ROCKLEDGE BOROUGH COUNCIL
COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
OF JUNE 12, 2006

The Rockledge Borough Council met at 7:30 p.m. on June 12, 2006, at the Rockledge Borough Hall. After the prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance were recited, the roll was called as follows: Mr. Denelsbeck, Mr. Beady, Mr. Kelleher, Mrs. Walz, Mr. Caffrey, and Mayor Costello.

Mr. Kelleher added a Streets Department issue regarding trash cans to the Agenda.

Public Safety

Chief Leary presented an award from MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) to Officer Matthew Pokorny. Raymond Wycheck was also given this award, but was unable to be present.

LAND DEVELOPMENT HEARING
PROPOSED WACHOVIA BANK
620 HUNTINGDON PIKE

Present: David Comer (Fox Rothschild), Bob McDevitt (Vice President of Real Estate, Wachovia), Russ McFall (Project Engineer, Kenderian Zilinski), Joe DeSantis (Traffic Engineer, McMahon Associates).

Mr. Comer stated that Wachovia proposes to build a new bank at this site. The Zoning Hearing Board granted zoning relief on March 3, including the right to include a drive-thru window and relief to allow two access ways which will be right turn out only. The Land Development application was submitted in early March. PennDot reviewed the plans and requested that certain adjustments be made. The bank revised their plans, changing the size of the building from a little more than 4,000 square feet to about 3,500 square feet. Parking spaces had to be moved, curb cut revisions, etc. The bank went before the Planning Commission on May 9. The engineers have spoken to Hunt Engineering (handling Revitalization Project) and adjusted the sidewalk accordingly to meet requirements. The Planning Commission requested that a certain spot in the back be restricted to bank employees only and that will be marked. Mr. Denelsbeck asked how many parking spots they had and Mr. Comer answered 19. Mr. Denelsbeck asked if there was any agreement with the neighbor to use the back parking lot. Mr. Comer answered no.

Mr. Comer stated that the Bank is seeking preliminary and final approval from Council this evening. Mr. Bresnan elaborated further for Council that it would be okay for preliminary and final approval to be given tonight.

Mr. Comer stated the bank is requesting a waiver from the requirement of one street tree per 40 linear foot of frontage; this would require 4 street trees along the front. They are proposing 2 as they cannot put any in the middle due to stormwater management facilities being placed there.

The Bank is also requesting a waiver for the planting island.

Mr. Denelsbeck named the documents that the Borough is in receipt of:

- Review from Montgomery County Planning Commission dated May 28, 2006, noting the plans lack of consistence with the Revitalization Plans with the area of tree plantings and light posts. It also notes all of the issues with landscaping, Section 100.3.3. It recommends having the applicant investigate shared parking arrangements with the neighbor, noting that since their business is not generally a day business it probably would work very well. They recommend that the Borough approve the plans, however, they do take issue with the above-noted items.

- Memo from Rick Stoneback, Borough Engineer, outlining some issues that he has raised: Stormwater Management Ordinance, Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance issues.

- Recommendations from Rockledge Borough Planning Commission.

Mr. Denelsbeck asked why they are requesting a waiver from the required planting if there are extra parking spaces. Mr. McDevitt answered it was primarily from a functional standpoint. Mr. Denelsbeck asked if the trees on the street were to be placed in boxes above the sidewalk would it interfere with the stormwater management system. Mr. McFall said it would not affect it. These would be added to the middle and the two on the outside would stay as the plans show. The bank’s traffic engineer will take a look at this to ensure they will not impede any sight distances.

Mr. Denelsbeck asked Mr. Comer how the escrow account would be handled. Mr. Comer stated that nothing would be dedicated to the Borough and that they would be happy to execute an escrow agreement. Mr. Bresnan stated this would just be a matter of escrowing the money equal to the public-related aspects, for example the sidewalk and landscape work.

Mr. Denelsbeck asked about the standard contracts in our stormwater ordinance. Mr. Comer stated that he is under the impression that they will enter into an agreement that will maintain the stormwater facilities.

