Council Meeting
President Birkner called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM with the following Councilors present: Mr. John Butterfield, Mrs. Susan Naugle, Mrs. Claire Lewis, Ms. Rebecca Brown, Mr. Graham Weaver, Mr. Kyle Leinbach and Mr. Charles Teague. Vice President Jacob Schindel was absent. Staff present included Mayor William Troxell, Borough Solicitor Harold Eastman, Borough Manager Peter Marshall, Borough Secretary Sara Stull, Chief Joe Dougherty, Planning Director Scott Dellett and Dan Hilliard, Public Works Director.
Others present included: James Sauer, JT Sauers & Associates; Howard Dougherty, DECD; Brian Devost, Recreation Director; Jack Bream, Gettysburg Area Recreation Authority (GARA); Harold and Kate Cook, 212 East Middle Street; Scott Pitzer, 59York Street; Mary and Andrew Miner, 322 Gettys Street.
Representing the press included Jim Hale of the Gettysburg Times, Lily Reed and Vanessa Pellechio of the Evening Sun.
President Birkner said he received an email from the Borough of Chambersburg following up from its meeting with Borough representatives offering their assistance with administrative tasks. It would include the possibility of leasing personnel in the finance department or whatever personnel help the borough might need in other areas. Mr. Birkner noted that state funds are available to support regional cooperative initiatives and that Senator Alloway has expressed support for such cooperative enterprises. Mr. Birkner said he was impressed by the presentation made by the Chambersburg Borough Manager. He requested members of Council let him know if they see particular opportunities for the borough to take advantage of Chambersburg expertise on a fee basis. President Birkner's summary outlining the proposal is attached.
Becky Brown also said that she felt very encouraged by what the Borough of Chambersburg had to offer. She said she would encourage Council to continue exploring this option and asked Council to review this opportunity.
There was some discussion regarding the proposal from the Borough of Chambersburg. President Birkner said if Council is agreeable to continue conversations with Chambersburg then an ad hoc Committee would be formed to research this further.
President Birkner reported that he and Mr. Butterfield met with Jane Hyde, Wellspan Hospital, to discuss the EMS services and the proposed fire tax. He asked Council if they want the Safety Committee to keep it on their agenda or appoint an ad hoc Committee. Mr. Birkner asked Council members to let him know how they wished to follow up on the conversation about EMS services.
President Birkner announced an executive session of the Borough Council was conducted during its special meeting held on September 3, 2013 consistent with Section 708(a)(1) 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), 708(a)(2) and 708(a)(3) of the Sunshine Act for the following purposes: (1) to discuss matters involving the employment, appointment or the terms and conditions of employment of Borough employees; (2) to receive information and to discuss matters related to the negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement with the Teamsters local No. 776; and (3) to receive information and to consider the possible purchase, sale or lease of real property of the Borough of Gettysburg.
Moved Mr. Leinbach, seconded Mrs. Naugle to approve the Council agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Weaver asked that on page 2 of the August 22, 2013 minutes the word "not" be inserted to read "clause was not included" in his comment. The minutes were amended.
Moved Mrs. Lewis, seconded Ms. Brown to approve the August 12 Borough Council meeting; August 22 and September 3, 2013 special Council meeting minutes as presented after making the amendment to the August 22nd minutes. Motion carried unanimously.
Special Presentation:
Jim Sauers presented Council with the final drawings and book report of the Recreation Park Master Plan. He gave a brief overview of the process of the plan noting it was a group effort. Mr. Sauers said they reviewed the park to see all options available. He pointed out the Study Committee came up with a few designs of what people needed or didn't need. The plans were then open to the public for input.
Mr. Weaver said he is very supportive of the Recreation Park. He asked if there was a copy of the drawings available electronically. Mr. Sauers said he would send copies for Council and that it could also be placed on the Borough Website.
Mr. Teague said this is now transferred to the Gettysburg Area Recreation Authority (GARA). Mrs. Naugle pointed out that members of GARA are in attendance tonight. Mr. Butterfield asked who's responsible moving forward. Mrs. Naugle responded it would be a joint effort between the Borough and Cumberland Township. The Borough continues to own the property and GARA would manage the park.
President Birkner thanked all the citizens that have helped with this project, especially Susan Naugle for her extensive work with this endeavor.
There was no public comment at this time.
Mayor Troxell announced the upcoming Medal of Honor National Convention is scheduled for September 19-21. He pointed out about 50 living recipients will be in attendance. There are many events planned and will be open to the public. Mayor Troxell said a concert and fireworks would be held on September 20th near the Pennsylvania Monument.
Mayor Troxell reported the regional police study is available for review. He noted that he along with Michael Birkner, Charles Teague and John Butterfield served on the committee. Mayor Troxell noted Chief Dougherty gave the officers a copy of the study for review. A joint meeting with the Borough and Cumberland Township will be scheduled to discuss and answer questions from the public. Mayor Troxell read a prepared report of the procedure regarding the police merger. His report is attached to the minutes.
