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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 ALLEGIANCE
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council President Perry Artese.
ROLL CALL:
Council members present: Mr. Artese, Mrs. Hopper, Mr. Miccarelli, Mr. Pinto, Mr. Wright and Mayor Eberle. Also present Police Chief Byrne, Charles Catania, Jr. /Engineer and Michael Raffaele, Esq. /Solicitor. Mr. Purcell and Mr. Rahn were absent.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
Mr. Miccarelli acknowledged and read a Citation commending Mr. Jeffery G. Vermeulen, Interim President of Delaware County Chamber of Commerce. The citation congratulated Mr. Vermeulen for his outstanding accomplishments and to honor him for his positive influence on the citizens of Ridley Park.
Mr. Vermeulen graciously accepted the Citation and spoke a few words.
Mayor Eberle introduced and recognized State Representative Ron Raymond and Marsha Greenspan, President of the Barnstormers. State Representative Ron Raymond presented to Marsha Greenspan a secured grant in the amount of $22,000.00 for the Barnstormers to stay vibrant in Ridley Park.
Ms. Greenspan thanked State Representative Ron Raymond, Mayor Eberle and Council President Perry Artese.
State Representative Ron Raymond mention that it is his pleasure that he can provide grant monies to the Borough of Ridley Park. One of the state grants was for $45,000.00 for the dredging the lake. He noted that Moore’s Lake in Prospect Park is non-existent because of the lack of dredging through the years. He apologized to Borough Council and the residents of Ridley Park on behalf of the Federal Government who held the permit up for 4 ½ weeks. He stated that Ridley Park has received millions of dollars for various projects. Representative Ron Raymond stated that if the money isn’t spent in Ridley Park it would be spent elsewhere.
APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MINUTES
Approve the Council Minutes of January 16th to July 17th 2007.
Mr. Pinto made a motion to approve the Council Minutes of January 16th to July 17th 2007, seconded by Mr. Wright.
No Comments from Council.
Carried by a vote of 5-0.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
FINANCE & INSURANCE/BUDGET – MRS. HOPPER
Mrs. Hopper thanked Representative Ron Raymond for the millions of dollars in grant money the state legislator got for the Borough of Ridley Park through the years.
Mrs. Hopper stated that the 2008 Budget process is about to begin. She stated that without the assistance of the grants it would make the budget process difficult.
Mrs. Hopper reported the Finance Report. (COPY ATTACHED) She mentioned that the majority of the revenue of the Borough is collected, as most resident’s tax bills are paid on or before the due date. She stated that Tax Collector, Mr. Snyder attended the Workshop Meeting and presented an update on where the Borough is with respect to the collection of the taxes. Mr. Snyder asks Mrs. Hopper to announce that the 2008 Census would begin to look for the forms.
Mr. Pinto made a motion to accept the Finance & Insurance/Budget, seconded by Mr. Wright.
No Comments from Council.
Carried by a vote of 5-0.
PUBLIC PROPERTIES/PUBLIC SAFETY – MR. PINTO
Mr. Pinto also thanked Representative Ron Raymond for diligence with Ridley Park grants.
Mr. Pinto reported where the grant monies are going and how it’s being spent. He stated that the construction of the new police department is 80% completed and on schedule and the fire department is 40% completion. He state the Representative Ron Raymond of Ridley Park was instrumental in getting $1 million matching grant from the state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program to help finance the new police station. Mr. Pinto stated that $437,000.00 to date spent on the Revitalization Project. He stated that the Borough is requesting another $400,000.00 from the County. He reported that the $266,000.00 from the CDCB grants program is designated toward various projects including work at the public library, athletic club and the Zoning Board’s update rewrite. Council is looking into renovations to the Community Room for all the activities that it currently houses.
Mr. Pinto presented the Code Enforcement’s Report submitted September 10th.
Mr. Pinto reported that the Shade Tree Commission’s Chairperson, John Hosbach would have an agenda for Arbor Day finalized with the date.
Mr. Wright made a motion to accept the Public Properties Report, seconded by Mrs. Hopper.
No Comments from Council.
Carried by a vote of 5-0.
PUBLIC WORKS – MR. MICCARELLI
Mr. Miccarelli thanked Councilman Pinto for taking him on a tour of the new police station.
Mr. Miccarelli congratulated Councilman Rahn and reported on his absence at tonight’s Council Meeting. He announced the birth of the newest Parker Sophia Lynn Rahn. Born Monday, September 10th at 9 pounds and 15 ounces. He stated that Councilman Rahn is recovering well.
Mr. Miccarelli reported that the Borough would be soliciting bids for a street sweeper. He announced that the Borough has received from Representative Ron Raymond’s office a grant for $30,000.00. Mr. Miccarelli stated he would have a recommendation.
