ROCKLEDGE BOROUGH COUNCIL
COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
OF AUGUST 14, 2006

The Rockledge Borough Council met at 7:30 p.m. on August 14, 2006, at the Rockledge Borough Hall. After the prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance were recited, the roll was called as follows: Mrs. Walz, Mr. Caffrey, Mr. Casey, Mr. Beady, and Mayor Costello.

A motion was made to adopt the agenda. All were in favor.

Motion was made to accept the July 10 and July 31, 2006 minutes. All were in favor.

Law and Planning:

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

Mr. Casey announced that the demolition of 620 Huntingdon Pike is scheduled to begin the week of August 21.

Finance

Mr. Casey made a motion to accept the Monthly Bills and Tax Collector’s reports. All were in favor.

Mr. Casey announced that Abington School District is looking for residents to serve on a local Tax Study Commission. The Commission must propose front end referendum for the May 15, 2007 primary election. Further information on this subject may be found on the Abington School District website.

Public Service

Mr. Caffrey announced that there would be a tire collection Saturday, September 9, at the Norristown Area High School from 9:00 – 3:00 for Montgomery County residents only. There is a limit of 4 tires per household. Flyers regarding this are available in the lobby.

Public Safety

Mr. Caffrey made a motion to accept the Police, Fire Marshal, and Fire Company Reports. All were in favor.

Chief Leary announced an Emergency Management training program being held by the Eastern Montgomery County Emergency Management Group. He invited all members of Council to attend and stated that some members of the Fire Company would be attending along with the Borough Manager, himself, Mayor Costello and Mr. Reinhardt. This is a free class.

Mayor Costello stated that Crime Night Out is scheduled for Sunday, September 10, 2006 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Ackers Plaza, 400 Huntingdon Pike. Mr. Hartey stated he would have this added to the Website.

Streets, Lights, and Sewers

Mr. Beady made a motion to accept the Streets Department and Streets Opening Reports. All were in favor.

Mr. Ovack is in the process of getting some prices together for the possible purchase of a new truck for 2007.

The ceiling in the ladies room of the Borough Hall has been repaired.

The fence in the parking lot of the Borough Hall has been completed.

Recreation

Mrs. Walz stated that Summer Camp ended on Friday, August 11. This was an eight-week program this summer. Mrs. Walz thanked the counselors: Diana, Matt, Mary, Beth, Jackie, Alyssa, Nicki, and Drew for their work this summer.

The Parks Advisory Committee will meet tomorrow at 6:30 here at the Borough Hall.

The Open Space Plan is available at the Borough Office for anyone who wishes to review it.

Mr. Casey made a motion to allow the unit block of Sylvania Avenue to hold a Block Party on Saturday, September 23, 2006 from 2:00-10:00 p.m. All were in favor.

Property

Mr. Casey announced that quotes were received regarding sprinklers needed for the Borough Hall. Fire Marshal Hellyer announced that these needed to be installed in the ceiling of the Council Meeting Room. Separate quotes were also received for sprinklers to be installed in the lobby area. Mr. Hellyer feels that it is not necessary to install them in the lobby, but that they do need to be installed in the meeting room. There are also proposals for annual and semi-annual inspections on the sprinkler heads and the system.

Mr. Caffrey asked why this was not done during the building renovations. Mr. Hellyer stated he could not answer that question. Mr. Caffrey asked if there were any non-union companies we could get a quote from as the quotes received are all from union companies. Mr. Hellyer stated he went with these three companies as he feels they are all reputable companies. Mayor Costello clarified with Mr. Hellyer the following bids to install four sprinkler heads above the ceiling in the meeting room:

A&S: $375.00
Tyco: $1,115.00
Sentinel: $1,596.00

Mayor Costello asked if Mr. Hellyer knew the reason why there was such a big difference in the price ranges. Mr. Hellyer stated he spoke with A&S to ensure that they knew exactly what needed to be done and he was assured that it was the correct price. Mr. Beady made a motion to accept the bid from A&S to install the sprinkler heads in the meeting room for $375.00. All were in favor.

Mr. Casey thanked Mrs. Baskin for her donation towards decorating the lobby of the Borough Hall. Her donation will be used for the purchase of some artificial plants. Mr. Beady added his thanks to Mrs. Baskin also.

Personnel

Mr. Casey announced that Mr. Mori has resigned his position on Borough Council. Anyone interested in filling this vacancy should contact Mr. Denelsbeck. This position expires December 31, 2007. There will be a special election to fill the remaining two years of this term.

Public Comment

Mr. Goldberg made mention of the announcement about the formation of the Tax Study Commission and asked what the PIT was. Mrs. Walz told Mr. Goldberg that this would be looked into.

Mr. Aungst asked who was appointed to the Parks Advisory Board. Mrs. Walz stated that Ed Lieber and Pete Comas are the Co-Chairs. Members include Mrs. Ivey, John Wynne, Mrs. Walz, and Will Stevens. Mr. Aungst asked that the Open Space plan be made available to these members. Mrs. Walz stated that their first assignment is to come up with a plan for Mill Park (located on Jarrett Avenue).

Mrs. Ploszay asked about the security system for the Borough Hall. Mr. Beady answered that he and Mr. Hartey are currently working on this. They are in the process of obtaining new quotes for this along with quotes for the banners for Huntingdon Pike.

Motion was made to adjourn. All were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Grace Metzinger
Assistant Borough Manager