A Turd Without A Ribbon

By now, you've likely already heard the news that Jan Potts, Paul Slaninka and Debbie Dawson are worthy of future re-election to the PASD School Board due to their firm stance that the current library expansion proposal (political turd that it is) just isn't ready for prime time.

They were the dissenting votes last Thursday evening at the PASD school board meeting. For details, click on the title of this blog entry to go to an article in The Phoenix by Joe Rooney that documents the proceedings; you can also watch the meeting on the school district's public access channel.

I offer my personal kudos to Jan, Paul and Debbie (especially Jan, who spoke eloquently stating all the reasons to vote against the acceptance of the 2nd Avenue vacation).

The school board did one good thing; indemnify themselves against any lawsuits. Apparently the Library Board will take on all comers. (Somehow, I think the taxpayers are still going to foot the bill on the upcoming legal battles; this will just make it less visible to them).

While the plan may be a good one for an area where they don't need to build it in the middle of the street, it's just not going to work out here. I firmly believe that it's conceptually fraudulent to lead the Library patrons to believe that this plan will ever actually move forward as defined.

Just go back to the drawing board and come up with a plan that works. You can't make your own rules because you've decided you're "too big to fail" and you're planning on breaking most of the existing ones.

For a future failure example, (or if you have a functional Crystal Ball), take a look at the federal government's treatment of GM 5 years from now; let me know how that ended up going.

Ciruelos Reprises James Brown

Earlier this week at our regularly-scheduled Borough Council meeting, one of the items on the agenda was the conditional use hearing for the Phoenixville Hospital's helipad. As some of you know, helicopters transporting patients from the hospital have been landing at Friendship Field and the high school; not the best solution.

The hospital came prepared with well-done and thorough presentations and 4 experts. All relevant questions were asked and answered per the standard hearing procedure, and we were ready to complete the hearing procedure and vote.

But things were not to wrap up immediately; a member needed an "I feel good" moment.

During the process, Councilman Ciruelos brought up a new condition: video surveillance of the helipad area. He asked for other Council collegaue input on the subject. He received crickets.

The reason he received crickets is that the helipad is a secure area 4 stories above the ground; it is not publicly accessible. The security and access protocol was discussed and delineated by hospital personnel. I (assumedly along with most others) was quite comfortable based on that discussion that this is not a public safety concern. No one's going to be able to get up or down from there except through security doors.

So we're ready to vote, right?

No no ... Crickets wasn't enough of a hint the first time; Ciruelos brings up the issue again. Granted, 2 planning commission members spoke in favor of examining the possibility during the public hearing, though they did not make this one of their recommended conditions in their unanimous approval action memo. It was a consideration, it was considered, and it clearly didn't have support of Council.

So the motion is made for approval. Ciruelos requests an amendment to add the condition; the motion-maker denies, citing apparent lack of Council support.

Ciruelos then makes a second request for an amendment to "have the hospital consider video surveillance", the key word being "consider".

What does this mean? It means absolutely nothing.

It accomplished absolutely nothing.

Oh wait ...

It accomplished one thing. It made Ciruelos "feel good".

Conditions imposed by Council and approved as a result of the hearing process are (generally) required to be obeyed before the project can move forward. These are meant to be important things which must be complied with, such as meeting all conditions as documented in the fire chief's memo attached to the Planning Commission's action memo, or being in full compliance with the FAA's site assessment memo.

What the hospital must do with this condition is "consider" it. I don't know if they have to document their consideration with a risk assessment, provide a memo or some paperwork somewhere to someone to indicate that the item received consideration, or something else, or none of the above.

I'm sure they "considered" it on the way to Iron Hill that evening, or perhaps even before leaving the hearing, and the "consideration" is now over.

It's a useless bullet item on a list that is otherwise 100% necessary. I think it devalues the entire process by someone adding "desirable" conditions.

But, Mr. Ciruelos can leave the meeting in the "I feel good" mindset at the small cost of a room full of people wasting several minutes of their lives, and this blogger wasting a few more to make the point.

Discussion is good. Ball-less conditions are bad.

"Haaach! Cana geta hot tub? Aaaooooowww!"

What's Your New Local Newspaper?

Now that The Phoenix has become a "weekly" (i.e., irrelevant) newspaper, what will your new local paper be?

The 2 choices seem to be The Mercury and The Daily Local. The former is geographically closer to us but is a Montgomery County publication; the latter is centered on the West Chester area but is a Chester County publication.

I'm not saying that no one will read the weekend Phoenix; I guess we'll have to see what's in there on its first iteration as such this coming weekend. But if you still read a weekend newspaper, I'd ration a guess that its been and will probably continue to be the Philadelphia Inquirer (until they go into formal bankruptcy).

One wonders what the college professors in the Journalism arena are teaching with respect to the future of newspapers. Make a note to yourself in 5 years to see in that time period how many newspapers (big and small) have gone belly-up.

The reason I'm posing this question is that Borough Council must now do its advertising for meetings, ordinances, etc. in another newspaper since a "weekly" advertisement schedule would slow down our general business proceedings. Hopefully at some point in the future the state will allow us to advertise on our Borough Website (a cheaper option), but at the moment that is still pending legislation.

I noticed around town that The Phoenix "newsboxes" (or whatever they are called in the newspaper trade, where you insert coins to purchase the analog versions) now have "newsboxes" for The Mercury next to them. Seems like someone believes the Borough will gravitate in that direction for its daily news.

Thoughts?

Support A Realistic Library Expansion

FYI for fans (if I have any left), I will try to return to the blogging arena on the weekends going forward.

Since I have taken some extended time off from the blogging world, expansion of our library seems to be one of the big issues facing our Borough; big enough to get examination by at least 1 Philadelphia-based TV station's news department (WCAU). It's either a big deal or it was a slow news day; it's hard to tell.

It seems that most people agree that an expansion of the Phoenixville Public Library is necessary. Based on the materials sent by director John Kelley, I am one of that large majority who support the need for an expansion. Our Library is a great community asset, and a very well-patronized cog in the Chesco Library System wheel.

What isn't universally agreed on is the efficacy of the current plan created by the Library Board. If in a different location (perhaps a different Borough where you wouldn't need to build it in the middle of the street), there are lots of great things in the plan. However, in the context of Phoenixville where this proposed plan is to be implemented, I am unable to see any workable logic.

Now, let's have some nice, opinionated discussion points.

In reasonably clear votes intended to retire themselves from public service, some members of Borough Council voted in favor of closing off a public right-of-way so the Library can build on top of it. Though it is clear that regardless of closing the public street the Library is going to need much more space than that for parking, that notion was determined to be "for another day".

Ohhh, wait, never mind. I've got the answer.

They'll just use existing parking that is used by Borough residents today instead. Yea, that must be the plan. Then when that becomes unworkable, Reeves Park will become Reeves Parking Lot.

Originally, I thought they were going to suggest some parking on the roof, but this weekend's article in The Phoenix dispelled any possibility of that since it was stated that they cannot expand upward because the building structure won't support that. If you can't put books and people up there, you can't put cars up there either.

Later this week, some members of the PASD school board will likely engage in signing up for the same early retirement package; unless of course they think no one's going to be out to vote in November since we're all burned out from last year's "Obamanation".

They will be voting to spend possibly the most important $1 of your school taxpayer money this year; whether or not to purchase the "required" Second Avenue put on the selling block by the Borough. They're really voting to spend 10s of thousands more than that (mostly on legal fees) over the next few years before a project could even possibly begin.

The Phoenix article (misspelling Tom Carnevale's name a second way after previously incorrectly spelling it as "Carnivale") states that "A vote of 'no,' according to Carnavale, will set any library expansion back by two years".

While a nice diversionary tactic, Carnevale's threat wouldn't be strong enough to "force" me into a 'yes' vote if I were a member of the PASD. I don't profess genius; but I know enough to recognize that statement as the pile that it is.

In reality, a 'no' vote would simply be the public indicator of the ineptitude associated with plan ill-conceived on broad assumption and ignorance of zoning laws by people who should know better. The plan and its creators would be responsible, not the PASD.

Council has already done their rubber-stamping of the project; only the PASD is left to agree to be gifted the land. Can the PASD find the gumption as an elected body to turn down such an apparent sweetheart deal? Would you? $1?

I'll try to let you know what happened next weekend.

Goodnight, Skip.

It is with sadness that I return to this blog momentarily to post on news of the sudden death of G. E. "Skip" Lawrence yesterday morning. A key Phoenixville voice has been regrettably stilled.

I recall my first sit-down interview with Skip in early October 2007 during my campaign period for the Council seat I now hold. He bought me an iced tea and we sat and chatted downtown for about 30 minutes about past, current and future events, including why on Earth I wanted to do this "Borough Council" thing.

He took copious notes as we spoke; however, he rarely lost eye contact with me throughout the interview. I found that a little intimidating at the time. It was apparent to me that he was very serious about his work.

This was solidified after he admitted to me following the interview process that as a registered voter in Phoenixville's North Ward, I was not "his man". Nonetheless, every fact-based piece both before and since the election was fair and balanced, as he had promised me it would be.

He understood the difference between fact and opinion, and was respective of that line; something that likely comes with the combination of talent and experience he brought to our hometown paper.

Skip's opinion pieces which regularly appeared on the editorial page of Monday editions of The Phoenix may not have always been popular with everyone; however, you could regularly count on them being thoughtful and insightful.

Whether I agreed or disagreed with the basis point(s) discussed, his writing made me think through my own position more clearly. I have automatic respect for anyone who expresses their thoughts and subsequently engages me to think. This isn't something that just anyone is capable of doing.

We will press on, but you are already missed.

Rest peacefully, my friend.

On Hiatus

For those of you that have noticed, this blog has been temporarily placed on hiatus. It will remain that way for the moment. Quite frankly, there should be enough national-level political and economic discussion to keep most of you amused.

To those of you who subscribe participate and stay engaged, I apologize for the lack of recent content. To those of you who continue to throw useless e-bombs, you'll have to find somewhere else to post your garbage for a little while.

I'll return to the blogging environment when it is appropriate.

In the meantime, please continue to visit the blogs on my Blogroll to stay informed of current local events and opinions.

Meeting Agenda - January 13, 2009

Welcome back to another year of local politics; I hope everyone had a restful holiday.

One note for readers; the schedule for Borough Council and Committee meetings for 2009 has been simplified. This year, it is the Second and Fourth Tuesday of every month; Council and then Committees, respectively.

I did not see the agenda for the upcoming Tuesday meeting on the Borough website, so I guess I'll continue to post them here when I receive them.


PHOENIXVILLE BOROUGH COUNCIL
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
7:00 PM

I. Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance - Chair

II. Roll Call – Borough Secretary

III. Resolutions/Appointments

a. Consider Adoption of Resolution #2009-01 Authorizing the 2009 Professional Services

b. Consider Adoption of Resolution #2009-02 Supporting the St. John’s United Church of Christ Organic Community Garden and Labyrinth

c. Consider Adoption of Resolution #2009-03 to Close Out the Community Conservation Partnerships Grant Project (BRC-TAG-10-165)

d. Consider Adoption of Resolution #2009-04 to Accept an Anonymous Donation of $2,500 on Behalf of the Borough for Funding of the Asbury Park Phoenix Ferris Wheel

e. Consider Adoption of Resolution #2009-05 Designating the Schedule of Fees for Fiscal Year 2009

IV. Presentations

V. Minutes of Previous Meetings: December 9, 2008

VI. Communications

VII. Public Participation – 30 minutes

VIII. Council Participation

IX. Reports of Officers

A. Borough Manager
1. Manager’s Report
2. Code Enforcement Report
3. Public Works Director
4. Mayor’s Report
5. Fire Chief’s Report
6. Finance Director’s Report

B. Public Hearings

C. Other Reports
1. CDC Monthly Report

X. Reports of Committees, Boards, Commissions and Authorities

A. Planning Commission
1. Consider Approval of the Conditional Use Application for 700 Nutt Road
2. Consider Approval for Authorizing the Advertising of and Scheduling a Public Hearing for the Purpose of Adopting a Zoning Ordinance Amendment for the Infill Regulations in the NCR-2 District

B. Regional Planning Commission
1. Consider Approval of the Legal Services Agreement
2. Consider Approval of the Planning Services Agreement

C. Parking Authority

D. Historical Architectural Review Board (No Action Memos this Month)

E. Council Action referred from Committees (No Committee Meetings in December)

XI. Public Participation (con’t)

XII. Executive Session

XIII. New Business
a. Consider Approval of the Budget Transfers/Overpaids

XIV. Old Business

XV. Adjournment

Merry Christmas and Happy 2009

I wish all readers and their families a joyous Christmas season and the best for the coming year.

We're Not Alone ... Just More Spendthrifty ...

It appears that Phoenixville is not the only municipality that wrestled with the taxpayer-funded economic development position conundrum.

The following is taken from today's edition of The Mercury; an article by Evan Brandt on matters related to Pottstown Borough Council:

"If no further changes are made to the budget at the Dec. 29 close-out meeting, taxpayers will face a jump in the property tax rate of roughly 12 percent in 2009.

Tuesday night, borough council backed off a proposal to cut 25 percent of the funding provided to the borough's four fire companies, but went ahead and cut the economic development director position. That brought the tax hike down from 14.38 percent, which was where it stood when the council last left the budget table on Dec. 8.

The elimination of the economic development position, decided by a 5-2 vote, brought the increase down to about 12.2 percent, said Assistant Borough Manager Jason Bobst.

Councilmen Jody Rhoads and Stephen Toroney voted against eliminating the position and Toroney argued vehemently against the move, which will save the borough $134,518 in 2009.

The elimination of the post, currently held by Terri Lampe, comes on the heels of council's Dec. 8 decision to eliminate another 12 positions and to take $177,000 from a payment from Waste Management, which was originally intended for the trash fund, to help fill the budget hole in the general fund."

A Parallel:
Pottstown and Phoenixville were both looking at a 14%-ish property tax increase in 2009 during their budget discussions and had controversial discussions on taxpayer funding of economic development.

A Difference:
Pottstown cut by a 5-2 vote, reducing taxes 2.2%.
Phoenixville spent by a 5-3 vote, raising taxes 5%.

A "What-If":
If Phoenixville chose to cut instead of spend, the 2009 tax increase would have been reduced from 5.8% to 0.8%.

Kudos:
Pottstown receives kudos for cutting luxuries and not necessities.

5.8% Tax Increase Approved for 2009

I would write details about this, but everything worth knowing is already documented at www.watchingphoenixville.com by my colleague Councilman Buckwalter. Go there and read; and as always your comments are welcomed here.

I believe we're the first municipality in the local area to go on record with a vote to raise 2009 property taxes.

Council was tied at 4-4 on budget approval, and the tie-breaking vote went to Mayor Scoda. Since he chose to have a narrow focus on only the 2009 % increase number and to ignore the methods by which we reached the number or any future impact, he broke the tie in favor of approval.

This move appears to foreshadow a state of lame duckitude after reality sets in for Ciruelos, Gill, Wagner, and Scoda. However, this is in the hands of Phoenixville voters next November. Campaigns of fiscal responsibility are likely to be the winners if anyone is listening or paying attention.

I guess we're supposed to deflect attention away from all the other local municipalities who are not raising taxes, and find solace in the fact that the picture appears to be worse in Pottstown.

Good News and Bad News

It's late in the evening, and I will provide some details and discussion later.

Good News:

The good news to report is that the Finance Committee agreed to reduce the proposed 2009 Phoenixville property tax increase from 13.8% to 5.8%. I am pleased with the Committee's newfound sensitivity to the taxpayer in tough economic times. Ultimately, taxpayers have me, Mr. Kirkner, Mr. Buckwalter and particularly Mayor Scoda to thank.