Mr. Denelsbeck asked Mr. Comer why Rockledge Borough should approve this project. Mr. Comer answered that it would beautify the site. Currently this site is an “eye sore.” They will be taking a non-conforming building and replacing it with a much nicer looking building, adding green space, trees, etc. Mr. McDevitt added that Wachovia will have to leave the Borough if they cannot build on this site. Mr. Denelsbeck responded on a personal note, that he feels Wachovia has not been very supportive of this community as a bank. Mr. Denelsbeck feels this is something that should be addressed with the bank. Mr. McDevitt assured Mr. Denelsbeck that this would be addressed.

Mr. Denelsbeck asked if the sidewalk would be ripped out and reconstructed. He asked if the curbing will be that which is required in the Revitalization Plans. Mr. McFall stated that the plans were submitted to Hunt Engineering; Ms. Nemiroff from Hunt stated that the plans did conform. Mr. Denelsbeck asked if the light fixtures on the outside of the parking lot were in compliance with the light fixtures that are designated in the plan for revitalization. Mr. McFall stated they are not proposing any lighting along the front. The lighting on site was submitted to Hunt Engineering and was approved by Ms. Nemiroff. Mr. McDevitt stated that their concern primarily was light leaking off of their site and disturbing the neighbors. The fixtures they chose will direct light down and keep it on their site, but he is open to any suggestions.

Mr. Kelleher asked when the bank was looking to break ground. Mr. McDevitt stated they would start as soon as he is issued a building permit.

Mr. Beady stated he would like to see Wachovia stay in the Borough, but that he also feels it would be nice if they supported the community.

Mr. Caffrey asked if they would be planting along the back wall. Mr. McFall stated they would be planting trees that are used commonly for buffers.

Mr. Bresnan advised Council regarding the SALDO (Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance) and exactly what needs to be included in these plans.

Mr. Kelleher asked about erosion control. Mr. McFall anticipates addressing this as well before getting a building permit. The Borough will get an approval letter from the Conservation District.

Plans have been resubmitted to PennDot and they are currently reviewing them. Mr. DeSantis, Traffic Engineer, stated the biggest concern PennDot had was the throat of the driveway and traffic backing up. They also asked for No Parking in front to keep the sight lines clear. Mr. DeSantis stated that if the trees in the boxes that Mr. Denelsbeck requested are placed back behind the right of way line, it should be fine. Mr. DeSantis reserved the right to look at this in more detail.

Mrs. Walz questioned traffic going up Huntingdon Pike and making a left turn into the bank parking lot. On the Revitalization Plan there is no left turn lane there; this is a concern for Mrs. Walz. Mr. DeSantis answered that this was analyzed. The Bank opens at 9:00 and generally closes at 4:00; Fridays it closes at 6:00 p.m. The afternoon peak hour was looked at and there were 40-50 cars in an hour, this would mean basically one car every two minutes may want to turn left. There were enough gaps for that car to make that turn. Currently there is enough room for cars to go around a car making a left turn; Mr. Denelsbeck stated that won’t be the case after Revitalization. Mrs. Walz stated that they have worked very long on the Revitalization Plans and she feels this is going to be a problem.

Mayor Costello asked if an area is designated for employee parking. There are 10-12 employees and Mayor Costello feels that this needs to be addressed. Mr. McDevitt agreed this is an issue they are still working on. They will continue to look for opportunities for off-site parking. Mayor Costello stated he hopes the bank will be receptive if parking problems are encountered. Mr. Denelsbeck advised that there is an attorney’s office two doors down from the proposed site that has extensive parking in the back that could be a possibility.

Mr. Denelsbeck asked if the current gap in the layout of the property between the site and the neighbor’s would be closed. Mr. McDevitt stated there would be a retaining wall between the two properties.

Mr. Denelsbeck made a motion to grant preliminary and final approval of the application subject to the issues addressed by Mr. Stoneback being corrected, the addition of two appropriate size street trees, stormwater ordinance agreements to be worked out between Wachovia and Mr. Bresnan as well as a maintenance bond or agreement for landscaping, certification that their plans are in compliance with the Revitalization Plan (letter from Ms. Nemeroff), lighting to match lighting in Revitalization Plans, and signage in compliance with the Rockledge Borough Sign ordinance.