Mr. Miccarelli stated the Highway Department’s Report is on file in the Borough Office and he stated that they are working tirelessly. Mr. Miccarelli commended Bill Christie one of the Highway Department personnel that performs routine maintenance on the Borough vehicles that saves thousands of dollars every year of taxpayer’s money.
Mr. Wright made a motion to accept the Public Works Report, seconded by Mr. Pinto.
No Comments from Council.
Mrs. Hopper commented that the Highway Department collected over $1,000.00 for the scrap metal.
Carried by a vote of 5-0.
PUBLIC SAFETY – MR. WRIGHT
Mr. Wright called upon Ned Donkin to present the Fire Report. (Copy Attached)
Mr. Donkin announced that next month the nation observes Fire Prevention week from October 8-13. He stated that the Ridley Park Fire Company would be holding its open house on Saturday, October 13th from 1:00-3:00 P.M. He mentioned that in addition to the open house, the Fire Company also visits the schools or the schools visit the firehouse. Mr. Donkin announced that with the cooler weather around the corner the Fire Company urges all residents to have their heating system checked and service. Chimneys should be cleaned and inspected. Mr. Donkin reported that the addition to firehouse is well underway. He said that the contractors stated that the firehouse should be weather tight by the end of the month. Mr. Donkin announced that the Fire Company is always looking for new members. He stated if you ever had a desire to help your community to please come to the fire house any Thursday evening to pick up an application.
Mr. Wright reported that the Board of Health did not meet last month but did have its cat collar program last Saturday, September 15th. He stated 63 cats were registered in the Borough. The Board of Health and Delaware County Animal Control sponsored the program.
Mr. Pinto made a motion to accept the Code Enforcement Report, seconded by Mrs. Hopper.
No Comments from Council.
Carried by a vote of 5-0.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – PERSONNEL/PARKS & RECREATION – MR. ARTESE
Mr. Artese thanked the members of the Recreation Board for a fantastic Victorian Fair.
Mr. Artese announced he would have a recommendation to approve the agreement between the Borough of Ridley Park and the Delaware County FOP, Lodge 27, for the term of January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2011.
Mr. Wright made a motion to accept the President’s Report, seconded by Mr. Pinto.
No Comments from Council.
Carried by a vote of 5-0.
TECHNOLOGY/PUBLIC RELATIONS/ COMMUNITY RESOURCES REPORT – MR. ALEX RAHN
In the absence of Mr. Rahn, Mr. Poole read the Library Report. (Copy Attached)
BOROUGH ACTIVITY
ENGINEER’S REPORT – MR. CHARLES CATANIA, JR.
Mr. Catania reported that bids were opened for the athletic club roof replacement. He stated that this project is being funded through a federal CDBG. He stated two bids were received and the low bidder was Ellis Construction Corp. for $21,900.00. Mr. Catania stated a recommendation will follow to award the contract.
Mr. Catania reported that the second bid opening was for street repair. He stated that there were three bids and the low bidder was Innovative Construction for $22,800.00. A recommendation will follow to award the contract.
Mr. Catania reported on the PECO Green Region Program Grant. He stated that he and Mr. Poole met with Ann Murphy of Chester, Ridley, and Crum Creek Water Association. He explained that the Borough is going to try to obtain a grant to perform a Little Crum Creek Assessment and Action Plan. A meeting is planned to address the problems with Little Crum Creek with Swarthmore Borough, Ridley Township, Springfield Township and Delaware River Keepers, County Conservation District.
Mr. Pinto made a motion to accept the Engineer’s Report, seconded by Mr. Wright.
No Comments from Council. Carried by a vote of 5-0.
SOLICITOR’S REPORT – MR. RAFFAELE, ESQ.
Mr. Raffaele reported at workshop on a preliminary basis the last litigation that was instituted against the Borough by the Lockridge Sign Company in Federal Court has effetely ended. He stated that Judge O’Neil of the United States District Court of the Common Pleas of Pennsylvania has entered an order terminating this litigation. Mr. Raffaele reiterated that the Borough is not required to take any legal action of any kind.
Mr. Wright made a motion to accept the Solicitor’s Report, seconded by Mr. Pinto.
No Commons from Council.
Carried by a vote of 5-0.
POLICE CHIEF’S REPORT – CHIEF BYRNE
Chief Byrne reported the following:
Monthly Activity Report. (COPY ATTACHED)
He announced that the Ridley Park Police received a Grant in the amount of $4,000.00 for Click It n Ticket. He stated that the detail would run from September 23rd until the end of the month.
Chief Byrne announced that for the third year in a row the Ridley Park Police have been awarded a Grant from the Delaware County Office of Behavioral Health for Community Education Programs.
Chief Byrne announced that the Ridley Park Police would receive a Grant in the amount of $40,000.00 for DUI Check Points and DUI Enforcement.
Mr. Wright made a motion to accept the Police Chief’s Report, seconded by Mr. Miccarelli.
No Comments from Council.
Carried by a vote of 5-0.