The Mayor indicated that he would veto a 13.8% tax increase if it was passed by Council, and the aforementioned Councilmen indicated that we would not vote to overturn his veto (which requires a 6-2 vote). This turned the 5-3 majority favoring said tax increase to a sour note pretty quickly. I personally express my thanks to the Mayor for standing up for the rights of the taxpayers.

This revised increase will be recommended to Council for approval at the upcoming December meeting. It is my expectation that this will pass, along with the 21.5% increase in water rates, 4.5% increase in sewer rates, and 0% increase in trash rates already recommended for 2009.

Bad News:

75% of the reduction was achieved by spending existing fund balance on recurring expenses, and only 25% of the reduction was achieved by cutting spending. This will have to be dealt with next year in preparation for 2010. I'm not sure how we do that without windfall development revenue (which we've already tagged for other projects should it come in), or an early basis for a large tax increase in 2009, starting at 25% or more instead of 0%.

Also, only 1 member of the public was present at the meeting to contribute to the discussion. This has been a frequent occurrence at Committee Meetings this year (excepting times that a rogue individual busses in a load of people to parrot his unverified opinion on an issue). I know that several of you have reached out to your Councilmen through e-mails and phone calls, which is a step in the right direction. I would like to see more people interested and/or brave enough to come out and speak their minds.

Our local paper did not send representation (just as they did not send anyone to last week's Special Meeting), but yet felt it appropriate to published an opinion piece in today's edition of The Phoenix supportive of the tax increase. The paper justified with arguably fuzzy mathematics why the Borough should raise taxes 13.8% in this economy and the taxpayers should support it. Your humble blogger may or may not have been mentioned in said article; it seems more likely to me that Mr. Buckwalter is the purported "popular local blogger".

More on this later for your review; I hope the short-term good news improves everyone's holiday.

November 24: Committee Meeting Agendas

PHOENIXVILLE BOROUGH COUNCIL
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Monday, November 24 2008
7:00 PM

******************************************************************

1) FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

Call to Order
Public Participation
Committee Participation
Presentation by Steve Nease Regarding a Procurement Card
Manager Updates
Review of Unpaid Bills and Prepaids – action required
Consider Approval of the Prepaids in the Amount of $1,071,791.58
Consider Approval of the Unpaid Bills in the Amount of $26,090.32
Consider Approval of the Budget Transfers in the Amount of $17,510.21
New Business
Public Participation (Continued)
Committee Participation (Continued)
Adjournment

******************************************************************

2) COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING

Call to Order
Public Participation
Presentations
Committee Member Updates/Discussions
Update Regarding the CDC
Update Regarding the IT Subcommittee
New Business
Adjournment

******************************************************************

3) PARKS/PROPERTY/RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING

Call to Order
Public Participation
Staff Update
Friendship Field
Committee Member Updates/Discussions
New Business
Adjournment

******************************************************************

4) PERSONNEL/POLICE COMMITTEE MEETING

Call to Order
Public Participation
Appointment to Committee/Commissions
New Business
Adjournment

******************************************************************

5) POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING

Call to Order
Public Participation
Ordinance Sub-Committee Update
New Business
Adjournment

******************************************************************

6) UTILITIES/HEALTH/SANITATION COMMITTEE MEETING

Call to Order
Public Participation
Staff Update
New Business
Old Business
Adjournment

County vs. Municipality Budget Strategery Comparison

Click the title of this blog entry to jump to an article published in today's edition of The Phoenix from Carol Aichele on Chester County's 2009 budget.

Note the following points of comparison to the way your Phoenixville Borough Council is approaching the 2009 budget:

1A. Chester County: "As Chester County is concluding its budgeting process for 2009, taxpayers can rest assured that the commissioners have been exploring every possible way to hold the line on taxes."

1B. Phoenixville: You can be confident that 3 of your 8 Borough Councilmen have been doing the same. Regrettably, 3 is not a majority of 8. If there was an even split, the Mayor has vocalized that he is in favor of lessening the increase.

2A. Chester County: "We have imposed a hiring freeze and have rejected calls for new positions."

2B. Phoenixville: A hiring freeze was motioned, but voted down. We are currently scheduled to hire 3 1/2 new people in 2009. They have varying degrees of necessity, with an additional police officer as part of a 5-year plan being the most important and most justifiable.

3A. Chester County: "A zero tax increase is always our goal."

3B. Phoenixville: "I would certainly not support a 0% increase. In all fairness, Jean has done everything we have asked him to do. Staff has worked incredibly hard to come back with what it did. This is not a scare tactic, and it’s quite reasonable.” --- Council President Henry Wagner commenting on the proposed tax increase for 2009 from The Phoenix, 11/06/2008 edition.

4A. Chester County: "I will make sure we continue to look for more ways to save before the final adoption of the budget".

4B. Phoenixville: A special 2009 budget meeting was held this past Monday with this express purpose in mind. We began the meeting with a 13.8% increase, and left the meeting with ... uh ... well ... a 13.8% increase. We also left with confirmation that water rates would increase 21.5% and sewer rates would increase 4.5%. In light of these water and sewer increases (which are unfortunately necessary, but at least able to be offset by the taxpayer reducing consumption), the 0% tax increase goal should have grown more legs. The highest tax increase I am comfortable voting for has a ceiling of 5.8%, the equivalent of next year's Social Security COLA.

And the beat goes on ...

Phoenixville 14, West Chester 0

Regrettably, this is not a high school football game score.

Click the title of this blog entry for details in The Daily Local.

From Your Finance Chair ...

Sigh, where to begin ...

First, Councilman Buckwalter has provided a great summary of events from last evening's proceedings on WatchingPhoenixville.com; click the title of this blog entry to jump there for some necessary reading on "What Happened and What Didn't".

Now, in the interest of keeping the record straight, let's put one issue to rest. I do not lay full responsibility for the 13.8% increase at the feet of our staff. Borough Manager Krack and Finance Director Nease in working with department heads met our stated goal of keeping expenses below a 5% increase. Though early projections were for a much higher increase, expenses were cut and expectations were adjusted to lower the number.

There are a few points of disagreement, of course. For example, I very much disagree with staff's assessment on 2009 tax revenue estimation. I remain skeptical of the fact that our earned income tax numbers are correctly estimated as "the same as 2008".

12 months from now, experts estimate national unemployment will rise from the current level of 6.5% to 7.5%. That's a boatload of people who are working now, that won't be working then. It's hard to see how that trend won't decrease tax revenues.

Unless of course, one assumes that Phoenixville residents are somehow exempt from this projected national trend?

Doubtful. Granted, Phoenixville Hospital may help the situation to some degree with projected new jobs; but can we count on that, and will it be enough? My instinct is no; however, this is a double-edged sword, and points to the basis of the problem with the Committee opinion.

When engaged in discussions about overly optimistic revenue estimations, the response is "well, the only thing we can do if we lower revenue projections is raise taxes".

...

...

Really?

...

...

That's the only choice?

...

...

Anyone on the Committee ever hear of ... agreeing to cut some spending?

...

...

Staff cut some spending in order to reduce the number to 13.8%, stated as the bottom line below which we need to begin reducing Borough services. I don't know if some Committee members viewed this as threatening or not, but why couldn't the Committee as a group choose to cut spending a little further and realign staff's goals accordingly next year?

Is there some kinda rogue ordinance floating around the books prohibiting this type of activity?

Alright, there were suggestions for cuts made. Don't hire a new police officer. Don't hire a new Codes enforcement officer. Stop paying the Planning Commission. Cancel the CDC contract. Give the non-union Borough employees making more than $50,000 less of a raise than the others. Use surplus money to offset some or all of the additional tax increase.

How many of these things passed? None.

Some of them are a little silly, some of them are undesirable, and at least 1 of them should have been over and done with months ago.

There's still time for things to change, but the public must speak out.

I can guarantee you that nothing will change for the good if you don't talk to your Councilmen, and if there is only 1 person from the public in attendance to participate in the meeting on December 9 like there was last night.

Instructions and suggestions in a later post.

Limerick: No 2009 Tax Increase

For comparison purposes to the previous posting, click the title of this entry to jump to an article in today's edition of The Phoenix reporting that there will be no tax increase in 2009 in Limerick Township.

13.8% Tax Increase Passes Committee

Click the title of this blog entry for details.

What is "Open Government"?

I am interested in reader's thoughts as to what the definition of "Open Government" is in your minds.

Discuss, and please be reasonable and on-topic in your comments.

November 17: Special Finance Committee Meeting Agenda

SPECIAL FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
ORDER OF BUSINESS
PHOENIXVILLE BOROUGH COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 17, 2008
7:00PM

I. CALL TO ORDER

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

III. ROLL CALL

IV. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

V. COMMITTEE PARTICIPATION

VI. 2009 BUDGET DISCUSSION
a. PROPOSED WATER RATE
b. PROPOSED SEWER RATE
c. PROPOSED SANITATION RATE
d. PERMIT FEE REVIEW
e. GENERAL FUND REVIEW
f. OVERALL REVIEW

VII. DISCUSSION REGARDING OUTSIDE AGENCY BUDGETARY CONTRIBUTIONS (MOVED FROM NOVEMBER 3, 2008 MEETING)

VIII. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (CONTINUED)

IX. COMMITTEE PARTICIPATION (CONTINUED)

X. ADJOURNMENT

Nutter Cutter

Below is the full transcript of of Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter's public address this afternoon on the city's budget. I have reproduced it here in full, simply because it's good reading.

It's pretty tough talk. Note the several measures that he has outlined for cost-cutting, and the things that are * not * being cut.

Now, Phoenixville is obviously not on the order of Philadelphia; however, if Nutter can cut $100 million dollars from the city's budget, certainly your Borough Council can find a few hundred thousand dollars to chop in discretionary spending so we don't have to raise your property taxes.

CLICK HERE to watch the entire speech as it aired on 6abc.

"Good afternoon my fellow Philadelphians and friends in the region.

One year ago today, Philadelphians elected me to serve as their 98th mayor. It was a high privilege and honor to take the oath of office.

In my first address as mayor, I spoke of our city's great potential and the need for new ideas and bold action.

I set aggressive goals to cut the city's school dropout rate, to increase the number of Philadelphians completing college and to grow our city by 75,000 residents.

Achieving them, I said, would require a new sense of shared hope, commitment and sacrifice from everyone because we all have a role to play in the renaissance of our great city.

In the last 10 months, I've seen more hope and optimism about what we can achieve in Philadelphia and the region. Our beloved Phillies are winners and so is this shining city of parks, history, creative people and vibrant neighborhoods.

In January, when I invited everyone to come to City Hall for an open house, you came in the thousands and told me of your pride in the city and hopes for a prosperous future.

In April, more than 15,000 Philadelphians removed 2.5 million pounds of trash from their neighborhoods.

And every day this year, public safety has been Job No. 1. We've developed an aggressive crime fighting strategy. We've reduced homicides and the overall crime rate.

But we've also seen the horror of this battle as three police officers have given their lives while carrying out their duty.

In my February budget address, I warned that the national economy was sputtering, storm clouds were visible in the distance and tax collections were slowing down.

Now, the economic storm has arrived with such force that a respected economist said it was as if the national economy had "fallen off a cliff." President-elect Obama has described it as the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression.

International investment banks have collapsed. The world's stock markets have lost a third to one half of their value and consumer confidence has plunged to its lowest level in 41 years.

As this economic storm gains strength, the public sector has not been spared. Huge budget gaps have opened up in cities like New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.

Cities and states are slamming the brakes on spending, laying off employees, abolishing unfilled positions, reducing service levels and increasing taxes and fees.

In Philadelphia, we started the fiscal year with a $119 million surplus, but due to a dramatic decline in tax collections and increased pension costs, we're now facing a deficit of $108 million and counting. Without action, this problem grows to more than a billion dollar gap in our Five Year Plan.

To fix our problem will require bold action for the balance of the fiscal year and beyond.
Though our budget is $4 billion, more than half of our costs are locked in. Therefore, we can only focus on $850 million in discretionary spending planned for the last half of the year. From this, we must wring $100 million in savings.

Make no mistake. This will be a mid-year revision of epic proportions, and because this recession may linger beyond next year, we can't look for brief, one-time changes.

We must batten down the hatches and prepare for the worst. And that means reshaping government for leaner times.

Last winter, we began a total review of all programs and spending, measuring everything against the yardstick of our core values: public safety, healthy neighborhoods, sustainable economic growth and improved education all delivered by a more efficient government with the highest ethical standards.

In facing this crisis, I have rejected across-the-board cuts because of their inherent unfairness.

Our goal is to:
Preserve programs that work
Adjust these programs to actual needs
Find real efficiencies that can be implemented quickly
Collect money owed to the city
Rebalance fees for some city services to better cover our costs and
Share the burden of sacrifice that spending cuts require

I believe that sharing the burden must begin with our schedule of business and wage tax cuts. After more than a decade of annual cuts, it would be folly to continue cutting in this dangerous fiscal environment.

Therefore, I will ask City Council to suspend tax reductions into mid-2015, maintaining $220 million in tax revenue during the period.

In a crisis, sacrifice must start at the top.

The city's exempt employees have already lost the $1,100 bonus, awarded to union employees. Regrettably, I must ask for more from these dedicated exempt employees by requiring those earning more than $50,000 to take five furlough days without pay this year and again next year.
Also, my staff, Cabinet officers and I will take salary cuts along with the furloughs.

Throughout the government, we've found efficiencies, saving millions of dollars. We will increase our revenue using better tax collection strategies and by imposing new fees with City Council's concurrence. And yet, these solutions cover only 55 percent of the budget gap.

Painful program and service cuts are necessary, but I want to assure you that we've preserved our core services, minimized the impact on vulnerable populations and considered the long-term impact of our choices.

Let me highlight some of the more significant changes:

In public safety, we've achieved substantial savings with no police or fire layoffs, no fire station closings and no reduction in emergency medical services.

But we plan to reduce police overtime and not fill 200 vacant positions. Town Watch funding will see a 50 percent cut. In the fire department, by reducing overtime, we'll be able to cut 5 engine companies and 2 ladder companies, while maintaining overall safety.

After careful review of building conditions, utilization and distance to other libraries in the Free Library system, we'll close 11 libraries and eliminate Sunday hours at three regional libraries.

All recreation centers will remain open, especially during the most vulnerable times for our youth after school and during the summers. But during the summer, we'll close 62 of 73 outdoor pools and 6 of 8 indoor pools. In the winter, we'll close three ice rinks unless private funding can be secured.

In the Streets Department, we'll see increased revenue thanks to weekly single-stream recycling. But the department will devote less money to street resurfacing, and we'll end residential street cleaning, snow removal on tertiary streets, and bulk and tire collections.

In all, we'll layoff more than 220 city employees and eliminate nearly 600 unfilled positions, more than 1,660 seasonal part-time jobs and about 570 contractual, non-city jobs.

Despite the severity of these changes, Philadelphia is resilient. We have a sensible spending plan that will move this city forward:

The police department will have 200 more officers on the street than at the beginning of January.

We'll continue our vigorous support for the Philadelphia schools, which will benefit from increased parking meter rates and fines.

We'll see a wage tax decrease thanks to state gaming revenue and when conditions improve we'll restart our business tax reduction schedule.

And we'll have a 311 call system and a data-driven PhillyStat system to analyze our service delivery. It will make us more efficient and make our budget process more rational.

This recession has created more and not less urgency about streamlining the government. We will aggressively look for new ways to cut the cost of delivering service.

Today, I'm announcing that I will empower a Private Sector Taskforce made up of the best and brightest business and management minds in the region. Their charge will be to look for the most efficient ways to do the city's business.

