JULY 2008

Boro Happenings

Routine business, as mentioned previously, always occupies considerable time at Council meetings - especially at the beginning - and while called 'routine' these are nevertheless important to the efficient and effective functioning of Council:

    Minutes

    Treasurer's Report

    Tax Collector's Report

    Bills Payable, etc.

President Drew Nehlig called for a review of the Pennink Subdivision, previously discussed.  This was approved, following a few questions, with the abstention of Mark Pennink.  Also on the docket was the Academy's application for the Science and Admissions Buildings, which had already been through all the required reviews by various agencies.  This was given final approval by unanimous vote. Additionally, the Academy Gatehouse and a minor 'lot line change' subdivision were presented for Council's information only.

Mayor Johns gave an update on the Post Office improvements completed and also the unfinished projects. Officer-in-Charge Sylvia is very pleased with the improved cooperation from residents and other users of our postal services, especially as to addresses.

"It was a busy month" reported Chief Coffin (and that was an understatement).  The June 10th storm caused a great deal of damage and hardship locally. High winds knocked down many trees and power lines throughout the Borough, causing lengthy outages and damage to vehicles and property.  133 traffic citations and 7 non-traffic citations were issued in June, for a total of 140!  Violations included numerous thefts, underage drinking, vandalism and even two incidents of road rage were noted for the month.

Chief Smith described a busy month for the Fire Company and Emergency Management Services (EMS), with 34 fire dispatches and 113 EMS calls, including those within and outside the Borough - an unusually high number.  We're fortunate that all of our public safety folks do such a wonderful job for all of us:  police, fire and EMS.

Manager Vikki Trost reported on continuing negotiations with Lower Moreland regarding joint trash, recycling and bulk items pickup.  She reminded all of us (residents please note) that Allied Waste contractor uses regular trash trucks to pick up our recycling, which confuses many people - but all recycling goes to the recycling center.

In other business, Council heard about:

    1.  Buck Road paving

    2.  Obtaining new proposals for our various insurance policies

    3.  Zoning Hearing Board approval of a special exception for the Academy's use of the property at 2790 

         Huntingdon Pike (former Brown house) for religious activities

    4.  Challenges for our new sewer system caused by the storm outages, but capably handled by

         Administrator Richard Greer

    5.  Opportunities for a new position, Junior Council Person; applications may be submitted soon -         and more information will follow

Our next meeting will be held on Monday, August 4, 2008 at 8 PM in Borough Hall.  If you questions on any of the above reports, please attend and learn more - or contact Vikki or any member of Council (there must be some questions about all this.....)

                                                                                    Hyland Johns, Mayor