MAYOR’S REPORT – MR. EBERLE
Mayor Eberle reported on the following:
Mayor Eberle detailed the Revitalization Grant Project. He stated that the Delaware County Council held a press conference Thursday in the refurbished downtown business district
Mayor Eberle spoke on the FAA lawsuit. He stated that Representative Ron Raymond and he attended at press conference on Friday at the Tinicum Municipal Building. Mayor Eberle stated that County Council has officially filed legal action against the FAA.
Mayor Eberle asks Mr. Poole to comment on the status of the house fire at the house at 32 Sellers Avenue that caused severe structural damage to the house.
Mayor Eberle read some history of Ridley Park.
Mr. Miccarelli made a motion to accept the Mayor’s Report, seconded by Mr. Wright.
No Comments from Council.
Carried by a vote of 5-0.
PRESENTATION – ROBERT J. POOLE
2008 Pension Plan Minimum Municipal Obligation (MMO) (COPY ATTACHED)
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Joe Yorke, 408 N. Swarthmore Avenue
Mr. Yorke expressed concerns with the Zoning changes that are being revised, sighting the change of R-1 neighborhoods to Institutional Zoning.
Mr. Artese responds stating that the entire new zoning code would be heard in a public forum. He stated that it is under County review at this point.
Jim Glenn, 116 Kearney Place
Mr. Glenn reiterated his problem with the retaining wall along the side and rear of his home.
Mr. Raffaele responded that Council directed him to engage Pennoni and Associates to move forward to complete a design plan. Mr. Raffaele stated that he is informed that they would move as quickly as possible.
Discussion Followed
Jeannie Frantz, 1 Constitution Avenue
Mrs. Frantz presented a progress report concerning the school district’s clean up of the dead trees, debris and a broken fences. The particular area Mrs. Frantz is describing is located on Constitution Avenue behind the Middle School.
RECOMMENDATIONS; (COPY ATTACHED)
FINANCE & INSURANCE – MRS. HOPPER
Mrs. Hopper is the maker of motion, seconded by Mr. Wright.
No Comments from Council.
Carried by a vote of 5-0.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT/HISTORIC PRESERVATION – MR. PURCELL
Mr. Wright making the motion for Mr. Purcell, seconded by Mrs. Hopper.
No Comments from Council.
Carried by a vote of 5-0.
Mr. Pinto making the motion for Mr. Purcell, seconded by Mrs. Hopper.
No Comments from Council.
Carried by a vote of 5-0.
Mr. Wright making the motion for Mr. Purcell, seconded by Mrs. Hopper.
No Comments from Council.
Carried by a vote of 5-0.
Mr. Pinto making the motion for Mr. Purcell, seconded by Mrs. Hopper.
No Comments from Council.
Carried by a vote of 5-0.
Mr. Pinto making the motion for Mr. Purcell, seconded by Mr. Wright.
No Comments from Council.
Carried by a vote of 5-0.
Mr. Pinto making the motion for Mr. Purcell, seconded by Mr. Wright.
No Comments from Council.
Carried by a vote of 5-0.
Mr. Wright making the motion for Mr. Purcell, seconded by Mr. Pinto.
No Comments from Council.
Carried by a vote of 5-0.
Mr. Pinto making the motion for Mr. Purcell, seconded by Mr. Miccarelli.
No Comments from Council.
Carried by a vote of 5-0.
PUBLIC WORKS – MR. MICCARELLI
Mr. Miccarelli is the maker of the motion, seconded by Mr. Wright.
No Comments from Council.
Carried by a vote of 5-0.
Mr. Miccarelli is the maker of the motion, seconded by Mr. Pinto.
No Comments from Council.
Carried by a vote of 5-0.
Mr. Miccarelli is the maker of the motion, seconded by Mr. Wright.
No Comments from Council.
Carried by a vote of 5-0.
PRESIDENT/PERSONNEL/PARKS & RECREATION – MR. ARTESE
Mr. Artese is the maker of the motion, seconded by Mr. Pinto.
No Comments from Council.
Carried by a vote of 5-0.
ORDINANCES
None
RESOLUTIONS:
RESOLUTION No. 10-2007 (COPY ATTACHED)
Mr. Pinto made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 10-2007, seconded by Mr. Wright.
No Comments from Council.
Carried by a vote of 5-0.
RESOLUTION No. 11-2007 (COPY ATTACHED)
Mr. Pinto made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 11-2007, seconded by Mr. Wright.
No Comments from Council.
Carried by a vote of 5-0.
RESOLUTION No. 12-2007 (COPY ATTACHED)
Mr. Wright made a motion to adopt Resoution No. 12-1007, seconded by Mr. Pinto.
No Comments from Council.
Carried by a vote of 5-0.
OLD BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
None
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Pinto made a motion to adjourn at 8:15 P.M., seconded by Mr. Miccarelli.
Respectfully Submitted
Robert J. Poole, Borough Manager/Secretary
Prepared by Christine Graham
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