Mayor Troxell announced the Boroughs Association meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 16 at 6:15 at the Pike Restaurant. The guest speaker will be Chris Cap, Secretary and Treasurer of the PA State Association of Boroughs.
President Birkner introduced Peter Marshall who will serve as the interim Borough Manager and will be working part time. Mr. Marshall said he likes Gettysburg and said that he will work closely with Council and staff.
Moved Mr. Weaver, seconded Ms. Brown to approve all bills and payrolls for the month as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Moved Mr. Weaver, seconded Mr. Butterfield to adopt a resolution appointing the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs Municipal Retirement Trust to administer the retirement plans for the employees' Non-Uniformed and Police Pension Plans. Motion carried unanimously.
Moved Mr. Weaver, seconded Ms. Brown authorizing the advertisement for enactment of an ordinance amending Chapter 15, Part 11 of the Code of Ordinance for the purposes of amending, updating and revising the Borough regulations in connection with the setting of rates for parking and the use and operation of the parking garage. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Butterfield reported the award of 2.8 million dollars to complete the Steinwehr Avenue Phase II project noting it doesn't cover the expenses to move the light poles. He said that prior to Manager Ford leaving she applied for a $500,000 grant to cover these expenses. The grant, however, requires a match of $100,000. Mr. Butterfield said he hopes the BID would pay or other entities could apply for a grant.
Mr. Teague suggested if Met-Ed would approve placing circular benches around the poles would look nice if the grant isn't approved.
Moved Mrs. Naugle, seconded Mr. Leinbach to approve and authorize the issuance of Certificates of Appropriateness for New Business Items (1)(141) Steinwehr Avenue; item (2) 34 North Fourth Street; item (3) 449-451 Baltimore Street and Item (4) 117 York Street as set forth in the minutes of the August 21, 2013 meeting of the historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) consistent with the findings and recommendations of HARB as set forth therein. Motion carried unanimously.
Moved Mrs. Naugle, seconded Mr. Teague to adopt a resolution authorizing the submission of an application for 2013 Community Development Block Grant Funds to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Motion carried unanimously.
Mrs. Naugle reported the status of the Gettysburg Municipal Authority agreement is on hold until Council determines the future as to the financial services. Mr. Birkner said we do need an opportunity to talk about the future of GMA and the staff support that the Borough provides. He said Council members could send him an email of their interest or concerns.
Mr. Butterfield said Mark Guise attends the public Works Committee meetings and this item could be placed on the agenda. Mr. Birkner said that would be fine to start discussions.
Mrs. Naugle reported Josh Hinkle attended the Community Development Committee meeting to discuss Broad Band and shared information.
Mrs. Naugle said the DCNR grant is still under consideration for the Gettysburg Inner Loop.
Mrs. Lewis announced the College Community Committee meeting is scheduled for September 25 at 5:00 PM.
Mr. Weaver reported the Train Station Bill is in the House of Representatives and that a decision should be made within the next 6 weeks.
Mr. Weaver announced an article in the Gettysburg Times on September 7th featured Deb Adamik, President of Main Street presenting grant checks to local businesses for the Façade Improvement Program.
Mr. Weaver reported the USS Gettysburg is located in the Mediterranean and would not be back for a possible visit to Gettysburg until next year.
Mr. Teague reported a meeting is scheduled for September 10th at 7:00 pm at the Emergency Management Center to discuss the proposed Fire Tax Procedures.
Mr. Teague reported the Public Safety Committee discussed businesses setting up on the sidewalks of Lincoln Square. He asked Council to think about the appropriate steps to take regarding this issue.
Moved Mr. Teague, seconded Mr. Leinbach to authorize the solicitor to prepare an ordinance amending Chapter 15, Part 10 of the Code of Ordinances for the purposes of removing an area on Springs Avenue from the Borough's residential parking permit system. Motion carried unanimously.
Moved Mr. Butterfield, seconded Mr. Leinbach to accept the J. P. Harris Tax Exoneration report for tax years 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005 as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
President Birkner announced Council will meet with the police officers September 10th for a meet and greet social at the Recreation Park Community Building.
Public Comment:
Steve Hemler expressed concern with Council outsourcing services to the Borough of Chambersburg and suggested they look at local options such as the County or Cumberland Township. He noted the Borough and Cumberland Township has recently formed the Recreation Authority.
President Birkner responded that the Borough does currently use agility programs with local municipalities noting the Public Works Department shares equipment. He noted that the borough did not reach out to Chambersburg officials; rather, they contacted the borough to offer their services. At this point the borough is not yet in a position to know how or whether it wishes to engage with Chambersburg borough on the matter of staffing.
Steve Hemler pointed out the letter to the editor recently regarding CENTAX owing the Borough approximately $130,000. He asked since they went bankrupt has the Borough tried to collect this money and also suggested the solicitor contact the bonding company and review this situation.
President Birkner responded that former Manager Ford has worked on this and said that everything that can be done has been done.
The meeting was adjourned to an executive session at 8:30PM.
With no further business to come before Council, moved Mr. Butterfield, seconded Mrs. Lewis the meeting was adjourned at 9:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sara L. Stull, Borough Secretary