The Ridley Park Borough Council met in regular session on the above date in the Community Room of Ridley Park Borough Hall. Council President Perry Artese called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.

PLEDGE OF ALLGEIANCE

The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by President Perry Artese.

ROLL CALL

Council members present: Mr. Artese, Mrs. Hopper, Mr. Pinto, Mr. Purcell, Mr. Rahn, Mr. Wright and Mayor Eberle. Also present was Charles Catania, Jr./Engineer Mr. Michael Raffaele, Esq./Solicitor. Mr. Wolhafe was absent and Chief Byrne arrived at 7:20 P.M.

ANNUAL STATE OF THE BOROUGH ADDRESS – MAYOR EBERLE

Mayor Eberle presented his annual “State of the Borough” Address.’ (COPY ATTACHED)

Mayor Eberle focused on the issues that have a major impact on the Borough of Ridley Park and its residents. Pointing out many of the accomplishments made by council, the administration and other department within the Borough during the past year. Mayor Eberle looking forward discussed new projects on the horizon for 2007 and beyond.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

FINANCE & INSURANCE/BUDGET – MRS. HOPPER

Mrs. Hopper reported that the last several months were spent on the 2007 budget that was past last month. She stated that the books are closed for the year 2006. Mrs. Hopper stated that the year to date and the monthly report are on file in the Borough Office for anyone wishing to review it.

Mr. Wright made a motion to accept the Finance Report, seconded by Mr. Pinto.

No Comments from Council.

Carried by a vote of 6-0.





PUBLIC PROPERTIES/PUBLIC SAFETY – MR. PINTO

Mr. Pinto reported that he attended an Emergency Preparedness briefing at the National Constitution Center. Patrick Meehan, US State Attorney, and Special Agent in charge of the FBI Joe P. Niece hosted the briefing. He stated that the briefing focus on ?????? government officials and understanding the roles of federal, state, county and local governments under a National Response Plan. He explained that the National Response Plan provides the framework for coordinating a response to a catastrophic event. PHEMA was also represented and discussed their current plan Revised National on a national and regional level, which would help us in regards to Emergency Planning. Mr. Pinto stated that the Borough would be looking the revisions and examining the current planning to determine if the future needs of our Emergency Management Plan need to change in anyway. Mr. Pinto would keep the Borough and residents informed.

In the absence of Fire Chief John Anderson, Mr. Pinto stated that the Fire Report would be on file in Borough Office.

Mr. Pinto reported the CDBG grant for the Library renovations and repairs. The repairs and renovations consisting of doors, window replacements, new down spouts, repointing of the stone, replacing concrete steps and refitting the railing to the concrete steps and the painting is 99% complete. Catania Engineers is developing the punch list with completion by the contractor.

Mr. Pinto reported that the Shade Tree Commission met at their regular scheduled meeting on Monday, January 8th in the Borough Hall. He announced that Sam Nucho resigned his appointment effective December 31, 2006 from the Shade Tree Commission. Mr. Pinto stated that Mr. Nucho said he would still attend the Shade Tree meeting as times allows and volunteer when requested by the Shade Tree Commission. Tim Devaney has filled the chair and the Shade Tree Commission welcomed a new member, Mr. John Hosbach.

Mr. Wright made a motion to accept the Public Properties/Public Safety report, seconded by Mr. Rahn.

No Comments from Council.

Carried by a vote of 6-0.



COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT/HISTORIC PRESERVATION – MR. PURCELL

Mr. Purcell reported that the Historic /H.A.R.B. did not meet last month but Mr. Purcell announced that there are openings on both committees. He stated th