Council Meeting

President Michael Birkner called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with the following Councilors present: Vice President Jacob Schindel, Mr. John Butterfield, Mrs. Susan Naugle, Mr. Graham Weaver, Ms. Rebecca Brown, Mr. Kyle Leinbach, Mr. Robert Krummerich and Mr. Scot Pitzer. Staff present included Mayor William Troxell, Borough Secretary Sara Stull, Solicitor Harold Eastman, Police Officer Eric Yost, Finance Director Nicolette James, Planning Director Scott Dellett, and Public Works Director Dan Hilliard.

Others present included: Darlene Brown, PICPI-ACHA; Tom Jolin, HABPI; Chuck Teague, 125 E Middle Street; Steve Hemler, 535 York Street; Stan Clark, 915 Fairview Avenue; Wesley Heyser, 226 N Stratton Street; and Pat McFaul, 436 E Middle Street.

Representing the press were Jim Hale of the Gettysburg Times, and Jenni Wenti

of the Evening Sun.

President Birkner opened the meeting and welcomed the Adams County Community Media who will be taping the Council meeting.

President Birkner made an informal request that Council members minimize the use of their phones and electronic devices during the Council meeting as a courtesy to everyone.

President Birkner announced that the Gettysburg Borough Council conducted an executive session immediately prior to the adjournment of its regular meeting held on January 13, 2014 consistent with Sections 708(a)(1), 708(a)(2) and 708(a)(3) of the Sunshine Act. An executive session of the Borough Council will be conducted immediately prior to the adjournment of this meeting consistent with Sections 708(a)(1) and 708(a)(2) of the Sunshine Act for the following purposes: (1) to discuss matters involving the employment of Borough employees; and (2) to receive information and to discuss strategy related to the negotiation or arbitration of a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Teamsters Local 776. 

Mrs. Naugle reported that a notice was received late last week from the Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission (PHMC) about a grant opportunity. She asked that a motion be added to the agenda for a letter of support to submit a grant application to the PHMC. 

After making the amendment, moved Mrs. Naugle, seconded Mr. Schindel to approve the agenda for February 10, 2014.

With no changes to the January 13, 2014 minutes, they were accepted as written.

Public Comment:

Steve Hemler, 535 York Street, asked why the First Ward isn't represented on the Finance Committee. He feels that a Council member from each Ward should be represented on all of the committees. President Birkner responded that there is nothing that specifies that the committees need to be represented by each WARD. He noted that the Borough By-Laws give the Council President authority to select the committee members.

Stan Clark, 915 Fairview Avenue, appreciates Council acknowledging ACTV at tonight's meeting. He noted that citizens are paying ACTV to tape the Council meetings and said that there is great interest in the community, even though people don't attend the meetings.

Jacob Schindel reported that he along with Susan, John and Scot met with the Transportation Secretary, Barry Schoch, to discuss possible funding through the transportation bill for the Gettysburg Inner Loop. He said that it was a good discussion about the future of the bicycle loop. Mr. Schindel said that there is also funding available to synchronize and realign the traffic signals, which he plans to discuss further at the public works meeting.

Jacob Schindel announced a $2,500 donation was received from Anheuser Busch to be used towards the 150th Anniversary expenses.

Jacob Schindel reported that the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs (PSAB) recently sent a sample resolution for the use of radar devices by local police. He said that it is still in the House of Representatives Committee for discussion. Mayor Troxell noted that Pennsylvania is the only state that doesn't allow municipal police to use radar. 

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

Moved Mr. Butterfield, seconded Mr. Schindel to approve transferring $11,953.00 from the Capital Reserve Fund to the Capital Projects Fund for the purchase of a new plow. Motion carried unanimously.

Moved Mr. Butterfield, seconded Mr. Weaver to appoint Nicolette James, Finance Director, as the Borough representative to the Adams County Tax Collection Committee. Motion carried unanimously.

John Butterfield reported that a town meeting, regarding the possible consolidation of the Cumberland Township and Borough Police departments' is scheduled for March 31st at 7:00 PM at the Rec Park. President Birkner said that the best possible representation of Council would be beneficial at the meeting since they will be taking public comment. 

Scot Pitzer asked who will be running the meeting and participating in it. John answered that President Birkner and Mayor Troxell along with representatives from Cumberland Township will be there. He also said that the state consultant, Howard Dougherty, and Mr. Stern who is responsible for police consolidation in the Commonwealth, will be available to answer questions. 

Scot Pitzer asked if Cumberland Township was invited to participate. John responded yes that Cumberland Representatives scheduled the meeting. Scot asked when the last meeting of the Regionalization Committee met. John said that he didn't have that information with him but can provide that later.

Scot Pitzer asked who from the Borough serves on this committee and when the last meeting was was held. John said that the committee includes himself, Michael Birkner, Charles Teague and Mayor Troxell, and that the last meeting was held in December.

