Borough Minutes

Borough Council Meeting Minutes

 February 14, 2011

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

Others present included: Chuck Teague, Gettysburg 150 Kick-Off Committee: Darlene Brown, PICPI-ACHA: Stephanie McIlwee, PICPI/Elm Street: Christine Glatfelter, Executive Director, Adams County Arts Council: Bill Monahan, GMA Board Member: Judie Butterfield, 999 Sunset Avenue: Kathy Gilbert, 39 south Street: and Jennifer Eckerson, 139 Breckenridge Street.

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

President Butterfield announced that the Gettysburg Borough Council will conduct an executive session immediately following the adjournment of this meeting consistent with Section 708(a)(4) of the Sunshine Act for the purpose of consulting with the Borough Manager and the solicitor in connection with pending litigation and with matters on which identifiable complaints are expected to be filed.

The agenda was approved as presented.

With no changes to the February 14, 2011 minutes, they were accepted as written.

Special Presentation:

Chuck Teague, Gettysburg 150th Kick-Off Committee, presented handouts to Council and gave a brief presentation on the upcoming events. He pointed out on Friday, April 29th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm events would begin with venues to be at the Seminary, Lincoln Square and Christ Lutheran Church. Then on Saturday, April 30th events would begin throughout town at 10:00 am and conclude at 8:00 pm. Mr. Teague noted a skirmish is also being planned for Saturday at the Seminary and on Baltimore Street.

Mr. Birkner asked if they would be able to accommodate everyone planning to attend these festivities. Mr. Teague responded they would hope to accommodate everyone attending by standing on the sidewalks.

Mr. Butterfield complimented Mr. Teague for his work and suggested he return with any updates just prior to the Gettysburg Kick-Off event.

Public Comments:

Stephanie McIlwee, expressed her concern regarding the police substation in the Third Ward not getting approval by council. She noted the police substation and community center has been promised to the Third Ward residents as they progress with its revitalization project. Ms. McIlwee and Chief Dougherty would be happy to meet and discuss further if council desires.

Jennifer Eckerson also expressed concern and urges council not to eliminate the police substation. She noted she is a resident in the Third Ward and this project is very important to the residents.

Kathy Gilbert also lives in the Third Ward and reiterates the necessity of the police substation.

Mr. Butterfield reported he asked the Community Development Committee to explore the feasibility of establishing a downtown BID similar to the Steinwehr Avenue Business District.

Ms. Estrada said she would talk with downtown businesses and Main Street to see if there is an interest to move forward with a Downtown BID.

Ms. Giles reported she is scheduled to meet with Patti Lawson in the near future to discuss meeting dates for the College Community Committee. The date will be announced after their meeting.

Ms. Giles reported a meeting is scheduled with Solicitor John White to discuss the Gettysburg Area Industrial Development Authority (GAIDA) to see if there is a need for this Board.

Mr. Streeter noted with President Obama's budget CDBG funding has been withdrawn. Not sure what the outcome for the Borough may be.

Mr. Birkner asked the status of the Recreation Peer-to-Peer. Manager Ford responded it is still under review and that she has met with interested parties to run the Rec Park. Mrs. Naugle also said they need to discuss with the stakeholders further before any final decisions can be made.

Ms. Estrada announced that she is in favor of the police substation in the 3rd Ward noting it would increase the safety. She said this is a police issue and falls under the Mayors purview.

Mrs. Naugle said she had questions and concerns regarding the police substation and had asked for a presentation to be given to Council. She is concerned what impact it may have on the police department and borough and would like to know the exact arrangements between the parties.

Mr. Birkner suggested holding a meeting with Elm Street representatives for further discussion and clarification.

Mayor Troxell reported the final details continue to be worked out and that Council would be notified when this is complete.

Mrs. Naugle expressed a sincere thank you to Judie Butterfield for her work on the borough newsletter. The newsletters are currently at the printers and should be ready for distribution in a week.