Mrs. Walz asked for public comment. Anne Marie Gallagher, 105 Loney Street, asked if the work would be done by union contractors. Mr. McDevitt answered yes.

Mrs. Walz asked for a vote. All were in favor.

Law and Planning:

Mr. Beady made a motion to accept the monthly Building Inspector’s Report. All were in favor.

A Zoning Hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, June 28, 2006 at the Rockledge Borough Hall concerning a property at 28 Park Avenue.

Finance

Mrs. Walz motioned to accept the monthly bills and tax collector’s report. Mr. Denelsbeck asked that the bill for the cancellation fee of Sgt. Miller’s doctor’s appointment be pulled until it can be investigated. All were in favor. Mr. Denelsbeck stated that the tax collector’s report is now being prepared in DCED format at the request of the auditor.

Public Service

There will be a Red Cross Blood Drive on Monday, July 3, 2006 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Blood Mobile will be parked in Holy Nativity’s parking lot. The Red Cross requested this location as they were finding it hard to get their equipment up and down the steps of the Firehouse.

Public Safety

Motion to accept the Police, Fire Marshal, Fire Company, and Second Alarmer (March) Reports. All were in favor.

Mr. Denelsbeck commented to Mayor Costello that his payroll had increased a little. Mayor Costello commented that there had been a little increased police activity during the month of May.

Streets, Lights, and Sewers

Mr. Kelleher motioned to accept the Streets Department and Street Opening Reports. All were in favor.

Mr. Kelleher stated that the Streets Crew has started painting the street lines.

Two quotes were received for replacing the fence in the Borough Hall parking lot. Another quote is still waiting to be received.

Motion was made to purchase two trash cans; one for Jarrett Avenue (Open Space) and one for outside of the Rockledge Borough Hall. All were in favor.

Recreation

Mrs. Walz motioned to hire the following summer camp staff:

Diana Discher: Trip Coordinator
Matt Walz: Supervisor

Mary Cross, Beth Crossin, Jackie Beady, and Nicole Corrigan: Counselors

Camp will run from June 19 through August 11. Sign-ups will take place the first week of camp at both playgrounds. Background checks have been performed. All were in favor of hiring the above staff.

Mrs. Walz made a motion to allow the 100 Block of Sylvania to have their 4th Annual Block Party on Saturday, July 1, 2006 from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. All were in favor.

Mrs. Walz announced that approval had been received from DCED to use the $14,000 of the grant money for a new playset at S. Sylvania playground instead of resurfacing the hockey and tennis courts.

Property

Nothing to discuss at this time.

Personnel

Interviews are continuing for the Borough Manager position.

Mr. Denelsbeck stated that a letter was received from H.A. Thomson stating there were some Workmen’s Compensation issues that needed to be addressed. The following recommendations had been made: rules and regulations to be posted at the park sites; immunity for volunteer fire companies (a resolution has recently been passed); Volunteer Fire Company Standard Operating Procedures (Mayor Costello will look into this); Personnel Policy Handbook. Mr. Bresnan will handle these mandates.

Public Comment

Anne Marie Gallagher, 105 Loney Street, asked what was needed to sign up for the summer camp. Mrs. Walz gave her this information. Mrs. Gallagher mentioned the corner property at Fox & Loney being in disrepair. Mr. Denelsbeck assured her that the owner would be contacted.

Karen Paulus, Borbeck Street, asked about the fact that there is no pavement on Fillmore and Borbeck streets, therefore, these streets are not wheelchair accessible. Mr. Denelsbeck stated he did not think the residents would be mandated to install sidewalks. There have been areas throughout the Borough that traditionally have not had sidewalks. This would be a tremendous expense for a resident. The Borough is only required to install curb cuts.

An error was noted on the minutes of the May 8 Council Meeting; Mayor Costello was not absent from the meeting; he was late in coming to the meeting. This will be corrected. Motion was made to accept these minutes with the correction noted. All were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Grace Metzinger
Assistant Borough Manager