This effort will be paired with a new commitment by this administration to work with the city unions under the Reinventing Government Initiative to find cost-saving reforms to benefit all taxpayers.

In the next week or so, I will outline a proposal for how the U.S. Treasury can use its authority under the $700 billion financial rescue package to provide immediate help to Philadelphia and cities across the country that have been harmed by the financial crisis.

And now, with the election of Sen. Barack Obama to the presidency, the Philadelphia region and all the metro areas across the country will have a true partner in Washington.

With his unique position as both a sitting Senator and President-elect, I will ask President-elect Obama to push for legislation now that will help cities cope with the fiscal crisis, particularly on the rising costs of infrastructure renewal and employee pensions and the access to capital.

For 10 months now, I've seen hope and optimism bloom in this city. I've seen people and institutions come together to tackle some of our toughest issues.

Now, more than ever, we need Philadelphians to step forward, whether it's volunteering with Town Watch, in the schools or at Rec centers. We need businesses to partner with the schools to develop the employees of the future.

If we work in partnership, make the tough choices and smart investments, then we'll secure our future as we face the global economic challenges.

Philadelphia is a livable, walkable, affordable city. We'll get through this turbulence. On the other side of this crisis, we'll be a stronger, more efficient government. And we'll be a city ready to seize the opportunities that this century of change presents to us.

Thank you."

Obamination

Congratulations to Barack Obama for a well-fought contest and victory last evening for the office of the President. I chose not to rely much on polling data because of the 2004 debacle, but it seems that the large majority of the polls were indeed accurate this year. The margin of victory was significant, and in line with the differential of funding behind both campaigns.

Along with everyone else, I'm looking forward to receiving my pending middle-class tax cut.

Hopefully, this will also deflect everyone's attention away from the proposed 2009 Borough tax increase and likely water / sewer rate increases.

2009 Proposed Borough Tax Increase: 18.3%

At last night's rescheduled Committee meetings, the Manager and Finance Director discussed the details surrounding the remaining 3 funds (Recreation, Fire, and General Fund). We also discussed the basis picture of impact on next year's miillage rate.

The discussion resulted in a proposed property tax increase of 18.3%, after an overall expense increase of 3.95% in the baseline budget.

A motion for staff to re-visit the proposed budget and produce one that contains no tax increase failed 2-6, Mr. Kirkner and I being the only supporters. Manager Krack indicated that the 18.3% increase is his bottom-line recommendation.

For details, please watch the meeting broadcast upcoming on TPN.

Note that a Special Meeting of the Finance Committee for the purpose of discussing the 2009 Budget has been scheduled for Monday, November 17 at 7 PM in Borough Hall; this meeting will be advertised per normal procedure.

New Blog Gadgetry: Newsreel

Our friends at Blogger have added some new selectable widgets, one of which is a Google Search that you can specify on topic(s) of your choice.

For now, I've added an Election 2008 Newsreel; after it's all over next week, I'll make it a Phoenixville Newsreel instead.

Muddle-Class Tax Ceiling?

(another momentary national diversion) ...

For those following the national political scene, you've undoubtedly heard of Barack Obama's proposed "middle-class tax cut". Can't resist throwing in my $.02, which I believe will be $.02 over the middle-class tax cut threshold in an Obama administration.

1) Obama originally had the ceiling on the middle class as $300,000. Everyone under $300,000 was going to receive a "middle-class tax cut" (even if you didn't pay any income taxes, but that's another matter entirely); everyone over $300,000 was going to pay a little more.

2) When his policy was formalized for internet view, the ceiling dropped to $250,000. No big deal, according to most who overlooked this, myself included. That just includes a few more small businesses who will have their taxes raised. Of course, the additional tax money out of those businesses' pockets will cause them to have less cash to hire new workers and create new jobs, but, you know, let's not pay attention to that ...

3) Last night's Obama-thon at 8PM publicized the tax cut threshold as $200,000 from the Senator's own mouth and with supplemental graphical text. Ummm, well, that's a lot more people getting their taxes raised / not cut. If there is any negative effect from this "really big showwwwwww", this will be it. Otherwise, a very well-produced presentation.

4) Obama's VP candidate Joe Biden in an interview at the end of last week said that the ceiling value was now $150,000. Oh oh. Is anyone getting a little concerned in the last week of this election campaign that this tax cut ceiling keeps getting lower and lower?

Pretty soon that ceiling will be at the level of Bill Clinton's middle-class tax cut; the floor. (In case you don't remember, Clinton never gave the middle class a tax cut as he advertised during his campaign).

Watch those polls tighten, enjoy the ride and go vote on Tuesday.

Budget Sunshine Suffers Wagnerian Eclipse

A comment from a reader sparked me to try to gain my own understanding of Council President Wagner's weekend decision to cancel Monday's advertised Committee meetings.

Let's discuss.

This unexpected cancellation occurred one day after Committee members received their information packets on CD on Friday per standard staff procedure. I had been in contact with our Finance Director in advance of the meeting on several occasions, understanding where progress was and ensuring we would be ready to proceed on the defined schedule.

So, who are the players when it comes to Committee meetings?

1) Mr. Speck is the chair of the Police and Personnel Committee.

2) Mr. Ciruelos is the chair of the Utilities, Health and Sanitation Committee.

3) Mr. Gill is the chair of the Parks, Property and Recreation Committee.

4) Mr. Handwerk is the chair of the Community Development Committee.

5) Mr. Buckwalter is the chair of the Policy Committee.

6) I am the chair of the Finance Committee.

Completing the Council roster, Mr. Wagner is President of Council and chairs no committees, but appointed all current committee chairmen. Mr. Kirkner is Vice-President of Council and chairs no committees, though he is the past chair of the Finance Committee.

I set the agenda for the Finance Committee earlier in the month, and in fact earlier in the year. The global 2009 budget discussion schedule was agreed to between Borough Manager Krack, Finance Director Nease and me. Staff complied with the agenda each time by producing the required documentation in the packet, and this time was no exception.

The Finance Committee meeting was ready to move forward as scheduled and advertised, just as it had been the previous 9 times this year.

Were all the other Committee chairs were consulted as to the readiness of their committees to move forward on Monday? Maybe no one else was ready for their committee meetings due to "Phillies Phever"!

Apparently all Council members were contacted and responded that the meeting should be cancelled except me, Mr. Kirkner, and Mr. Buckwalter. So 4 to 3 in favor of recommending cancellation, and so it shall be, all nice and democratic.

Legit, or not so much?

Reviewing the text of the Sunshine Act as a layman, it doesn't seem to speak directly to the cancellation of advertised meetings. But when I read the entire Act and understand the spirit and intent of why it exists, my conclusion is that this whole meeting cancellation thing smells pretty bad.

Unlike President Wagner, I'm not going to spend any of your tax dollars finding out if the cancellation was legally legitimate or not. I'll just make a note to get a better understanding of what exactly the roles and responsibilities of a Committee Chair are, and we'll move on.

The only lingering question is: What was President Wagner afraid of if we held this meeting?

October 27 - Committee Meeting Agenda

.

Caribou Barbie, Joe the Plumber, and Spreading the Wealth Around

(... We interrupt your local programming for a brief foray into the national scene ...)

Now that the market has at least begun trading off on huge up and down days, there is a little less attention on that issue in the national news circuit. A good side effect? Oil prices have dropped as the bad economic indicators continue to roll in.

Don't worry though; OPEC will cut production enough to get those prices back up there by January.

For the next 16 days, we'll be treated to loads of analysis containing dynamically changing red/blue electoral college maps based on the same sort of polling data that told us John Kerry was going to win the presidency in 2004. So, until the big day, enjoy the side show antics.

Then go out and do your job on Election Day.

Sarah Palin's been out stumping the last few weeks, she was just in town before heading up to do Saturday Night Live yesterday. She's got a lot of courage, and isn't afraid to go after what could become hers. Is she qualified to be Vice President? I think so; I'd say she's more qualified to be Vice President that Obama is to be President.

This is why no one's successfully going after the experience argument on either side. Both sides have "rookies" on the ticket from a Washington D.C. perspective; however, the Republican rookie is second in command, and has an important history of experience on energy issues. Known oil tycoon turned wind-power promoter T. Boone Pickens was encouraged by his conversation with Sarah Palin. What's good enough for Boone is good enough for me on energy; it's going to be a big issue for years to come.

I was entertained by the whole "Joe the Plumber" (JTP) focus during the last debate. Since the discussion didn't go the way of the Democrats, they immediately started doing damage control by distancing themselves from the whole story. Obama was derisive of the man, at a campaign rally the next day saying "how many plumbers do you know that make a quarter million dollars?".

There are probably quite a few plumbers and businessmen and women in other sectors running or wanting to start up "small businesses" that will have their growth stifled if the federal government raises their taxes and bumps the capital gains ceilings to 28%.

CNBC had a good discussion on the effects of this type of policy during our current market conditions. While there were a few dissenters, the majority of experts clearly believes that raising any taxes during a recessionary economy is just bad business.

Yet, the candidate currently in the lead is remaining steadfast on his plan to do just that. It may work; for one term. But, during that term, how many more businesses will outsource overseas where taxes could double and not be as high as they are here? The proposed $3,000 tax credit for new jobs here is not even going to come close to offsetting a practical doubling of capital gains tax rates. More taxes, less growth. Not a real tough equation.

The most fun in the last week evolved from the JTP discussion, where Obama's socialist leanings finally snuck out into plain view (except on NBC News). Trumping Joe Biden's statement about 6 weeks ago saying that it was patriotic to pay higher taxes if you are rich, Obama told JTP if he makes more than $250,000, he needs to "spread the wealth around".

Combining that with Obama's wife's remarks on the subject (which weren't exactly "capitalist"), in context that's a really scary statement.

Being a longtime member in good standing of the middle class and someone who will not reach that $250,000 plateau anytime soon, I think the White House and Congress both belonging to a party with those ideals on taxes and redistribution of wealth is a frightening prospect.

Why? Two reasons.

1. I'm about 98% sure the proposed tax increases will be put into place in an Obama administration. If you want to argue against Reaganomics that wealth doesn't trickle down, that's fine. I can tell you that belt-tightening does trickle down, which is what happens when taxes are increased on businesses and they don't have offsetting increased revenues. Unless you're working for the government, your employer will have less "wealth to spread around" to its employees because it has to pay more to the government.

2. As far as this whole "middle class tax cut" thing goes, it's a fantastic idea that I am in support of. However, I hold zero optimism that it will ever be implemented. Remember, the country is still waiting for Bill Clinton's middle class tax cut. No one remembers it or cares about it because of the internet boom of the late 90s and the resultant prosperity. Reality finally started to set in around February of 2000 when the air started going out of that expansion.

Anyhow ... If I can advise you of anything for this year's election, it is not to look at a single issue and make a decision, but rather to look at all the issues and see who represents you best while offering realistic solutions to our country's current and future challenges.

Both the McCain and Obama campaigns are full of eloquent rhetoric, misleading statements about the other candidate, and pie-in-the-sky idealism. So after listening, you owe yourself a thought process to determine what you believe, and to determine what is able to be believed within your campaign of choice.

Then, go out and vote on Election Day.

(... And now, back to your regularly scheduled local programming ... )

October 14 - Council Meeting Agenda

PHOENIXVILLE BOROUGH COUNCIL
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
7:00 PM


I. Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance - Chair

II. Roll Call – Borough Secretary

III. Resolutions
a. Consider Approval of Resolution #2008-19 with Respect to the Purchase of the Fire Truck
b. Consider Approval of Resolution #2008-20 for the “Official Sewage Facilities Plan” to DEP for the Full Circle Subdivision

IV. Presentations

V. Minutes of Previous Meetings: September 9, 2008 and September 22, 2008

VI. Communications

VII. Public Participation – 30 minutes

VIII. Council Participation

IX. Reports of Officers

A. Borough Manager
1. Manager’s Report
2. Code Enforcement Report
3. Public Works Director
4. Mayor’s Report
5. Fire Chief’s Report

B. Public Hearings
1. Consider Approval of Resolution #2008-21 for the Elm Street Grant
2. Consider Adoption of Ordinance #2134 Amending the Zoning Ordinance by Amending the Zoning Map of Phoenixville to Include Additional Area in the Commercial Office District ; and by Adding a Definition for Senior Housing, allowing “Senior Housing” as a Use Permitted by Conditional Use in the Commercial Office District and Providing Area and Design Regulations and Performance Standards for Said Use and Adding Additional Parking Standards for Places of Worship
3. Consider Adoption of Ordinance #2135 Accepting Dedication of Certain Public Improvements, those Generally Being Streets, Located within the ledges and the Court at the Ledges Communities as Developed by T. H. Properties, L.P. and to Establish and Open such Streets as Public Streets Located Within the Borough of Phoenixville
4. Consider Adoption of Ordinance #2136 Amending Chapter 15 “Motor Vehicles and Traffic”, Part 4, “General Parking Regulations”, by Creating Additional Handicapped Parking Zones on Brower Street, Church Street, East Morgan Street, Washington Avenue, Penn Street, South Street and East Walnut Street

C. Other Reports
1. CDC Monthly Report
2. Regional Planning Commission
3. Parking Authority

X. Reports of Committees, Boards, Commissions and Authorities

A. Planning Commission:
1. Consider Approval to have Staff Prepare an RFP for the Comprehensive Plan (Approved by the Planning Commission by a vote of 5 to 0)
2. Consider Authorizing the Above Referenced Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment be Advertised and Submitted to the Chester County Planning Commission (Approved by the Planning Commission by a Vote of 5 to 1)

B. Historical Architectural Review Board (no action memos this month)

C. Executive Session

D. Council Action referred from Committees

1. FINANCE COMMITTEE
a. Consider Approval of the Prepaids in the Amount of $624,179.23 (Approved in Committee by a Vote of 7 to 0)
b. Consider Approval of the Unpaid Bills in the Amount of $22,222.04 (Approved in Committee by a Vote of 7 to 0)
c. Consider Approval of the Budget Transfers in the Amount of $15,108.00 (Approved in Committee by a Vote of 7 to 0)

XI. Public Participation (con’t)

XII. New Business
a. Consider Date of Council Meeting for November 2008
b. Consider Approval of the Contract for the School Resource Officer

XV. Old Business

XVI. Adjournment

A Week Later ...

$700 billion dollars and 1 controversial government bailout later, we're not any better off than we were after last week's big fall from a market perspective. The major markets here lost roughly 8%, 9% and 11% of their value in the space of last week's turmoil. Let's hope the short-term healing begins this week. Surely we can count on continued volatility until the election in a month.

The news this morning overseas is similar, with some sharp declines in many of the global markets. More signs are pointing to a global-scale recession pending (or arguably already in progress), perhaps with the credit crisis as an accelerant.

While misery loves company, let's just try to keep a stiff upper lip while the situation stabilizes.

Of course, my previous recommendation on fiscally responsible decision-making still applies.

Economic Profundity Confirmed

What a day.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 6.98% today, down 777 points. This is the largest percentage one-day adjustment since 09/11/2001, and takes the DJIA to November 2005 levels.

The NASDAQ Composite Average dropped 9.1% today, nearly a 200-point decline; the worst since April 2000.

The Standard & Poor's 500 Index dropped 8.6% today, the largest point decline ever for this index.

Tomorrow's European and Asian market trading numbers will be reflective of our current economic difficulties here.

The latest bank failure is Wachovia, who has several branches in our area. They also hold the naming rights for the Wachovia Center in downtown Philadelphia, home of the Flyers and the 76ers.

You can go to any number of different news sources to see all of the details. There is no arguing that this situation affects every American to some degree.

