Bridgewater Borough Council Meeting

Minutes from the Council Meeting held on October 16, 2012

Council President Dennis Bevington opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag at 7:00pm.

Roll Call:                                                          Tim Birge, present

                                                                          Judy Bert, present

                                                                          Dennis Bevington, present

                                                                          Bill Rains, present

                                                                          Robert Eichenlaub, present

                                                                          Mayor Paul, present

                                                                          Joseph Spratt, present

At this time Mr. Bevington asked the borough secretary to read the minutes from the council meeting held on September 18, 2012.  Once read Mr. Bevington asked for a motion to accept the minutes.  Bill Rains made the motion.  Tim Birge seconds it.  All in favor say I.  The I’s have it.  Motion Carried.

At this time Mr. Bevington asked Bill Rains to read the Tax Collector’s Report.  Once read Mr. Bevington stated that a motion wasn’t needed.  This report is informational.

PERSONS PRESENTING MATTERS BEFORE COUNCIL:

Becky Boyde would like to thank those that attended the Flag Retirement Ceremony.  Becky would also like to thank Council for the donation of $250.00 for the Pumpkinfest.  She stated that this money went towards the petting zoo.

Becky would like to know if the electric receptacles could be moved down on the poles so it would be easier to plug into.  Dennis said that it is probably feasible however; we would have to talk to Conserve Electric.  Dennis also said that if they were located near the base of the poles they would be exposed to the weather…meaning when the street is plowed the snow is usually piled up around the base of the poles and when you salt the roads the spreader throws the salt which would ruin the receptacles.  

Tom Urban stated that he was at the budget meeting and there was no visual aid so people could follow what was going on.  Mr. Urban would like to know if the borough could have power points to follow…like from a projector on a screen.  Mr. Bevington said that a projector is not in the budget however, we could pass out copies of the budget so those in attendance would have something to go by.

Mr. Cannister addressed his question to Judy Bert.  He stated that it was his understanding that the regatta committee gave the borough a check for the electric that was used during the regatta and the regatta ended up making a profit of like $6,000.00.  Mr. Cannister would like to know if the regatta plans on giving the borough a portion of their profits.  Mrs. Bert stated that the regatta doesn’t make a profit…the money that is left over, after all bills are paid, is money to begin next years, event.  As for giving money to the borough…Mrs. Bert stated that throughout the past seven years the regatta has given more than their share to the borough…the regatta spent over $11,000.00 to upgrade the electric along Riverside Drive, they paid over $6,000.00 to have the pavilion painted, they paid over $800.00 for the sign that sits out front of the borough building.  When the police are used for the regatta and Ed helps with the clean up, the regatta pays their wages.  The borough pays nothing.  Dennis Bevington told Mr. Cannister that the regatta is not a borough event.

Carrie Payne would like to know if there is going to be any discussion in regard to the improvements on Poplar and if so are those 2 large trees going to be part of the improvements.  Mr. Spratt said that before any action is taken there will be public hearings conducted before the borough finalizes anything.

MAYOR’S REPORT:

At this time Mayor Paul read this report out loud for the benefit of the citizens attending the meeting.  A copy of the report will be filed with the permanent minutes.

SOLICITOR’S REPORT:

At this time Mr. Spratt stated that he will be meeting with the surveyor in regard to Poplar and Clarion Street.  He and the Borough will be working on this during the next several months.  Also, in regard to the noise ordinance…Mr. Spratt has talked with LCB and will be sending a letter to them stating the borough’s intensions.  The ordinance should be ready for next months meeting for Council to take action for the advertisement of this ordinance.

COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Fire – No one from the fire department was in attendance of the meeting.

Street – Judy Bert stated that the flyers for leaf pick up were passed out. Judy stated that she and Ed removed the pedestrian crosswalk signs from the middle of Riverside Drive.  There were entirely too many placed over there.  They placed them were they can be seen but not in the way of traffic.  A full copy of this report will be filed with the permanent minutes.

Police – Bill Rains stated that he spoke with the mayor and all is going well with the department.

Finance – Robert Eichenlaub stated, once again, that things are tight and to watch the spending.  Don’t write checks.

Recreation – Tim Birge read his report out loud for the benefit of the citizens attending the meeting.  Tim also stated that the swings have been replaced at the playground however; there is one more swing to replace.  The quote received for the purchase of the swing is $89.25.  This includes shipping and handling fees.  He would like a motion to purchase another swing.  Judy Bert made the motion.  Bill Rains seconds it.  All in favor say I.  The I’s have it.  Motion Carried.  Tim said that there is a tree over there that looks like its ready to come down.  He feels that we should tape off the area until we can have it cut down.  Dennis said that he talked with Skip Dean and he will be taking down the tree as soon as he gets back from the job that he is currently working on.  Tim also stated that he is working with the Bridgewater Community Development group on light up night.

OLD BUSINESS:

     Nothing at this time.

NEW BUSINESS:

     At this time Mr. Bevington stated that we have a few resolutions to act on.  Resolution No. 072012 – is a resolution designating Berkheimer as the Exclusive Tax Collector for the Local Services Tax.  To enact this resolution Roll Call vote is taken:   Tim Birge, yes, Judy Bert, yes, Dennis Bevington, yes, Bill Rains, yes, Robert Eichenlaub,yes. 

     The next resolution is No. 082012 – this resolution is designating Berkheimer as the Exclusive Tax Collector for Earned Income Tax.  To enact this resolution Roll Call vote Eichenlaub, yes. 

     The next resolution is No. 092012 – this resolution is designating Berkheimer as its Tax Hearing Officer for the collection of the LST tax and EIT tax.  To enact this resolultion Roll Call vote is taken:   Tim Birge, yes, Judy Bert, yes, Dennis Bevington, yes, Bill Rains, yes, Robert Eichenlaub, yes. 

     The next resolution is No. 102012 – this resolution is designating a portion of Leopard Lane as “No Parking” Zone.  To enact this resolution Roll Call vote is taken:   Tim Birge, yes, Judy Bert, yes, Dennis Bevington, yes, Bill Rains, yes, Robert Eichenlaub, yes. 

At this time Mr. Bevington stated that the borough needs to pass Ordinance #452.  This ordinance has been advertised through the Beaver County Council of Governments and was agreed upon, by Council, to do so.  This ordinance is establishing a Regional Board of Appeals with matters having to deal with the Uniform Construction Code. To adopt this ordinance Roll Call vote is taken:   Tim Birge, yes, Judy Bert, yes, Dennis Bevington, yes, Bill Rains, yes, Robert Eichenlaub, yes. 

At this time Mr. Bevington asked for a motion to pay the bills.  Judy Bert made the motion.  Bill Rains seconds it. All in favor say I.  The I’s have it.  Motion Carried.

At this time Mr. Bevington asked for a motion to adjourn.  Tim Birge made the motion.  Judy Bert seconds it.  All in favor say I.  The I’s have it.  Motion Carried. 

Respectfully Submitted by:

Vickie L. Reddinger, Secretary