offer.

July 4th Celebration Update. Mr. Hileman informed Council the next planning meeting is scheduled for March 16 at the Borough Office and encouraged anyone interested to attend.

Act 537 Plan Update. Mr. Hileman will schedule a meeting with DEP to discuss the options being considered for the Act 537 Plan.

Regional EMS Update. This matter seems to be going forward with all municipalities in agreement to establish the regional coordinator and office Mr. Hileman advised. An agreement will be drafted for Council’s approval.

Temporary Holding Tanks. Mr. Hileman advised Council that, in researching a request for a temporary holding tank until weather conditions made installation of the septic system possible, he found that Resolution #2-97 states there is a moratorium on such temporary holding tanks. Mayor Becraft stated the Sewer and Water Authority felt the conditions have not changed since the Resolution in 1997 and the plant still must be protected. Mr. Hileman said there were some temporary holding tank permits issued in the past due to staff being unaware of the resolution. There was no action by Council to change the resolution and it will remain in effect.

APPOINTMENTS

Ms. Scudder stated that there are vacancies on the Planning Commission and the Sewer and Water Authority. Mr. James Wego was elected Chairman of the Sewer and Water Authority and present at the meeting.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Mr. Wolf congratulated Ms. Scudder on the Valley Views in The Emmitsburg Dispatch, but he thought the front page would have a box with our item listed as contents. It is listed in the index.

Mr. Wolf asked what the status is of the Personnel Manual and the Website. Ms. Scudder said she has had difficulty with using the FrontPage program. It was suggested that someone on staff might be able to be trained in this program for the Website. The Personnel Manual is being drafted by Kristin Jones and Rick Hileman. The new Borough Manager will have input in the Manual.

Mr. Semiatin asked the status of The Crest Development. Mr. Rodriguez said he has received Phase 1 and 2 of the final development plans. There is a 90-day review period and would be ready for the May Council meeting.

Mr. Butt said the Adams County Earned Income Tax Agency has made no decision but it leaning toward merging with the York County Agency.

NEW BUSINESS

Mr. Semiatin advised that the Fairfield Area School District is starting an expansion program which will require a 3 mill tax increase.

ADJOURNMENT

***K. Lundberg moved, R. Butt seconded, that the meeting be adjourned at 8:50 P.M. Motion carried unanimously.

ATTENDANCE REGISTER

The Attendance Register for this meeting is attached hereto, numbered as Page 7 and made a part of the Official Minutes.

______________________________

Barbara M. Hertz, Borough Secretary