Now, it seems likely that sometime this week Congress will pass a version of the controversial "bailout bill". Along with it will come some restoration of confidence in the markets and a re-opening of the currently clogged credit pipelines.

But, everyone should hold onto their hats for downstream effects.

From the perspective of your Borough government, there will be increases beyond local control; however, those increases that are within our control will need to be carefully considered and prioritized.

We are already aware of a slight increase in our pension fund commitment (beyond our control). We have engaged in public preliminary discussion on water, sewer and trash budgets indicating moderate increases in those areas. These increases will be necessary to sustain those vital Borough services. 100% of residents use the water and sewer services.

We have not yet engaged in public discussion on recreation needs, fire department needs, and the general fund (the largest of all our funds, which includes police needs). This will occur during October's Committee meeting.

We know that the latter 2 of these funds are currently running low, and this will require resolution so they can stay solvent. We've also committed $125,000 of the general fund budget to the CDC by contract in advance of any public discussion of the other $5Million+ allocations in this fund.

As a representative Councilman here in Phoenixville, I believe that we must maintain awareness of the deteriorating national economic picture during our continuing 2009 budget deliberations. As a body, Council must place emphasis on plainly and clearly refocusing on fiscally responsible decision-making.

If You're Not Registered to Vote ...

Click the title of this blog entry to jump to the Pennsylvania Department of State's voter registration website to help you get started.

You must be registered by October 6 to vote in this year's general election.

Make sure your voice is heard.

What Do You Think?

Based on previous discussions, I am interested in your Yes/No answer and any useful discussion on the following general question:

"When a Councilman votes a particular way in Committee, and then chooses to vote the opposite way in Council, should they provide the courtesy of publicly justifying why they changed their vote?"

I have stated before that between Committee and Council meetings, sometimes thought processes change based on new information or new perspectives on existing information. This may result legitimately in a decision to table discussion prior to passage, or a complete change in vote. The process is designed to accommodate this.

I believe it is both responsible and proper to publicly justify a reason in the interest of maintaining both credibility and accountability.

Am I wrong?

Leadership Lesson 17B: Thwart Accountability

(Note: I am still trying to locate the leadership treatise containing the actual lesson; I'll keep looking ...)

One of the more "entertaining" exchanges at last night's Phoenixville Borough Council meeting took place between me and Councilman Handwerk during debate on the CDC contract.

I stated that I found it confusing to understand how over the course of 3 meetings that Councilman Handwerk could cast a "Yes" vote to recommend the CDC contract in committee, then without justification cast a "No" vote against the contract in Council, then in absence write a letter of support in favor of the contract he voted "No" on.

I've said before that I have no objection to someone changing their mind between Committee and Council meetings on an issue. I do not consider it flip-flopping; I consider it a valid thought process based on new information or a new perspective on old information.

The Council / Committee process is designed to promote thought.

However, when you do choose to reverse course, I believe it is appropriate to justify why you did so for the benefit of your peers and your constituents, not to mention yourself. Stating justification for your change sheds light on how (and if) you are thinking and/or responding to the will of your consitituents.

Anyhow ... When I asked the question, Councilman Handwerk's response was that he "did not need to explain why he changed his vote, because it's personal".

He seemed to believe that I was asking for my own edification; while this was part of the reason, I really was giving him the chance to state his reasoning clearly for the rest of Council and his constituents to continue debate.

I mean ... We're talking about a vote to spend $625,000 here on a significant and clearly controversial budget item. The letter I reproduced in a previous posting authored by Councilman Handwerk sure doesn't seem to be authored by someone who voted "No" on the contract.

On a positive note, I am now confident that Councilman Handwerk did indeed write the letter. When asked who Dan McCreary was (the cited inspirational quote which begins and ends his letter), he said he didn't know who he was, he "took it off the internet".

So much for pathos.

So, the mystery here will remain; fair enough.

What's the good news?

Well ... Your tax dollars will fund the CDC for the next 5 years.

Some consider this to be good news. Apologies to those of you who personally contacted me asking that I consider your economic struggles in this matter; I represented the North Ward majority opinion the best that I could, in concert with Councilman Kirkner.

You can watch the meeting on Wednesday or Friday evening this week at 6PM on TPN; the CDC discussion is about an hour and a half, and begins about 10 minutes into the broadcast.

For the fun files, I suppose we can all look forward to more exciting unjustified and/or mysterious changes of heart and mind.

Let's just hope that similar whimsical decisions won't cost the Borough taxpayers $625,000.

September 22 - Council / Committee Meeting Agenda

ORDER OF BUSINESS
PHOENIXVILLE BOROUGH COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER 22, 2008
CONTINUATION OF BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING FROM SEPTEMBER 9, 2008

I. CALL TO ORDER

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

III. ROLL CALL

IV. EXECUTIVE SESSION

V. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

VI. COUNCIL PARTICIPATION

VII. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF TERMINATING THE CDC CONTRACT

VIII. GENERAL BUSINESS AS DETERMINED BY COUNCIL

IX. NEW BUSINESS: CONSIDER APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION 2008-19 WITH RESPECT TO THE PURCHASE OF THE FIRE TRUCK

X. ADJOURNMENT

*****************************************************

Borough of Phoenixville
Committee Agendas
Monday, September 22, 2008

1) FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Public Participation

II. Committee Participation

III. Presentations

IV. Manager Updates

V. Review of Unpaid Bills and Prepaids – action required
a. Consider Approval of the Prepaids in the Amount of $624,179.23
b. Consider Approval of the Unpaid Bills in the Amount of $22,222.04
c. Consider Approval of the Budget Transfers in the Amount of $15,108.00

VI. New Business
a. Discussion Regarding Pursuing a Bond
b. 2009 Budget Discussion
1. Discussion Regarding the Liquid Fuels Fund
2. Discussion Regarding the Water Fund
3. Discussion Regarding the Wastewater Fund
4. Discussion Regarding the Sanitation Fund

VII. Old Business
a. Consider Approval of Establishing a Fee of $10,000 for Regional Review (Tabled at the September 9, 2008 Council Meeting)

VIII. Public Participation (Continued)

IX. Committee Participation (Continued)

X. Adjournment

*****************************************************

2) PARKS/PROPERTY/RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Staff Update
i. Friendship Field

IV. C0mmittee Member Updates/Discussions

V. New Business

VI. Adjournment

*****************************************************

3) COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Committee Member Updates/Discussions
a. Update on the Regional Planning Commission Comprehensive Plan – Richard Kirkner
b. Update Regarding the CDC
c. Update Regarding the IT Subcommittee

IV. New Business

V. Old Business
a. Discussion Regarding Writing a Letter of Apology to Don Coppedge (Tabled at the September 9, 2008 Council Meeting)
b. Discussion Regarding Borough Newsletter

VI. Adjournment

*****************************************************

4) PERSONNEL/POLICE COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Appointment to Committee/Commissions

IV. New Business: Discussion Regarding Hiring Part Time Police Officers

V. Adjournment

*****************************************************

5) POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Ordinance Sub-Committee Update

IV. New Business

V. Adjournment

*****************************************************

6) UTILITIES/HEALTH/SANITATION COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Staff Update

IV. New Business: Discussion Regarding Trash Container Policy Regarding Times to Set Out and Retrieve as well as Associated Warnings and Fines

V. Old Business
a. Discussion Regarding Weekly Yard Waste Pickup from April to October (Tabled from the June 23, 2008 Committee Meeting)
b. Discussion Regarding Establishing a Policy for Payment of Water/Sewer/Trash Bills (Tabled from the September 9, 2008 Council Meeting)

VI. Adjournment

*****************************************************

The Word According to Handwerk

The following is a transcript of a letter read into the record by Council President Henry Wagner at the September 9, 2008 Phoenixville Borough Council meeting.

The letter was authored by Councilman Mike Handwerk in response to the ongoing CDC contract discussions. He submitted this letter since he was absent from the meeting, as was Councilman Carlos Ciruelos until he arrived at approximately 9:40 PM.

(Gee, someone other than Senley misses meetings? Bodacious.)

"Dan McCreary once said, “Managers think about today, leaders think about tomorrow”. When discussing how the borough should go about revitalizing, we should be thinking about tomorrow.

Now, I am not in favor of giving notice to the Community Development Corporation of the Borough’s intent of terminating the contract between them and us at this time.

Some things to think about:

The CDC in the past 3 years has helped to contribute to the Borough’s General Fund by gaining for us $240,000 in inspection fees, and saved us about $80,000 for the Borough’s match for the Closed Loop System project. Combined, that’s $320,000. For the past 3 years, we’ve paid the CDC $333.000.

Some wanted to start a Business improvement District to help offset all or some of the costs. Even if Council passes it 8-0, it does not guarantee the BID’s adoption. For it to be created, 70% of business owners need to be in favor of it. Even if it passes, it is projected that we would only collect $14,000. Despite the chance that it would not pass, I am in favor of pursuing this $14,000.

The CDC has helped the Borough by dealing with the Chester County Housing Authority this year, and at our last meeting the entire Borough Council received a letter from the Authority’s chair, Don Coppedge. Some might find Barry Cassidy’s approach unacceptable. I am not going to defend or criticize his actions. What I will say is this; Don Coppedge is a public official and the Chester County Housing Authority is a public agency. Both should expect criticism. As a public official, I know I do.

Now, some on Council wonder what benefits or awards are received from the CDC’s work. Even though we are elected from 4 different parts of town, we make decisions that affect all of Council. The CDC has acquired grants, implemented programs and performed tasks that has helped areas other than Bridge Street. If asked over the next 5 years to do the same, I’m sure that they would continue to help all of Phoenixville.

Phoenixville as a whole has benefited from the work that the CDC and others in the community have done over the last several years. Why stop now?

Mr. Krack wrote to us saying in part, “I don’t believe we would want to knowingly or unknowingly send a negative signal to existing and potential new developers, retailers or small business owners. The message being, that Council is not in it for the long haul." What kind of message would we be sending if we cancelled the contract a month after approving it.?

Revitalization is something that does not happen overnight, and where we are today is the result of years of hard work. We still have progress to make. Years ago, few to none would have expected us to be where we are today.

Now, the question some people are asking is, “Where will we be at tomorrow?”. We have a vision of where we want to go, and we have the CDC to help us make our dreams a reality.

While I support the CDC today, that support is not unconditional. While I believe the CDC will do a great job over the next 5 years, there is always that chance that their quality of service will become unacceptable to me. If and when that happens, my support may not be there.

In conclusion, managers think about today, leaders think about tomorrow. Gentlemen, I am a leader, where are y’all?

Sincerely,
Michael Handwerk"

Economic Picture

Click the title of this entry to jump to an article in today's edition of The Phoenix where Governor Ed Rendell has officially acknowledged that the national economic picture is beginning to affect Pennsylvania adversely.

As a result, budget cuts and freezes on the order of $200 million dollars statewide are being placed into effect immediately. Rendell has indicated that there will be no cuts in critical services, which he defines as those related to public safety, health, social services, and education.

Strangely, no mention was made of any criticality with regard to downtown revitalization programs and grants.

The majority of your Phoenixville Borough Council continues to believe that $125,000 annually to subsidize the non-profit Main Street CDC for the next 5 years is our most critical expense for 2009 through 2013.

It additionally appears that some members of Council are willing to make cuts in police protection, fire protection, recreation services, public works, and Borough staff in order to pay Barry Cassidy's salary for 5 years.

I believe this not only flatly absurd, but also a serious disservice to those other budget areas which have not yet been prepared or discussed with any member of Council or the public. It flies in the face of the Finance Committee's protocol.

The CDC contract will be discussed at the upcoming continued Council meeting this Monday, September 22 at 7:00 PM. It has without question been the most active issue for me since my Council tenure began this year.

While I have had some calls and e-mails from a few CDC supporters, the overwhelming majority (a ratio of 6 to 1) who have reached out personally to me indicate that they do not agree with Council's direction to support the CDC with 100% taxpayer monies.

Unless there is radical change in public opinion between now and then, I will in good faith represent this majority opinion at the meeting. I do not believe it is within my providence or in the community's best interest to go against the clear will of my constituents on a controversial financial decision during an acknowledged economic downturn.

I encourage you to make your feelings known to your Councilmen, and ensure that they are representing you, and not taking some sort of fabricated "community leader" role by telling you what's best for you while voting against your wishes.

30,000 Hits and 116 Posts Later ...

I wanted to take a brief moment and thank all of you who regularly read and participate in this blog. I hope it has proven helpful in engaging thought and discussion on some of our local issues.

If no one was reading, I would have discontinued this effort quite some time ago.

This blog has become an active part of the voice of the citizens of Phoenixville. The same is true of the local bloggery performed by Ken Buckwalter, Karen Johns, Richard Breuer, and Jim Northcott. It has been successful despite the fact that some of my Council colleagues express displeasure or feign ignorance with the medium.

Regardless of whether or not you are in agreement with the content, if you read, think, and formulate and share an opinion on an issue, this blog has served its purpose.

Since some anonymous posters have taken it upon themselves to attempt to litter the comment areas with unrelated and/or imflammatory material (which will continue not to be tolerated), I ask you to please remember the basic ground rules published in the initial blog charter:

"1. I am the author of all main blog entries. No other individuals have author access to this blog.

2. I am the author of all comments posted under my blog ID, "jeff senley". I am not responsible for comments posted under any other credentials.

3. I am the moderator of all comments posted to this blog. The large majority of comments will be accepted and posted; however, comments which are profane, inflammatory or unrelated to the parent blog posting will be rejected. Please use reasonable decorum in your comments."

Thanks again, and please continue to remain active in your local Government.

Chester County Community Alert System

Click the title of this blog entry to go to a relatively new website designed to allow you to sign up and receive alerts via e-mail, text message or pager during declared emergencies.

The service is provided free of charge, and is very configurable with regard to the types of data you wish to receive. You may also sign up to receive information from neighboring counties.