Moved Mrs. Naugle, seconded Mr. Butterfield to approve and authorize the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness for 221 South Washington Street as set forth in the minutes of the January 15, 2014 meeting of the Historic Architectural Review Board consistent with the findings and recommendations of HARB as set forth therein. Motion carried unanimously.

Susan Naugle reported that Manager Marshall continues to finalize the Gettysburg Municipal Authority Service Agreement and should have it ready in the near future.

Susan Naugle reported that there was a meeting today with Penn DOT representatives to discuss the Gettysburg Inner Loop project. She said that there have been significant changes in funding both at the federal and state level regarding the transportation bill. Mrs. Naugle said that they learned there is funding available and dedicated for bicycle trails. 

Susan Naugle reported that Chad Clabaugh, Borough Engineer, provided information regarding a grant with the Chesapeake Bay Trust. She said that the grant maximum is up to $50,000 and there isn't a match required. Mrs. Naugle said that the application is due on Friday and that the Borough fits the criteria to apply for the grant.

Moved Mrs. Naugle, seconded Mr. Schindel to approve the submission of an application to the Chesapeake Bay Trust for its 2014 Chesapeake Bay Green Streets - Green Jobs - Green Towns Grant Program for design work for the Gettysburg Inner Loop. Motion carried unanimously.

Kyle Leinbach asked how much time has been spent on the process for applying for this grant. Susan Naugle responded that she has provided most of the work. Scott Dellett said that he spent only minimum time on this project.

Susan Naugle reported that she met with Representative Anthony Levingston regarding concerns with H.R. 612. This bill would raise the federal truck weight limit from 80,000 pounds to 97,000 pounds. She said that Mayor Troxell sent letters to the local Congressman and Senators in opposition of H.R. 612. Mrs. Naugle asked if Council would like her to also send letters expressing Council's concern with the heavier trucks and urge them to oppose H.R. 612.

President Birkner said the consensus of Council is to approve Mrs. Naugle to prepare letters on behalf of Council and send to Congressman Perry, Senator Casey, Senator Toomey and Anthony Levingston, Regional Director, Coalition Against Bigger Trucks. 

Graham Weaver said that Representative Scott Perry will be hosting an upcoming town hall meeting and suggested members of Council attend to express concerns regarding H.R. 612.

Moved Mrs. Naugle, seconded Mr. Schindel to approve a letter of support from the Council President for the grant application of Preservation Pennsylvania for a Pennsylvania Historic Museum Commission Certified Local Government Grant with Gettysburg as the applicant community. Motion carried unanimously.

Scott Dellett explained that this would bring awareness to historic preservation and provide technical assistance to HARB. He said that he would highly recommend pursuing this, and that the financial contribution would be in-kind service. The application deadline is this Friday. 

President Birkner asked if HARB Chairman Gary Shaffer has been notified. Scott said that he notified the HARB Board and hasn't heard any objections. 

Graham Weaver reported that the Public Safety Committee will discuss the Radar Device Resolution at the upcoming meeting.

Kyle Leinbach thanked the Gettysburg Rocks event coordinators for the successful benefit held over the weekend. He said that all money collected benefitted the Four Diamonds Fund. 

Scot Pitzer thanked the Public Works crew for providing snow removal throughout town during the recent snow storms.

Moved Mr. Butterfield, seconded Mr. Schindel to approve the full release of financial security, in connection with the Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan of 339 Carlisle Street, in the amount of $41,358.90, consistent with the certification letter by the Borough Engineer and to authorize the Planning Director to release the Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit in the amount of $45,000.00 which was issued by PNC Bank in favor of the Borough as the form of financial security. Motion carried unanimously.

Scott Dellett reported that he attended the Central Adams County Joint Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee meetings. He said that they are creating a vision for the region, and that the next meeting is scheduled for March 4th.

Public Comment: 

Stan Clark addressed Council stating that he feels each committee should have a member of each WARD represented. He suggested reducing the number of Council members to five or seven and that nine is too many. 

President Birkner said that he agrees that for a town this size, a five or seven member board would be sufficient. He went on to say that it is a complex process to get this changed, and it would require a petition from the voters. President Birkner said that he supports this and would help in the process. John Butterfield said that he would also be willing to help if they wish to pursue this. Solicitor Eastman said that the Borough Code states the requirements and explained that this would require abolishing the three Wards and would also require five percent of registered electors. Stan asked if he could get a copy of Solicitor Eastman's code that he was referencing.

Scot Pitzer asked if New Oxford has Wards. Solicitor Eastman responded no and that they reduced their members from seven to five.

The meeting was adjourned to an executive session at 8:10 PM.

With no further business to come before council moved Mr. Krummerich, seconded Mr. Schindel to adjourn the meeting at 9:18 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sara L. Stull

Borough Secretary