Moved Mr. Krummerich, seconded Mrs. Lewis to approve all bills and payrolls for the month. Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Krummerich asked about the parking garage equipment bid. In it, he saw that there was a "fee Computer" listed in the base bid that would cost the Borough $20,000 and that it was his understanding that the manned garage would only be temporary while garage patrons were getting used to using the new system. Flo Ford answered that he is correct and that the fee computer is needed if we are to continue to staff an individual in the booth to collect cash. She stated that at the workshop we had on the equipment that there were council members that wished to have the garage manned for a temporary period during the transition period. Flo Ford recommends that we take the fee computer and move it out of the base bid and place it as an additional item. In so doing, we can move forward with the project, get a good bid and perhaps save money on an item that may only be needed for a temporary period of time. Once the bids are in, then Council can decide at that time whether or not the cost of a fee computer is warranted. Mrs. Estrada said she doesn't agree with spending $20,000 for something that we may not need after 6 months as there should be no need for attendants at the garage.

Moved Mr. Krummerich, seconded Ms. Giles to repeal the $5.00 special event parking fee at the parking garage. Motion carried unanimously.

Ms. Estrada reported the Community Development Committee has recommended reinstating the HARB award program. She also reported the Transit Authority plans are progressing.

Moved Ms. Estrada, seconded Mrs. Lewis to adopt a resolution supporting the proposal as host municipality for Housing and Redevelopment Assistance funds of Pennsylvania Interfaith Community Programs, Inc. with Pa DCED for the creation and development of a community arts and education center by the Adams County Arts Council in the Borough of Gettysburg at 125 South Washington Street and authorizing entry into a Cooperative Agreement with Interfaith requiring it to indemnify and hold the Borough harmless from any and all damages, costs or expenses relative to the administration and use of the HRA funds. Roll Call vote, all yea motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Weaver expressed his concerns that the tax payers would get stuck paying for this project. He is concerned with the government's shortage of funding.

Solicitor Eastman gave a brief summary regarding the HRA grant the Arts Council would be securing for this project. He pointed out the host municipalities must approve the resolution and a cooperative agreement would be executed between the Housing Authority and the Borough guaranteeing the money to be properly used.

Ms. Estrada pointed out the Arts Council has a "sterling reputation" and the Housing Authority has managed millions of dollars.

Ms. Darlene Brown noted it is a 40 year mortgage that is guaranteed by the State.

Mrs. Christine Glatfelter said the loan has been approved for the Arts Council to proceed with this project. She pointed out they would be renting spaces in the building providing classes and programs.

Manager Ford reported the CVB has requested for 2 parking spaces in front of the Train Station. She is scheduled to meet with Norris Flowers, CVB and Rich Farr, Transit Authority in the near future and will report back to council.

Manager Ford reported the COG representatives will remain the same. She will be the primary and john Butterfield will be the alternate.

Moved Mr. Krummerich, seconded Mr. Birkner to authorize the Borough Manager to advertise for bids for the purchase and installation of automated parking entry and exit equipment for the Borough's Race Horse Alley Garage consistent with the specifications developed for such equipment. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved Mr. Krummerich, seconded Mrs. Lewis to accept the J. P. Harris tax exoneration report excluding Carol and Jonathan Miller, tax year 2008. Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Weaver had asked Mark Guise, Utilities Manager to attend to give a report on the status of GMA raising its rates. Bill Monahan, GMA Board Member reported this was necessitated by becoming compliant with the Chesapeake Bay requirements. Mr. Weaver asked if they expect future increases. Mr. Monahan responded he can't project only what is in this budget.

Mrs. Christine Glatfelter announced the Adams County Arts Council would like to acknowledge and recognize Borough Council at their upcoming meeting in March.

With no further business to come before council moved Ms. Giles, seconded Mr. Birkner to adjourn the meeting at 8:32 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Sara L. Stull

Borough Secretary