September 9 - Council Meeting Agenda

PHOENIXVILLE BOROUGH COUNCIL
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
7:00 PM


I. Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance - Chair

II. Roll Call – Borough Secretary

III. Resolutions

IV. Presentations

V. Minutes of Previous Meetings: August 12, 2008

VI. Communications

VII. Public Participation – 30 minutes

VIII. Council Participation

IX. Reports of Officers

A. Borough Manager
1. Manager’s Report
2. Code Enforcement Report
3. Public Works Director
4. Mayor’s Report
5. Fire Chief’s Report

B. Public Hearings
1. Consider Adoption of Ordinance #2132 Amending the Code of Ordinances of the Borough of Phoenixville, As Amended, in Particular, Chapter 27, Zoning, in Order to Provide for a Reduction in Certain Percentages Required with Respect to Types of Bedrooms for Senior Citizen Apartments
2. Consider Adoption of Ordinance #2133 Amending the Code of Ordinances of the Borough of Phoenixville, As Amended, in Particular, Chapter 27, Zoning, in Order to Provide for Conversion of Garages into Apartments Subject to Certain Requirements in the LC Zoning District

C. Other Reports
1. CDC Monthly Report
2. Regional Planning Commission

X. Reports of Committees, Boards, Commissions and Authorities

A. Planning Commission
1. Consider Approval of the Final Plan for 423 & 429 Vanderslice Street (Approved by the Planning Commission by a vote of 6 to 0)

B. Historical Architectural Review Board
1. Consider Approval of the Application for 17 Main Street for Rehabilitation Work
2. Consider Approval of the Application for Two North Main Street to Install Two Signs

C. Executive Session

D. Council Action referred from Committees

1. FINANCE COMMITTEE
a. Consider Approval of the Prepaids in the Amount of $528,267.99 (Approved in Committee by a Vote of 8 to 0)
b. Consider Approval of the Unpaid Bills in the Amount of $18,226.97 (Approved in Committee by a Vote of 8 to 0)
c. Consider Approval of the Budget Transfers in the Amount of $165.99 (Approved in Committee by a Vote of 8 to 0)
d. Consider Approval of Establishing a Fee of $10,000 for Regional Review of the 13 Categories Spelled Out in the Regional Planning Commission Implementation Agreement (Approved in Committee by a Vote of 8 to 0)

2. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
a. Consider Approval of the Council President Writing a Letter of Apology to Mr. Coppedge and Outline How Problem is Being Remediated (Approved in Committee by a Vote of 8 to 0)
b. Consider Approval to Contact the CDC Regarding Putting their Reports on Letterhead and Signed by a Member (Approved in Committee by a Vote of 8 to 0)

3. PERSONNEL/POLICE COMMITTEE
a. Consider Approval of the Civil Service Commission Regulation Changes (Approved in Committee by a Vote of 8 to 0)

4. POLICY COMMITTEE
a. Consider Approval to Direct the Planning Commission to Begin Revising the Phoenixville Borough Comprehensive Plan (Approved in Committee by a Vote of 8 to 0)

5. UTILITIES/HEALTH/SANITATION COMMITTEE
a. Consider Approval of a Policy for the Collection Process with Reference to Delinquent Water/Sewer/Trash Bills

XI. Public Participation (con’t)

XII. New Business
a. Consider Termination of the CDC Contract
b. Consider Approval to Send Delinquent Utility List to the Solicitor’s Office to Lien
c. Consider Approval of Timekeeping System and Authorize a Budget Transfer

XV. Old Business

XVI. Adjournment

2009 Budget Priorities

Use this thread to post your initial thoughts on priorities for the 2009 budget, which began discussion last month.

From the tax millage impact perspective to date, we know that there will be a slight decrease in our Debt Services Fund and an increase in our Pension Fund. These are funds essentially beyond control of Council, e.g., "they are what they are".

With this information along with the estimated increase in energy costs and the fact that we have had to absorb some "unbudgeted" items from last year, we know that we are looking at an increase in taxes without an increase in services, unless cuts can be found.

Penny For Your Thoughts

If you don't have any thoughts for me, then click the title of this blog entry to jump somewhere else to use your penny.

A few months ago, you needed a quarter. This is one of the few things that has regrettably regressed in price over that time period.

Once again, I sense the possibility of bloggery becoming more important.

Conventional Bloggery

Click the title of this blog entry to jump to a press release from the DNC (I know, I know, not my party) showing that credentialed bloggers are out in full force for the convention this week. I expect a simiar scenario during the upcoming Republican convention.

The press release talks about blogs' and bloggers' ability to engage as many communities as possible in the convention experience. Specific space and a "Bloggers Lounge" is being set aside for the activity, and the number of credentialed bloggers exceeds 100.

This serves as confirmation to me that both state and local government bloggery supports engagement.

August 25 - Committee Meeting Agendas

Phoenixville Borough Council
Committee Meetings
Monday, August 25
7:00 PM

****************************************************

1) FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Committee Participation

IV. Presentations: 2008 Expense Overview by Steve Nease

V. Manager Updates

VI. Review of Unpaid Bills and Prepaids – action required
a. Consider Approval of the Prepaids in the Amount of $528,267.99
b. Consider Approval of the Unpaid Bills in the Amount of $18,226.97
c. Consider Approval of the Budget Transfers in the Amount of $165.99

VII. New Business
a. Discussion Regarding Pursuing a Bond
b. Discussion Regarding Fees and Escrow Requirement for Developments of Regional Impact for Review by the Phoenixville Regional Planning Commission
c. 2009 Budget Discussion
1. Overview
2. Discussion Regarding Debt Services Fund
3. Discussion Regarding Pension Fund
4. Millage Impact (To Date)

VIII. Public Participation (Continued)

IX. Committee Participation (Continued)

X. Adjournment

****************************************************

2) PERSONNEL/POLICE COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Swearing in of Cpl. Robert Sutton to Sgt. Robert Sutton and Swearing in of Officer Matthew Fusco

III. Public Participation

IV. Appointment to Committee/Commissions

V. New Business: Review of Civil Service Regulations Change

VI. Adjournment

****************************************************

3) COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Committee Member Updates/Discussions
a. Update on the Regional Planning Commission Comprehensive Plan – Richard Kirkner
b. Update Regarding the CDC
c. Update Regarding the IT Subcommittee
d. Update on the Multi Purpose Stadium

IV. New Business
a. Discussion Regarding the Short Term Recommendations for Implementation of the Phoenixville Regional Plan
b. Discussion Regarding the Community Book Tour Agreement

V. Adjournment

****************************************************

4) POLICY/PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Ordinance Sub-Committee Update

IV. New Business
a. Consider Approval of Advertising for a Handicapped Parking Sign at 354 Church Street (Approved by the Police Department)
b. Consider Request for a Handicapped Parking Sign at 608 Gay Street, Apt. A2 (Disapproved by the Police Department)
c. Consider Approval of Advertising for a Handicapped Parking Sign at 25 East Morgan Street (Approved by the Police Department)
d. Consider Request for a Handicapped Parking Sign at 130 Penn Street (Disapproved by the Police Department)
e. Consider Approval of Advertising for a Handicapped Parking Sign at 116 South Street (Approved by the Police Department)
f. Consider Approval of Advertising for a Handicapped Parking Sign at 7 E. Walnut Street (Approved by the Police Department)
g. Consider Request for a Handicapped Parking Sign at 236 Washington Avenue (Disapproved by the Police Department)
h. Consider Request for a Handicapped Parking Sign at 392 Washington Avenue (Disapproved by the Police Department)

V. Adjournment

****************************************************

5) UTILITIES/HEALTH/SANITATION COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Staff Update
a. Delinquent Water/Sewer/Trash Bills
b. Comingled Recycling Program

IV. New Business: Discussion Regarding Building Codes and Sprinklers for New Construction

V. Old Business: Discussion Regarding Weekly Yard Waste Pickup from April to October (Tabled from the June 23, 2008 Committee Meeting)

VI. Adjournment

****************************************************

6) PARKS/PROPERTY/RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Staff Update
i. Friendship Field

IV. Committee Member Updates/Discussions

V. New Business

VI. Adjournment

****************************************************

2009 Budget Discussions Begin Monday

As your Finance Committee Chair, I am pleased to announce that committee discussion on the 2009 Budget will begin this coming Monday.

Yes, that's 3 months earlier than last year.

Borough Manager Krack and Finance Director Nease have been very accommodating in welcoming this new approach. They share my belief that it will give everyone (Council, staff, and the public) the chance to produce a better end result without the pressures and stress of multiple additional "special meetings" between Thanksgiving and Christmas to meet the December 31 deadline.

It is important to me that the budget process puts Council in a position to be successful in allocating your taxpayer money effectively.

Monday's discussion will be limited to our Debt Services and Pension funds. These are funds which essentially "are what they are"; there isn't much room for discussion on increases or cuts. Understanding these items first will set the stage properly for discussion on the other funds that Council has more control over.

We will also publish the tentative schedule for the other Committee meetings, September through November.

Let the fun begin.

Health Care More Important

I've received several inquiries as to why I was not at last evening's Phoenixville Borough Council meeting for the controversial CDC contract renewal vote.

These inquiries deserve a response.

I was on vacation last week, and shortly after returning home contracted bronchitis; I was regrettably not well enough to be in attendance. I am feeling slightly better today, but will not be at 100% for several days while this runs its course. My health is simply more important, and that's just the way it is.

That notwithstanding, had I been in attendance the tie breaking vote would have been the Mayor, who was also not in attendance. It is my understanding that in that event he would have 10 days to render a tie breaking decision, either passing or failing the motion. I do not know the Mayor's position on property taxpayers funding the CDC, but in due time we will find out.

The CDC issue will be ongoing. I expect that eventually the right thing will be done; hopefully this year. Those voting Yes last evening have made that more challenging, but not impossible.

In the interim, I recommend reaching out to Councilmen Ciruelos, Gill, Speck and Wagner if you have a contrary position to their vote.

August 12 Agenda Addition

The following item was inserted today under the Planning Commission agenda:

A. Planning Commission:
1. Consider Approval to Advertise, Submit to the Chester County Planning Commission and Adopt the Proposed Ordinance for 55 Starr Street (Approved by the Planning Commission by a Vote of 3 to 2 with 1 abstention)

This is the ordinance change specific to the Holy Ghost property for Jim Evans' Main Street HUD project.

I didn't know we could do that all at once; advertising, submitting to Chester County, and adopting it. That's darn speedy. Boy, there is a rush to get this one through for some reason.

I better get a rubber stamp made if I'm going to keep up with this pace for the next 3 1/2 years.

August 12 - Council Meeting Agenda

PHOENIXVILLE BOROUGH COUNCIL
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
7:00 PM

I. Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance - Chair

II. Roll Call – Borough Secretary

III. Resolutions
a. Consider Adoption of Resolution #2008-16 for Application to DCED for the Foundry Project
b. Consider Adoption of Resolution #2008-17 for Municibid.com

IV. Presentations

V. Minutes of Previous Meetings: July 15, 2008 and July 28, 2008

VI. Communications

VII. Public Participation – 30 minutes

VIII. Council Participation

IX. Reports of Officers

A. Acting Borough Manager
1. Manager’s Report
2. Code Enforcement Report
3. Public Works Director
4. Mayor’s Report
5. Fire Chief’s Report

B. Public Hearings
a. Consider Approval of Ordinance #2130 Amending the Code of the Borough of Phoenixville, as amended, Chapter 15 “Motor Vehicles and Traffic”, Part 2, “Traffic Regulations”, by Creating a Stop Intersection Northbound on Dean Street at its Intersection with First Avenue; Part 4, “General Parking Regulations”, by Creating an Additional Handicapped Parking Zone on Washington Avenue; and Part 4, “General Parking Regulations”, by Creating 15 Minute Parking Zones on Certain Days and Hours on Church Street and Gay Street

b. Consider Approval of Ordinance #2131 Amending the Zoning Chapter of the Code of the Borough of Phoenixville, Chapter 27, Part 20A, Section 27-2002A(4) (also known as 27-20A02(4), “Zoning Overlay Concept, Master Development Plan and Eligibility”, and Authorizing Numerical Corrections to Codification Numbering

C. Other Reports
1. CDC Monthly Report
2. Regional Planning Commission

X. Reports of Committees, Boards, Commissions and Authorities
A. Planning Commission

B. Historical Architectural Review Board
1. Consider Approval of the Application for 150 Bridge Street to Install Signs
2. Consider Approval of the Application for 221 Church Street to Install a 12” x 24” Sign

C. Executive Session

D. Council Action referred from Committees

1. FINANCE COMMITTEE
a. Consider Approval of the Prepaids in the Amount of $643,996.36 (Approved in Committee by a Vote of 7 to 0)
b. Consider Approval of the Unpaid Bills in the Amount of $60,956.17 (Approved in Committee by a Vote of 7 to 0)
c. Consider Approval of the Budget Transfers in the Amount of $12,533.25 (Approved in Committee by a Vote of 7 to 0)

2. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
a. Consider Approval to Extend the Existing Professional Services Agreement between the Borough of Phoenixville and the Main Street Community Development Corporation (Approved in Committee by a Vote of 4 to 3)

XI. Public Participation (con’t)

XII. New Business: Consider Approval of the Unpaid Bills in the Amount of $86,000.00

XIII. Old Business

XIV. Adjournment

Game Break: New England 20, Oakland 3.

Seeing the 2008 - 2009 NFL season right around the corner, it's time for a football analogy and a few yuks. This whole discussion is starting to make my hair hurt.

On August 1, I created 2 online petitions to allow you to express if you are for or against the CDC contract renewal scheduled for vote on Tuesday, August 12. I've reviewed both petitions at this point; there are 3 signatures for renewal, and 20 signatures against renewal.

Let's do some time warping and say that each of the 12 days in this window is equal to 5 minutes on the football field in our virtual competition (12 days = 60 minutes).

Now, let's have some fun by going to our fake field reporter for an update on this ball game:

"We're almost to the end of the 1st quarter, and the Patriots are currently routing the Raiders by a score of 20 - 3. The score has been heavily influenced by the number of Partiots fans in the stadium.

Strangely, the Pats have been successfully running the same plays over and over again. They just keep scoring more points on that Raiders swiss-cheese defense. The Raiders have tried quite a few different playbook sequences, but have mostly gone 3 and out. They managed to squeak out a 52-yard field goal when the entire Pats defense suddenly left the field to go potty.

Broadcast coverage of this game started here on WJEF Friday, and was quickly picked up by sister stations WKEN and WKAR. Yesterday, independent network WSKP also joined the broadcast. WBAR is still broadcasting it's unique schedule of 'adult only' programming at this time; so, you know ... Enable your V-chips accordingly.

There are unconfirmed rumors that local conglomerate W-DEMS may be working to get a broadcast transmitter online. We have no information about their intended program lineup.

Will the Pats keep their offense in tip-top shape and run up the score?

Will the Raiders mount a comeback and make it a game worth watching?

Will the 8 referees have a meeting after the game is over and vote to declare a different winner?

Stay tuned!"

(Note: I am not a fan of either NFL team; the names just seemed right.)

Online Petitions

The previous 2 posts contain links to online petitions I have created for Phoenixville residents to express their support or opposition to the current discussion topic of CDC contract renewal. The petitions are formal mechanisms to express your opinion.

You will be asked to enter your name, e-mail address, ward, and to confirm that you are a Phoenixville Borough taxpayer. You can also enter a short line of comments. Like normal paper petitions, anonymous signatures are not permitted.

If the level of participation before August 12 indicates that this is a viable method of gathering public opinion, I will consider using it again in the future.

Deny Renewal of Phoenixville CDC Contract?

You may click the link below to sign after carefully reading the petition statement:

Deny Renewal of Phoenixville CDC Contract Petition

Support Renewal of Phoenixville CDC Contract?

You may click the link below to sign after carefully reading the petition statement:

Renewal of Phoenixville CDC Contract Petition

TPN Blows It Again.

Twice now on the floor of Council I have brought attention to the fact that the TPN folks are just not adhering to their published schedule (when one is published) for Council and Committee meetings.

Will the 3rd time be the charm?

While the issue of publishing the schedule appears to have been resolved, once again we're looking at May's meetings this week on TPN. Old news. The schedule indicates that this week is to alternate between July 15 Council and July 28 Committee meetings. Not one night this week has it been correct.

Looks like RFP time for 2009; maybe they'll get the message then.

Front Page Mugshot Gallery

Today's lead story in The Phoenix by Skip Lawrence, "Council Panel OKs CDC Extension" is neatly adorned with clear representative photos of Council members and their votes on the $625,000 5-year taxpayer-funded CDC expenditure.

I commend Skip on his balanced reporting in this article.

I leave it for the readers to decide whether the mugshots appear in the upper or lower photo groups.

$625,000 Recommended to the Easy Street CDC

Despite arguments of fiscal responsibility concerns by Msrs. Buckwalter, Kirkner and Senley, last evening's Committee meeting resulted in a recommendation to Council that we extend the current CDC contract for 5 years at $125,000 annually. The vote was 4-3, Msrs. Ciruelos, Gill, Handwerk and Speck voting in the affirmative; Mr. Wagner was absent.

This recommendation is being made to Council without any knowledge of any part of the 2009 budget. Yes, Council will be asked to approve this expense without any idea of what else taxpayer monies might be "needed" for in the Borough in 2009.

