Borough Minutes

Borough Council Meeting Minutes

 January 10, 2011

President John Butterfield called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with the following Councilors present: Ms. Holliday Giles, Theodore Streeter, Mrs. Susan Naugle, Mr. Robert Krummerich, Ms. Alice Estrada, Mrs. Claire Lewis, Mr. Graham Weaver and Mayor William Troxell. Mr. Michael Birkner was absent. Staff present included Manager Florence Ford, Borough Secretary Sara Stull, Solicitor Harold Eastman, Chief Joseph Dougherty, Finance Director Ramona Overton, Public Works Director Dan Hilliard and Scott Dellett, Planning Director.

Others present included: Tom Knox, Knox Used Cars Inc., 61 Buford Avenue; and Darlene Brown, PICPI/ACHA.

Representing the press were Scot Pitzer of the Gettysburg Times and Tim Prudente representing the Evening Sun.

President Butterfield announced the Gettysburg Borough Council will conduct an executive session immediately prior to the adjournment of this meeting consistent with Sections 708 (a)(1), 708 (a)(2), 708(a)(3) and 708(a)(4) of the Sunshine Act for the purposes of discussing matters involving the employment of Borough employees, providing information related to the negotiation or arbitration of a collective bargaining agreement with the police officers of the Borough, considering the lease of Borough real estate and to consult with its solicitor in connection with pending litigation and with matters on which identifiable complaints are expected to be filed.

Mayor Troxell announced the PA State Association of Boroughs meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 17th at The Pike Restaurant at 6:15 PM. Anyone interested in attending should contact Sara.

The agenda was approved as presented.

Ms. Estrada noted a correction to the December 22, 2010 minutes on the first page should read National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) and not PHMC. The minutes were then approved.

Special Presentation:

Tom Knox, Knox Used Cars Inc., addressed Council to request a change in the zoning to accommodate his existing business on Buford Avenue. Mr. Knox pointed out he is having legal issues renewing his license because the property in not zoned for his land use. He is requesting a zoning change from residential to general-commercial.

Solicitor Eastman responded that the dealership is legal since it was grandfathered under the old zoning ordinance. He pointed out a change to the zoning map would take time since it would have to be reviewed by the county planning office and advertised.

Mr. Butterfield instructed Manager Ford to forward this issue to the Planning Commission for review.

Manager Ford introduced the newly hired Planning Director, Scott Dellett who began his duties on January 10th.

Moved Mrs. Naugle, seconded Mr. Weaver to adopt a resolution for the purpose of appointing Larry G. Weikert as an alternate member of the Zoning Hearing Board of the Borough of Gettysburg for a three (3) year term commencing on January 1, 2011 and ending on December 31, 2013. Motion carried unanimously.

Mrs. Naugle asked why there is a decline in fines and asked for an analysis. Ms. Overton responded she would review and report at a later date.

Mr. Krummerich reported Attorney Phillips would send a letter regarding the Steinwehr Avenue BID; it will be forwarded to Solicitor Eastman for review.

Moved Mr. Krummerich, seconded Ms. Estrada to approve all bills and payrolls for the month as presented. Motion carried unanimously.

Mrs. Naugle reported the Public Works/Public Safety Committee would meet on Tuesday, January 11th at 3:00.

Mrs. Naugle gave a brief report on the Peer-to-Peer Recreation Study. Mr. Streeter asked if there have been any further discussions with the YWCA or PICPI. Manager Ford responded she is waiting for the outcome of the study before proceeding with other agencies. Ms. Estrada asked what the statistics are with other municipalities. Manager Ford said there is an upcoming manager's meeting and she plans to follow up and will ask Cumberland Township its decision.

Mr. Weaver suggests a thank you letter be sent to ACNB in recognition as the sponsor of the New Years Eve fireworks.

Ms. Estrada noted her response in the Evening Sun article was not meant to upset ACNB officials. She was just giving her opinion regarding the recent reports of the Schafer Pyrotechnics accidents in the past few years.

Ms. Darlene Brown reported Columbia Gas gave $5,000 and Members 1st Bank gave $2,500 contributions towards the New Years Eve festivities. Mr. Butterfield noted he would send a thank you to them as well.

Mrs. Naugle asked why the Gettysburg Municipal Authority had a rate increase of 15%. Mr. Streeter noted the GMA Board meets on Monday, January 17th and council is welcome to attend. Mr. Weaver asked why the GMA Manager doesn't attend the Borough Council meeting periodically to update council.

Mr. Hilliard reported the Public Works Department is currently working on digging footers and prep work in preparation of installing the Wayside Signs.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 PM for Borough Council to conduct an executive session.

Upon reconvening, moved Mr. Krummerich, seconded Mrs. Lewis to authorize the Borough of Gettysburg to enter into a Lease Agreement for the purposes of leasing the Gettysburg Railroad Station at 35 Carlisle Street to the Gettysburg Convention & Visitors Bureau for use as a visitor's information center for a one-year renewable lease term commencing on February 1, 2011 for the annual rental amount of $12,000.00 payable in monthly installments of $1,000.00. Motion carried unanimously.

With no further business to come before Council, Moved, Mr. Krummerich seconded Ms. Giles to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sara L. Stull

Borough Secretary