ROCKLEDGE BOROUGH COUNCIL
COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
OF OCTOBER 9, 2006

The Rockledge Borough Council met at 7:30 p.m. on October 9, 2006, at the Rockledge Borough Hall. After the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, the roll was called as follows: Mrs. Walz, Mr. Beady, Mr. Kelleher, Mr. Caffrey, Mr. Casey, Mrs. Kehoe, and Mayor Costello.

Mrs. Walz announced that the meeting would begin with the public hearing for the Comcast franchise renewal. Mr. Bresnan explained that this was necessary so that the public can voice their opinion/concerns regarding the franchise renewal. This hearing was advertised. Mrs. Walz asked for public comment regarding the Comcast franchise renewal. Anne Robinson, 19 S. Central, asked if residents would have any other options regarding choice of a cable company as she feels that she is forced to use Comcast. It was explained to her that in the very near future Rockledge residents will be able to choose between Verizon and Comcast as the Borough recently signed an agreement with Verizon so that they may also offer cable service to Rockledge.

Mrs. Walz called the vote regarding the 15-year Comcast Franchise renewal as follows:

Mr. Beady: Yes
Mr. Kelleher: Yes
Mrs. Kehoe: Yes
Mr. Casey: Yes
Mr. Caffrey: Yes
Mrs. Walz: Yes

The vote being 6:0 all were in favor of the Comcast Franchise renewal.

Motion was made to adopt the agenda. All were in favor.

Motion was made to accept the September 11 and September 25, 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. Beady stated that a decision needed to be made regarding whether the Borough needed to enter into a new Planning Assistance Contract with the Montgomery County Planning Commission to finish the Rockledge Borough Comprehensive Plan and perhaps any zoning changes that may be needed. Mr. Bresnan will review this contract and a decision will be made at the next Council Meeting.

Mr. Beady announced that a Zoning Hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, October 11, 2006, at 7:30 p.m. at the Borough Hall regarding 216 Robbins Avenue.

Finance

Mr. Casey made a motion to accept the monthly bills and tax collector’s report. All were in favor.

Public Service

Mrs. Kehoe announced that the Fall Newsletter has been mailed and everyone should be receiving it shortly

Public Safety

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

The Halloween Party will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2006 at Holy Nativity Church from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Streets, Lights, and Sewers

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

Mr. Kelleher will be meeting with Mr. Hartey and Mr. Ovack to work on the Highway Aid budget for 2007.

Recreation

Mrs. Walz had nothing to discuss at this time.

Property

Mr. Beady had nothing to discuss at this time.

Personnel

Mr. Casey had nothing to discuss at this time.

Public Comment

Mrs. Walz asked for public comment. Lynn Toner and John Creedon, 16 N. Sylvania Avenue, mentioned the problems they are continuing to experience with parking on their street. Employees and customers of the Rockledge Vet and Austrian Village continue to park on Sylvania Avenue instead of using their parking lots. This issue was discussed at a previous Council Meeting (4/10/06) and the idea of permit parking was suggested. It was decided at the 4/10/06 meeting that Chief Leary would talk to the owners of both of these businesses regarding the parking situation in hopes that permit parking would not have to be instituted. Mrs.Toner and Mr. Creedon stated that the parking problem has not gotten any better, however, they would really rather not resort to permit parking. It was decided that Mr. Bresnan will send a letter to the Austrian Village and the Rockledge Vet informing them that we will enforce the Zoning Ordinance that directs them to use their parking lots.

Motion was made to adjourn. All were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Grace Metzinger
Assistant Borough Manager