Apparently, this being the first recommended fund allocation for next year, Council has tagged the services of Barry Cassidy as the most important item in this Borough that the property taxpayers absolutely must fund for 5 more years.

The BID/DID concept is apparently a DUD; it's just easier to raise your taxes.

The Committee chose to disregard the statements of the current Finance Chair, past Finance Chair, and past CDC Liaison advising against acting whimsically on this item before Council is fully informed about the Borough's 2009 operational and project needs.

Taxpayers at this point may only grasp two moments of sanity:

1. It's not a "done deal" as of last night.
2. Even if it was a "done deal" last night, it's not a "done deal" until December.

An obvious tactical error was made by those supporting the contract extension in Committee. The contract could have been moved right to Council last night, as there was a continued Council meeting which both preceded and followed the Committee meetings. No such motion was made.

Following on, even if that symbolic gesture had been executed, there is no money officially allocated until the approved 2009 budget in December.

Therefore, the public still has several months to make their feelings known. If you believe your Councilmen are not casting votes that represent your interests, their contact information is available at http://www.phoenixville.org/CouncilMembers.html .

July 28 - Council Meeting Agenda

PHOENIXVILLE BOROUGH COUNCIL
JULY 28, 2008
CONTINUATION OF BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING FROM JULY 15, 2008


I. CALL TO ORDER

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

III. ROLL CALL

IV. EXECUTIVE SESSION

V. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

VI. COUNCIL PARTICIPATION

VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE $250,000 APPLICATION FOR FUNDING TO THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR THE PHOENIXVILLE FOUNDRY PROJECT

VIII. GENERAL BUSINESS AS DETERMINED BY COUNCIL

IX. NEW BUSINESS: CONSIDER ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION #2008-15 TO FILE A MERCHANT APPLICATION WITH NXGEN

X. ADJOURNMENT

July 28 - Committee Meeting Agenda

PHOENIXVILLE BOROUGH COUNCIL
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
MONDAY, JULY 28
7:00 PM

**********************************************************

1) PERSONNEL/POLICE COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Appointment to Committee/Commissions

IV. New Business

V. Adjournment

**********************************************************

2) COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Committee Member Updates/Discussions
a. Update on the Regional Planning Commission Comprehensive Plan – Richard Kirkner
b. Update Regarding the CDC
1. Discussion Regarding the CDC Contract
c. Update Regarding the IT Subcommittee
d. Update on the Multi Purpose Stadium

IV. New Business: Discussion Regarding Proclamation for August 1, 2008 Declaring George Hinkle Day

V. Adjournment

**********************************************************

3) POLICY/PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Ordinance Sub-Committee Update

IV. New Business

V. Adjournment

**********************************************************

4) UTILITIES/HEALTH/SANITATION COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Staff Update

IV. New Business: Discussion of Trash Receptacles on Vanderslice Street

V. Old Business: Discussion Regarding Weekly Yard Waste Pickup from April to October (Tabled from the June 23, 2008 Committee Meeting)

VI. Adjournment

**********************************************************

5) FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Presentations

IV. Manager Updates

V. Committee Member Updates/Discussions

VI. Review of Unpaid Bills and Prepaids – action required
a. Consider Approval of the Prepaids in the Amount of $643,996.36
b. Consider Approval of the Unpaid Bills in the Amount of $60,956.17
c. Consider Approval of the Budget Transfers in the Amount of $12,533.25

VII. New Business: Review of the Borough’s Revenues

VIII. Adjournment

**********************************************************

6) PARKS/PROPERTY/RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Staff Update
i. Friendship Field

IV. Committee Member Updates/Discussions

V. New Business: Annual Dog Park Report

VI. Adjournment

**********************************************************

Skip Lawrence for Finance Chair: Act 47

In this week's Monday edition of The Phoenix, an article headline certainly caught my eye as Finance Chair on Page 4: "CDC a Bargain at Twice the Price". Click the title of this blog entry to read the article.

While there are many interesting points made in Skip's article (which I encourage everyone to read and draw your own conclusion), the mathematics are just a little fuzzy in the last paragraph. Somehow, $14,000 ends up being listed at the Borough's proposed contribution to the CDC next year.

Now, $14,000 is the approximate difference between the 2008 amount given through the Borough's current CDC contract ($111,111 a year for the last 3 years, $333,333 in total) and their request of $125,000 starting in 2009 for the next 5 years ($625,000 in total).

We still need to come up with the other $111,000, not currently planned, and from what I can foretell will be badly needed elsewhere in the budget.

The term "CDC" is also a bit misleading to the reader, as in the context of Borough financial commitment, it really means "Barry Cassidy". The entire $125,000 is intended to pay his salary and benefits.

Visit http://barrycassidy.blogspot.com/ to see where a portion of this salary, uh, "goes".

Of course, real numbers don't seem to be much of a concern. The article recommends approval of this amount on the shoulders of the property taxpayer, writing off the recognized "exercise in proper stewardship of Borough resources" as some sort of one-time display. Additionally, the headline indicates that the Borough would be deemed wise to spend $250,000 over the next 5 years ($1,250,000 in total).

News flash: The "exercise in proper stewardship of Borough resources" continues throughout the budget discussion process scheduled to begin in August, and ends at December's regular business meeting when the 2009 budget is scheduled to be approved.

(By the way, I didn't have enough money in my blog budget to produce Acts 1 through 46; so I just went right to 47) ...

The Cassidy Conundrum

What to do about a 5-year $625,000 line item during a recessive economic period when Council has no idea about any other budgetary needs?

Easy. You wait until the full picture is available and see what other items might be of higher priority to see if you can commit any, some or all of the funds.

Well ... I tried earlier this year to move the BID concept along so that this exact type of expenditure can be shared between the businesses and the property taxpayers. I felt a 50 / 50 split was somewhat more equitable than a 100 / 0 split.

While there have been minor mentions of the BID concept the last few months, interest on Borough Council's part seems weak at best. Perhaps some of my peers believe it's just easier to increase Borough taxes instead.

I've spoken before about the price of oil and its cascading effect now and in the coming year. An example of the cascading effect (other than gas prices)? Rates for electricity in 2009 are estimated to be increasing between 17 and 19%. Last I checked, the Borough was not installing any solar panels or wind turbines. Even if these sorts of projects were already in progress, they take some time to gain return on the initial investment.

Can we reduce our electricity usage enough to flatten out this increase? Maybe; we really don't know yet. But, we have 3 choices in the matter; use less electricity, increase taxes to cover increased cost of the same electricity, or a combination of the 2.

What I do know is that in times of recession, you tighten down spending and place emphasis on budgeting for expenditures which are necessary, assessing risk in accordance with community need.

It's no wonder the CDC wants to get a funding commitment "ahead" of the budget process.

July 15 - Council Meeting Agenda (Draft)

PHOENIXVILLE BOROUGH COUNCIL
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
7:00 PM

I. Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance - Chair

II. Roll Call – Borough Secretary

III. Resolutions: Consider Approval of Resolution #2008-12 Establishing a Deferred Compensation Plan

IV. Presentations: Award to the Fire Department by Senator Dinniman

V. Minutes of Previous Meetings: June 10, 2008 and June 23, 2008

VI. Communications

VII. Public Participation – 30 minutes

VIII. Council Participation

IX. Reports of Officers
A. Acting Borough Manager
1. Manager’s Report
2. Code Enforcement Report
3. Public Works Director
4. Mayor’s Report
5. Fire Chief’s Report

B. Public Hearings
a. Consider Approval of Resolution #2008-13 Authorizing the Borough to Obtain Funds from the Department of Community and Economic Development

C. Other Reports
1. CDC Monthly Report
2. Regional Planning Commission

X. Reports of Committees, Boards, Commissions and Authorities
A. Planning Commission:
1. Consider Approval of the Preliminary/Final Plan for 138-140 Buchanan Street (Approved by the Planning Commission by a Vote of 7 to 0)
2. Consider Approval of the Zoning Amendment Change for Center and Paradise Streets (Approved by the Planning Commission 5 to 0 with 1 abstention)
3. Consider Whether or Not to Approve the Application for 501 Elm Avenue for Variances (Planning Commission Voted 7 to 0 to Not Oppose the Application)
4. Consider Whether or Not to Approve the Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment for 27 and 37 Nutt Road (Planning Commission Voted 7 to 0 to Not Approve)
5. Consider Whether or Not to Approve the Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment for 55 Starr Street (Planning Commission Voted 7 to 0 for Council to Deny)

B. Historical Architectural Review Board
1. Consider Approval of the Application for 35 E. Bridge Street for Alterations/Awning
2. Consider Approval of the Application for 121 Bridge Street to Approve a Temporary Sign No Longer than 18 Months Maximum
3. Consider Approval of the Application for 193 Bridge Street to Approve the Store Front
4. Consider Approval of the Application for 219 Church Street for Demolition
5. Consider Approval of the Application for 22 Gay Street for Alterations to the Property

C. Executive Session

D. Council Action referred from Committees
1. FINANCE COMMITTEE
a. Consider Approval of the Prepaids in the Amount of $509,604.72 (Approved in Committee by a Vote of 7 to 0)
b. Consider Approval of the Unpaid Bills in the Amount of $28,100.57 (Approved in Committee by a Vote of 7 to 0)
c. Consider Approval of the Budget Transfers in the Amount of $4,208.99 (Approved in Committee by a Vote of 7 to 0)

2. POLICY/PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
a. Consider Approval to Advertise for a Handicapped Parking Sign at 206 Washington Avenue (Approved in Committee by a Vote of 7 to 0)
b. Consider Approval to Advertise for a 15 Minute Parking Zone on Church Street (Approved in Committee by a Vote of 7 to 0)
c. Consider Approval to Advertise for a Stop Sign at First Avenue and Dean Street (Approved in Committee by a Vote of 7 to 0)

XI. Public Participation (con’t)

XII. New Business

1. Consider Approval of Appointing the Borough Manager as Borough Secretary

XV. Old Business

XVI. Adjournment

The Phoenix Restores Reader Comments

Remember the "old" website of The Phoenix where articles were posted and readers could enter their comments and discussion points? Without any 4th of July fanfare, this feature has apparently been reactivated in the Journal Register-provided newspaper websites.

You can now enter a comment and title with your identifying information, and you are presented with a math problem to complete to validate your submission. 2 flashing digits in a sequence of 10 are shown; you add the flashing digits and enter the sum to validate your entry.

Congratulations to the Journal Register company for restoring a valuable website feature a year after it was summarily taken away from unsuspecting readers. Things like this might help boost that ailing stock price (last traded at $0.20 per share on July 1).

Maybe in the next website release, they'll make you complete a Sudoku puzzle.

Lock in Gas Prices?

So we've heard about the likelihood of the price of a barrel of oil moving to $200 in the not-so-distant future and its cascading effect on gas prices. Maybe there is a little help available for some of us.

Click the title of this blog entry to go to an interesting website which may help higher mileage drivers reduce costs. MyGallons.com allows you to pre-purchase gallons of gasoline at the current rate, and redeem them when prices my be higher.

The concept looks somewhat like the older "savings clubs" that telemarketers used to call us and advertise before the "Do Not Call List" days. Those types of programs benefitted some subscribers, but you had to work pretty hard to really save money. With the internet and better electronic data transfer vs. saving and mailing coupons, more subscribers may benefit.

In my personal situation, I don't log enough miles on the road to benefit from this program; your situation may differ. Membership in the service costs $29.95 annually, so you need to save at least that much each year to benefit at all. It also favors those having a large amount of immediately disposable income to invest in a large initial purchase at the "current rate".

If you investigate this program further, here are 5 items to closely consider taken from the FAQ's on the website:

Gas "Overdraft":
Q: What if I go over my balance?
A: You should do your best to prevent going over your pre-purchased balance to avoid an overdraft fee of $15. If you have a balance of 10 gallons and you fill up at the pump with 12 gallons your account will be charged for the actual cost of the 2 gallons plus the overdraft fee. To avoid card declines and overdraft fees, you will enroll in the auto-refill program which pre-purchases more fuel for your account when your balance drops below 15 gallon.

Local Price Fluctuation:
Q: Why is my pre-purchase price sometimes greater than the price at my local station?
A: MyGallons determines your pre-purchase price using a variety of data. Since prices vary widely from one station to another, you will find a low-cost station that sells gas for less than your current MyGallons price and you will find other stations that charge more than your current MyGallons price. Keep in mind, MyGallons is designed to protect you from increasing fuel prices over time, we cannot control the price discrepancies from one station to another.

"Small" Reload Fee:
Q: Is there a fee for reloading the MyGallons Card?
A: There is a small $1.95 fee for processing the reload of your MyGallons Card when using a credit card to pre-purchase the fuel.

"Certain Adjustments":
Q: Will MyGallons still pay for my gas if prices go to $5 per gallon or higher?
A: Yes. No matter how high the price of gas rises, you can redeem your gallons at the price you originally pre-purchased them for, subject to certain adjustments, such as fuel grade/type upgrades or purchasing from filling stations with prices higher or lower than the acceptable range for your area.

Taxes:
Q: Am I pre-purchasing the gas with tax?
A: No. You are pre-purchasing regular unleaded gasoline and paying for estimated taxes based on the tax rates in your home location at the time of your pre-purchase. MyGallons uses this method since we have no control over taxes. If taxes go up or down, your account will be adjusted accordingly.

Channel 22: Where Are You?

While I've followed up with some peers on what basically occurred at the Committee meeting this past Monday (I was out of town for work-related reasons), I have yet to see the meeting broadcast on The Phoenixville Network (TPN), otherwise referred to as Channel 22.

I checked Thursday evening when I returned, and May 13th's meeting was being re-broadcast (again). I checked yesterday evening, same thing. There's no schedule published in any edition of The Phoenix this week, and Council (at least not me) has not been notified if / when / where this meeting is being broadcast.

Maybe it's a secret.

I've received multiple inquiries on this matter from the public. Your frustration is understood, respected and agreed with.

Is it a competence issue with the videographers? Not in my opinion. The crew that records the meetings is amiable, accommodating, and regularly does a good job in real-time. Mr. Handwerk was one of the videographers before he began serving as Councilman; good job then, good job now.

What I do know is that there is no known contract or service level agreement between the Borough and Phoenix Productions that indicates what is expected of them regarding management of the broadcast channel.

Nothing is written down that says Phoenix Productions needs to publish a meeting broadcast schedule, or where, when and how often such a schedule must be published.

Nothing is written down that says that Phoenix Productions needs to broadcast a meeting within a certain time period after the meeting occurs.

Public reaction shows me that people are watching these broadcasts. The Borough should be demanding better service in this area on behalf of its taxpayers. If we keep paying the invoices without clear expectations on what is to be delivered, nothing will change.

Reservoir Park: Recognized by Purina

The following article was published in today's edition of The Phoenix.

The Friends of Reservoir Dogs! Park are once again to be commended for their outstanding local contribution, now recognized beyond the borders of Phoenixville by a prominent company in the pet care industry.

"Reservoir Dogs! win $4K grant
Purina donation will provide fountains at borough dog park

By G.E. Lawrence
Special to The Phoenix

PHOENIXVILLE — “I need you cool. Are you cool?”

In the summertime, hydration is especially important.

Reservoir Dogs! Park may soon be outfitted with water fountains — for canine visitors and their humans alike.

The Nestlé Purina PetCare Company has announced the award of a $4,000 grant for the Park through the Company’s Purina Dog Chow Pet program.

Reservoir Dogs! Park is one of only 11 dog parks across the country, from California to Louisiana and Connecticut, to receive Purina awards, according to company spokesperson Kerry Lyman.
The non-profit volunteer organization established to organize and maintain the park, Friends of Reservoir Dogs! Park, applied for the funds in April.

The Purina grant, added to a $2,500 contribution to the Friends made through the Phoenixville Candlelight Holiday House Tour, provides sufficient funding to install three water fountains at the Park, said Friends Board member Dorene Pasekoff.

Two of the fountains are going to the dogs.

“More than 100 dogs and their owners visit the 2.3 acre Reservoir Dogs! Park each day,” Lyman said. “[The Park] currently does not have a water fountain available, so dog owners have no choice but to bring bottled water, which in turn produces a high amount of waste.” The fountains, said Lyman, will “help keep dogs and their owners hydrated and reduce the impact on the environment.”

Pasekoff said that local support was the crucial element “that put us forward. The House Tour donation demonstrated that support to them.”

Company officials agreed. “The Phoenixville community truly rallied together to give their dogs a place to exercise and play,” said Andrea Leas, brand manager for Purina. “After reviewing their application,” Leas said, “it was clear this is a city of dog lovers who want give a little back to the dogs who give them so much in return.”

Installation of the fountains “involves the Borough water lines which run through Reservoir Park,” Pasekoff said. “Once we have okays from the Borough we’ll install [them] as quickly as possible.”"

June 23 - Committee Meeting Agenda

Here is the agenda for the regularly-scheduled Committee meetings:

***************************************************************

1) COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Presentations

IV. Committee Member Updates/Discussions
a. Update on the Regional Planning Commission Comprehensive Plan – Richard Kirkner
b. Update Regarding the CDC
c. Update Regarding the IT Subcommittee
d. Update on the Multi Purpose Stadium

V. New Business
a. Discussion Regarding the Short Term Recommendations for Regional Planning

VI. Adjournment

***************************************************************

2) PERSONNEL/POLICE COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Appointment to Committee/Commissions

IV. New Business

V. Adjournment

***************************************************************

3) POLICY/PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Ordinance Sub-Committee Update

IV. New Business
a. Discussion Regarding the Need for an E-Mail Policy
b. Consider Whether or Not to Approve the Request/Advertising of 206 Washington Avenue for a Handicapped Parking Sign (Police Department does not Disapprove the Request)
c. Consider Approval of Advertising for 15 Minute No Parking Zones on Church Street (Approved by the Police Department)
d. Consider Whether or Not to Approve the Request/Advertising for No Parking Here to Corner Sign at the Corner of Bridge and Main Streets (Police Department does not Disapprove the Request)
e. Consider Approval of Advertising for a Stop Sign at First Avenue and Dean Street (Approved by the Police Department)
f. Consider Whether or Not to Approve a Stop Sign at Franklin Avenue and Vanderslice Street (Police Department Recommends No Action Be Taken)

V. Adjournment

***************************************************************

4) UTILITIES/HEALTH/SANITATION COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Staff Update

IV. New Business

V. Adjournment

***************************************************************

5) FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Presentations

IV. Manager Updates

V. Committee Member Updates/Discussions:

VI. Review of Unpaid Bills and Prepaids – action required
a. Consider Approval of the Prepaids in the Amount of $509,604.72
b. Consider Approval of the Unpaid Bills in the Amount of $28,100.57
c. Consider Approval of the Budget Transfers in the Amount of $4,208.99

VII. New Business

VIII. Adjournment

***************************************************************

6) PARKS/PROPERTY/RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Staff Update
a. Friendship Field

IV. Committee Member Updates/Discussions

V. New Business: Annual Dog Park Report

VI. Adjournment

***************************************************************

June 23 - Council Meeting Agenda

The following is the agenda for the Council meeting continued from June 10 (which was shortened by the storm / power outage):

PHOENIXVILLE BOROUGH COUNCIL
JUNE 23, 2008
CONTINUATION OF BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING FROM JUNE 10, 2008

I. Call to Order

II. Pledge of Allegiance

III. Roll Call

IV. Executive Session

V. Public Participation

VI. Council Participation

VII. Consider Adoption of Ordinance #2129 Amending Part 12, Downtown Commercial District (D-Comm.) of the Borough of Phoenixville Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 27, as amended, to Modify Certain Area and Design Regulations in Order to Better Accommodate and Encourage Development that Conforms to Established Development Patterns within the Borough’s Business District

VIII. Consider Approval of Covering the Travel Expenses for One of the Borough Manager Candidates (Approved by a vote of 6 to 0)

IX. Consider Naming “Melchiorre Park” Veterans Memorial Park Pending Review of the Recreation Board and any Alternate Suggestions

X. Consider Approval of Renaming the Civic Center the Ettinger Civic Center Pending Review of the Historical Society

XI. Consider Approval of Taking $5,000 from the Surplus to Move the Ferris Wheel to Phoenixville to be Refurbished

XII. Consider Approval of Moving Forward with the Website to that the Borough Can Update It (Approved in Committee by a Vote of 6 to 0)

XIII. Consider Award of Friendship Field Phase I Bid

XIV. General Business as Determined by Council

XV. New Business

XVI. Adjournment

June 10: Council By Candlelight

June 10th's meeting was adversely affected by the weather, as were most local residents to some degree. We did accomplish time-critical business with appropriate sunshine despite the storm clouds, and then adjourned to executive session to discuss personnel matters. The meeting was continued to June 23 for the deferred agenda items.

One of the deferred agenda items was discussion on funding the Wonder Wheel (i.e., the "Wonder Why We're Funding This Wheel"). Unfortunately, I'll miss that vote on June 23 as I will be away on business.

I'll entertain any requests for discussion in the comment thread.

PSA: Chamber of Commerce Meeting on June 10

Posted at the request of Karin Williams:

"The Phoenixville Regional Chamber of Commerce invites you to attend its Monthly Breakfast Meeting, sponsored by Taylor & Ochroch, on Tuesday, June 10, 7:15-9:00 a.m.

Learn more about the Baseball Stadium being proposed in Phoenixville, and other “Phun Phoenixville Happenings”, including Programs at the Colonial Theatre and special events in the IronWorks District.

To register for the breakfast, call the Chamber of Commerce at 610.933.3070.

$15 for pre-registered members and their guests, $20 for not-yet members, and at the door."

$138 a Barrel and Rising Makes for a Crude Ferris Wheel Revelation.

Today, the price of a barrel of Crude Oil increased to over $138.

This is the largest 1-day increase in the price of a barrel in the history of that market, and the biggest 1-day percentage increase in the price of a barrel since 1991.

What else happened on Friday as a result of this? Take a look at the stock market numbers; not pretty.

What is going to happen in the future? Analysts are predicting $150, $160, $170, even $200 a barrel for oil within the next 12 to 18 months. Prices for heating oil, gasoline? Well, let's just say that they're not going down. On Monday, we might start to see local gasoline prices somewhere between $4.05 - $4.10 a gallon, just for the cheap stuff (which my car stalls on sitting at stoplights).

This trend in price increases is going to affect practically every household and every business to some degree. The operations costs of your Borough are also going to increase; we are not immune. You know what pays for Borough operations - your Phoenixville Borough tax dollars.

As your Phoenixville Borough Finance Committee Chair, I hope I can communicate to my peers during the 2009 budget cycle that we must allocate funds responsibly and minimize or defer lower priority projects until economic conditions improve. I am only 1 voice out of 8, and as Chair I am unable to make motions on the Committee floor. These discussions will begin in August (unlike last year's budget timeline snafu).

Your Phoenixville Borough Council really can't do anything about the worldwide oil market and what a barrel costs. All Borough residents can make some amount of effort to increase supply by conserving and therefore reducing demand. In all likelihood, that will happen by default since each household is just not going to have as much cash on hand to buy or do as many things as it might have hoped.

What your Phoenixville Borough Council CAN do is spend your tax dollars wisely, carefully, and in accordance with established budgetary guidelines. As an entity, your Borough Council should be working to reduce the impact of external factors beyond its control (like the price of oil) to its taxpayers. It should not make choices that further magnify the adverse effects of these factors. When we hit the surplus, it must be for properly justifiable high priority or emergency situations.

This coming Tuesday, your Phoenixville Borough Council will decide whether or not to hit our surplus fund in the amount of $5,000 for an unbudgeted, unplanned project to transport a dilapidated non-functional ferris wheel to Phoenixville for restoration. Preliminary estimations are that this will turn into a $150,000+ project; although, said plans are merely conjecture. Additionally, only $25,000 of funds are sourced; the source(s) of the other $125,000+ are not known.

If your Phoenixville Borough Council votes yes on this proposition, I consider it highly irresponsible fiscal management, both now and in the future.

It's irresponsible now because this is an unbudgeted item that does not meet any nature of high priority or emergency criteria for our town's welfare.

It's irresponsible for the future because it seems highly likely to me that we will be approached again in 2009 for some additional portion of the remaining needed funds, if not all of them. The fact that we agreed to support the wheel's transfer now will be used as legitimate leverage to garner support for us just handing over the rest of the required money.

Whether or not you agree with me (and I certainly may be wrong because my opinion is currently in the minority), make your voice heard to your councilmen. Contact information is available at http://www.phoenixville.org/CouncilMembers.html.

June 10 - Council Meeting Agenda (Draft)

PHOENIXVILLE BOROUGH COUNCIL
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
7:00 PM

I. Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance - Chair

II. Roll Call – Borough Secretary

III. Swearing in of Two New Police Officers

IV. Resolutions: Consider Approval of Resolution #2008-09 for Valley Forge Christian College in Honor of Clean Up Day

V. Presentations

VI. Minutes of Previous Meetings: May 13, 2008

VII. Communications

VIII. Public Participation – 30 minutes

IX. Council Participation

X. Reports of Officers

A. Acting Borough Manager

1. Manager’s Report
2. Code Enforcement Report
3. Public Works Director
4. Mayor’s Report
5. Fire Chief’s Report

B. Public Hearings
a. Consider Approval of Resolution #2008-10 Authorizing the Borough of Phoenixville, Acting Through its Employees and/or Other Agents, to Apply to the Chester County Department of Community Development for a Community Block Grant for Public Works, the Proceeds of which Would be Applied to the Purchase and Installation of Replacement Street Light Poles for the Southside Streetscapes Program

b. Consider Approval of Resolution #2008-11 Authorizing the Borough of Phoenixville, Acting Through Its Employees and/or other Agents, to Apply to the Chester County Department of Community Development for a Community Block Grant for Community Services, the Proceeds of which Would be Applied to the Costs of Employing a Low to Moderate Income Housing Counselor on the Borough Staff

c. Consider Adoption of Ordinance #2128 Providing for the Vacation and Abandonment to the Abutting Property Owners Certain Portions of Wilson Street, Ann Street, Green Street, and Marshall Street; All of Which were Originally Laid Out as Public Streets and Remain (Or Portions Thereof Remain) Unopened as Public Streets

d. Consider Adoption of Ordinance #2129 Amending Part 12, Downtown Commercial District (D-Comm.) of the Borough of Phoenixville Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 27, as amended, to Modify Certain Area and Design Regulations in Order to Better Accommodate and Encourage Development that Conforms to Established Development Patterns within the Borough’s Business District

C. Other Reports

1. CDC Monthly Report
2. Regional Planning Commission

XI. Reports of Committees, Boards, Commissions and Authorities

A. Planning Commission:
1. Consider Whether or Not to Support the Elm Street Market Area Project (Planning Commission Recommended to Support the Project by a Vote of 7 to 0)

B. Historical Architectural Review Board
1. Consider Approval of the Application for Alterations to 100 Bank Street

C. Executive Session

D. Council Action referred from Committees
1. FINANCE COMMITTEE
a. Consider Approval of the Prepaids in the Amount of $818,107.67 (Approved in Committee by a Vote of 6 to 0)
b. Consider Approval of the Unpaid Bills in the Amount of $15,681.80 (Approved in Committee by a Vote of 6 to 0)
c. Consider Approval of the Budget Transfers in the Amount of $3,128.96 (Approved in Committee by a Vote of 6 to 0)
d. Consider Approval of Liening 25 Properties in the Amount of $6,250

2. POLICY/PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
a. Consider Approval of Covering the Travel Expenses for One of the Borough Manager Candidates (Approved by a vote of 6 to 0)

3. PARKS/PROPERTY/RECREATION COMMITTEE
a. Consider Authorizing/Ratifying the Advertising and Bid Package for Friendship Field to Include All Site Work Construction on Lot 1/Phase 1 Consisting of Approximately Three Acres (Approved in Committee by a Vote of 6 to 0)

b. Consider Naming “Melchiorre Park” Veterans Memorial Park Pending Review of the Recreation Board and any Alternate Suggestions (moved from the May 13th meeting)

c. Consider Approval of Renaming the Civic Center the Ettinger Civic Center Pending Review of the Historical Society (moved from the May 13th meeting)

4. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
a. Consider Approval of Taking $5,000 from the Surplus to Move the Ferris Wheel to Phoenixville to be Refurbished (Approved by a Vote of 3 to 2)

b. Consider Approval of Moving Forward with the Website to that the Borough Can Update It (Approved in Committee by a Vote of 6 to 0)

c. Consider Approval of an Extension for the Phoenixville Hospital, Phase II (Approved in Committee by a Vote of 6 to 0)

d. Consider Approval/Ratification of Planning Commission Referrals and Authorize Advertisement for Council Action of a Draft Ordinance Amending Part 20A of the Zoning Code Including Certain Time Frames for Overlay Reversions in the UD – Unified Development Overlay District and Providing for Numerical Revisions. The Ordinance will provide for the Extending of the Master Plan to a 15 Year Time Period (Approved in Committee by a Vote of 6 to 0)

e. Discussion Regarding Grant Application for Brandywine Financial French Creek Manor Senior Housing Project

XII. Public Participation (con’t)

XIII. New Business

XIII. Old Business

XIV. Adjournment

June - Public Commentary

You may place posts under this thread for general discussion on Phoenixville Borough Council matters during the month of June, 2008.

As a reminder, please take note of the following:

1. I am the author of all main blog entries. No other individuals have author access to this blog.

2. I am the author of all comments posted under my blog ID, "jeff senley". I am not responsible for comments posted under any other credentials.

3. I am the moderator of all comments posted to this blog. The large majority of comments will be accepted and posted; however, comments which are profane, inflammatory or unrelated to the parent blog posting will be rejected. Please use reasonable decorum in your comments.

Thanks for participating in your local government!

May - Public Commentary Follow-up

The May comment thread included discussions on:

Blog Frequency
Holy Ghost / Jim Evans Housing Project
Phoenix Ferris Wheel Acquisition

You may click on the title of this entry to jump directly to that posting and the associated comments.

Committee Update

Click the title of this blog entry to go to The Phoenix's blogs for Skip Lawrence's update on last evening's meeting.

I will entertain any additional discussion in the comments thread.

Wheel of Fortune Blues

(with apologies to Merv Griffin)

One item of interest at last night's Committee meeting dealt with a request for $5000 of your unbudgeted taxpayer money to assist with transporting an old Phoenix Ferris Wheel from Asbury Park to Phoenixville.

Councilman Buckwalter documented more details than I even knew about the entire situation. Click the title of this entry to jump to his blog entry for details.

I would have supported this request if the money was budgeted; however, I admit I would have had to think twice about the implied future plans to paint the wheel "Barry Cassidy Blue" to match the streelights as mentioned by Barbara Cohen. I did indicate that I would have entertained discussion for this funding during the upcoming 2009 budget cycle. This was rejected as an option, and there was some sudden sense of urgency to get our commitment to spend this money.

Hopefully at our next Council business meeting, enough of my peer Councilmen will realize that hitting the surplus for this nature of expense during a recession is not in the best interests of our taxpayers. This just doesn't meet any justifiable criteria for a budget exception.

For my readers outside the North Ward, feel free to contact your councilmen and express your thoughts prior to June 10. Contact information is available at http://www.phoenixville.org/CouncilMembers.html.

Parking Authority Rocking and Rolling (Apparently)

In a recent communication to Council containing a draft of Phoenixville's site criteria form for the Chester County Stadium project, the following was contained under "Parking":

"Recently the Borough has formed a Parking Authority to address the parking needs of the Borough. Future plans include the construction of a parking garage(s). These would be run and maintained by the Authority."

Based on this, suffice it to say that the Parking Authority must have already met, determined its initial charter, short and long-term plans, and lo and behold, said plans contain "parking garage(s)" which they are going to run and maintain.

I am aghast at such an extreme level of progress since this body was formed on April 29. Those guys must have been working days, nights, and weekends feverishly documenting the details - and without any startup funding!

Bravo!

Bravissimo!

...

... Oh ...

... Wait ...

...

... Another possibility exists ...

...

Maybe somebody just made that up to sound good on the form.

Having no record of any Parking Authority meetings to date, yea, that's what happened.

...

Fair enough; disregard this entire blog posting then ...

May Committee Agendas

PHOENIXVILLE BOROUGH
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008 (moved for Memorial Day holiday)
7:00 PM

*****************************************************************

1) COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Committee Member Updates/Discussions
a. Update Regarding the CDC
b. Update Regarding the IT Subcommittee
c. Update on the Multi Purpose Stadium

IV. New Business
a. Consideration of An Extension for the Phoenixville Hospital, Phase II
b. Discussion Regarding a Letter of Support for Brandywine Financial
c. Discussion Regarding Setting Up a BID (Business Improvement District)
d. Discussion Regarding the Master Plan

V Adjournment

*****************************************************************

2) PERSONNEL/POLICE COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Appointment to Committees/Commissions

IV. New Business

V. Adjournment

*****************************************************************

3) POLICY/PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Ordinance Sub-Committee Update

IV. New Business

V. Adjournment

*****************************************************************

4) UTILITIES/HEALTH/SANITATION COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Staff Update

IV. New Business

V. Adjournment

*****************************************************************

5) FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Presentations

IV. Manager Updates

V. Committee Member Updates/Discussions

VI. Review of Unpaid Bills and Prepaids – action required
a. Consider Approval of the Prepaids in the Amount of $818,107.67
b. Consider Approval of the Unpaid Bills in the Amount of $15,681.80
c. Consider Approval of the Budget Transfers in the Amount of $3,128.96

VII. New Business: Status of Revenue Projections for 2008

VIII. Adjournment

*****************************************************************

6) PARKS/PROPERTY/RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Staff Update
a. Friendship Field – Consider Authorizing the Bid Package for the Friendship Field Project to Include All Site Work Construction on Lot #1/Phase 1 which Consists of Approximately Three Acres on the Southeast Corner of Franklin Avenue and Fillmore Street in the Borough of Phoenixville, Including but Not Limited to Earthwork, Erosion and Sediment Control, Stormwater Management Facilities, Underground Utilities, Parking Lots, Concrete Curb and Sidewalk, Landscaping, Lighting, and All Related work as Further Defined on the Project Drawings

IV. Committee Member Updates/Discussions

V. New Business

VI. Adjournment

"We're Number 77!"

While it may not make such a great chant for the new stadium we may be in the running for, Michigan Realtor HomeRoute has placed Phoenixville in its top 100 places to live in 2008. In fact, Phoenixville is the only Pennsylvania municipality to make this list.

So ... Everybody quit complaining.

Click the title of this entry to go to HomeRoute's website for more information and to see our peers in the Top 100.

April - Public Commentary Follow-up

The April comment thread included discussions on:

Borough Website Update Concerns
IT Subcommittee Concerns
Water/Sewer Billing
Vale Rio Diner Site Cleanups

You may click on the title of this entry to jump directly to that posting and the associated comments. All discussion points have been addressed to the best of my ability.

May - Public Commentary

You may place posts under this thread for general discussion on Phoenixville Borough Council matters during the month of May, 2008.

As a reminder, please take note of the following:

1. I am the author of all main blog entries. No other individuals have author access to this blog.

2. I am the author of all comments posted under my blog ID, "jeff senley". I am not responsible for comments posted under any other credentials.

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Thanks for participating in your local government!

"Parkvergnügen"

The photo above was taken at a parking garage in Munich, Germany. The actual space that the facility occupies is approximately only 20% of a comparable facility with the traditional design that is used primarily in the USA. Not only is the German structure less expensive to build, but vehicles are also 'retrieved' in less time, and without the potential of being damaged by an attendant. Since we're on the brink of getting 14-story towers in the middle of our downtown, maybe our Parking Authority should investigate this concept.

Parking Authority: One Citizen's Opinion

The following letter to the editor was published in today's edition of The Phoenix.

I commend Ms. McGuire for her well-thought and articulated position.

"Mayor, please veto parking authority

Mayor Scoda —

I am writing you to ask that you please consider using your veto power to turn around Council’s vote to adopt a Parking Authority. I have been watching this issue with interest, and I believe we might have a parking problem in downtown Phoenixville — once in a while.
My family and I have lived in Phoenixville for four years. We support the local merchants every chance we get.

We believe in this town and are proud to call Phoenixville home.

We go downtown for lunch during the week and dinner on the weekend. We travel downtown on Saturday afternoon to pick up dry-cleaning, takeout and clarinet reeds along three blocks of Bridge Street. We’ve attended sold out shows at the Steel City and mingled with overflow crowds on First Friday. We enjoy visiting downtown whenever we can.

And we have never had a problem finding a parking spot within two blocks of Bridge Street.

Never.

Ever.

Not on First Friday, not during the Holiday Parade, not during the grand opening of Mollie Maguire’s, not on a Friday night during Lent to pick up vegetarian pizza.

Never.

Yes, we do drive downtown. We should walk the 3/4 of a mile, but that’s not usually convenient. So we drive. Depending on the venue we use two cars, despite our concerns about carbon footprints.

This fall my husband and I will struggle to pay for oil to heat our home. We will be faced with higher prices at the pump, higher prices at the supermarket and higher health care costs. At Monday’s meeting Councilman Kirkner presented some disturbing facts on shortfalls in the current budget. Given those shortfalls I expect a tax increase at least equal to the increase in 2008. And it’s only May. Who knows how the current climate will affect the budget talks that should start in August.

I cannot afford to be accountable for a governing body like the Parking Authority when I do not know how I will keep my family warm this winter. I fear that the limited deliberation by supporting council on Monday will haunt me each time my heater fires up in January. The councilmen against a Parking Authority presented repeated and compelling arguments supported by facts and figures, while the councilmen for did little to appear even interested — despite the question about eminent domain.

I cannot believe that the majority of homeowners in Phoenixville realize the impact of this decision and I question the understanding of the few interested business owners who spoke before council on Monday evening.

Mayor Scoda, I am asking you to use your veto power. Is there a parking problem in downtown Phoenixville? Maybe. But start with the folks who abuse the free municipal lots as personal parking. Meter the downtown lots and streets. Establish and enforce parking rules. Give folks a chance to shop/eat/stroll for two hours then move them along. People will adapt. Pardon the pun, but believe it or not, even if you bill them, they will come. The concept works in West Chester, Wayne and Manyunk — to name a few. As a homeowner, I would be happy to feed a meter when I needed one rather than to bear the cost of the people who might/should/would but don’t.

There is not enough evidence to support the need for a Parking Authority. There is evidence of apathy, ignorance and presumption in regard to the current parking rules downtown. If we want to get the newcomers to keep coming back, let’s get the slackers to move on. I’ll pay $.25 for 20 minutes of parking in the lot at Main and Bridge if it means there will finally be a spot available in that lot for the first time since I moved into the borough.

Mayor Scoda, please exercise your right as the elected mayor of this borough and veto the approval to adopt a Parking Authority in Phoenixville.

Please.

Respectfully,
Meghan McGuire"

April 28 - Meeting Update

Click on the title of this post to go to Skip Lawrence's brief on last evening's Council / Committee meeting on The Phoenix Files.

Due to time constraints and to avoid duplication of effort, I'll be changing the concept of my previously popular "Meeting Updates" going forward. I will link to other meeting summations posted elsewhere, and allow discussion here in a standard blog thread.

Please post any questions or comments about the meeting under this thread and I will review and address accordingly.

Parking Authority: A 50-Year "Hey, Good Luck With That".

The vote was 5 - 3 at last evening's continued business meeting in favor of the ordinance establishing the Phoenixville Parking Authority, despite spirited arguments against said proposal from me, Mr. Kirkner, and Mr. Buckwalter.

It was also confirmed that the Parking Authority may exercise eminent domain, that the Parking Authority is responsible for parking issues throughout the entire Borough and not just downtown, and that no special grant funding was available for a Parking Authority versus any other type of parking-related project.

Public Participation this time was a bit more balanced, with a few business owners speaking out in favor of the proposal and a few residents speaking out against it. One business owner mistakenly (?) referred to the entity as the "Parking Garage Authority".

I think some still don't get it. If anyone thinks they're getting a garage any time before all parking within 2 square miles of said garage is metered, they're fooling themselves. Authority, Department, Task Force, or whatever organization addresses the issue, the general solution path is the same.

The big difference is that the Parking Authority can (independent of Council) take on significant financial commitments to fund solutions. Whether or not the Borough decides to formally back the investments with your tax dollars, the Borough would ultimately end up responsible for making up any shortfalls should the Authority take on debt that it could not properly service.

Interestingly enough, later in the evening, the Finance Committee tabled a motion to provide the Parking Authority a startup funding loan of $10,000. We don't seem all that committed after all, do we.

Is it all a done deal? In all likelihood, yes.

However, the Mayor still has an option to veto said legislation in the next 14 days. Should he choose to do so, a 6-2 vote would be required for Council to override his veto. Considering the strong opinions on the con side, all the Mayor needs to do is exercise his veto power.

If you wish to advise Mayor Scoda of your opinion, please go to http://www.phoenixville.org/ for his contact information.

For now as your elected Councilman, I no longer have responsibility for addressing parking issues. As previously stated, should anyone come to me with a parking-related concern, my response will be "I understand your concern; Please contact the Parking Authority.".

So, hey; good luck with that.

Parking Authority Public Hearing

The public hearing for the Parking Authority ordinance will be held this coming Monday, as you can see from the agenda.

Local business owners and developers have spoken out on record at previous meetings, but Council has not yet heard from local taxpayers, who will clearly be footing some portion of the bill (what portion remains undetermined, and somewhat dynamic).

This is your last opportunity to provide feedback to your elected officials. If you have an opinion either way, I encourage you to attend and speak out during the public hearing.

I take solace in only one point with this proposed ordinance if it moves forward: Should anyone come to me with an issue related to parking anywhere in the Borough, I now will take 10 seconds, say "I understand your concern; please contact the Parking Authority.", and wash my hands of the issue knowing I have properly executed the duties of my office.

April 28 - Meeting Agenda

PHOENIXVILLE BOROUGH COUNCIL
APRIL 28, 2008

CONTINUATION OF BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING FROM APRIL 15, 2008

I. CALL TO ORDER

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

III. ROLL CALL

IV. EXECUTIVE SESSION

V. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS

A. CONSIDER ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE #2124 AMENDING CHAPTER 15 “MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC”, PART 4, “GENERAL PARKING REGULATIONS”, BY CREATING ADDITIONAL HANDICAPPED PARKING ZONES ON MORGAN STREET AND OXFORD AVENUE

B. CONSIDER ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE #2125 AMENDING CHAPTER 15 “MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC”, PART 4, “GENERAL PARKING REGULATIONS”, BY CREATING AN ADDITIONAL NO PARKING ZONE ON MAIN STREET

C. CONSIDER ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE #2126 AMENDING CHAPTER 15 “MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC”, PART 4, “GENERAL PARKING REGULATIONS” BY PERMITTING VARIATIONS IN THE TIME PARKING MAY BE PROHIBITED AND PROHIBITING PARKING ON BRIDGE STREET ON CERTAIN DAYS DURING CERTAIN HOURS FOR STREET SWEEPING, FROM MARCH 1 TO DECEMBER 31

D. CONSIDER ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE #2127 SIGNIFYING THE INTENT OF THE PHOENIXVILLE BOROUGH COUNCIL TO ORGANIZE A PARKING AUTHORITY PURUSANT TO 53 PA.C.S.A. CHAP. 55, “PARKING AUTHORITIES”, AS AMENDED AND SUPPLEMENTED; SETTING FORTH IN FULL THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION, APPOINTING AND FIXING THE TERM OF THE FIRST MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF SUCH AUTHORITY; AUTHORIZING THE AUTHORITY TO ADMINISTER, SUPERVISE, AND ENFORCE ON-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION; AND REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT WITH THIS ORDINANCE

VII. GENERAL BUSINESS AS DETERMINED BY COUNCIL

VIII. NEW BUSINESS

IX. ADJOURNMENT

******************************************************

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

1) PERSONNEL/POLICE COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Appointment to Committee/Commissions

IV. New Business

V. Adjournment

******************************************************

2) COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Committee Member Updates/Discussions

i. Update on the Regional Planning Commission Comprehensive Plan – Richard Kirkner

ii. Update Regarding the CDC

iii. Update Regarding the IT Subcommittee

IV. New Business

V. Adjournment

******************************************************

3) POLICY/PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Ordinance Sub-Committee Update

IV. New Business

a. Discussion Regarding the Borough Manager Job Description

b. Discussion Regarding Waiving of Fee for Items on Borough Property

c. Discussion of Zoning Officer Appointment

V. Adjournment

******************************************************

4) UTILITIES/HEALTH/SANITATION COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Staff Update

IV. New Business

V. Adjournment

******************************************************

5) FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Presentations: Update on the 2007 Audit by Steve Nease

IV. Manager Updates

V. Committee Member Updates/Discussions:

VI. Review of Unpaid Bills and Prepaids – action required

a. Consider Approval of the Prepaids in the Amount of $679,634.90

b. Consider Approval of the Unpaid Bills in the Amount of $64,603.81

c. Consider Approval of Budget Transfers in the Amount of $51,354.00

VII. New Business

a. Review of Parking Authority Startup Funding

VIII. Adjournment

******************************************************

6) PARKS/PROPERTY/RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Staff Update

i. Friendship Field

IV. Committee Member Updates/Discussions

V. New Business: Discussion Regarding Naming of “Melchiorre Park”

VI. Adjournment

******************************************************

Peanuts and Crackerjack in Phoenixville?

There has been talk of submitting an application to consider the former steel site as a candidate for the future Chester County multi-purpose regional stadium. This discussion has elevated based on a recent declaration of a date for submission next month.

There are many pros and cons to both sides of this as a local opportunity for Phoenixville. Additionally, there are some issues with some of the criteria that would require other local commitments to be resolved and actions to be taken from a viability perspective.

What are your thoughts? Should Phoenixville submit for consideration as a home site?

Here is an introduction to the overall project from the stadium's task force:

"The task force is soliciting input from the entire Chester County community in identifying prospective stadium sites. A minimum of 13 to 16 acres is required. If you ... would like to nominate a site for consideration, please review the attached criteria and priorities for site selection. If you feel your site would qualify, please provide the information requested along with any other information you feel supports your site ... prior to May 23, 2008.

CHESTER COUNTY MULTI-PURPOSE REGIONAL STADIUM SITE EVALUATION WILL BE BASED ON THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:

1. Location: identify current owner, site location, including municipality, with aerial photo/map showing property.

2. Site specifics: size of property in acres. Also provide if available, a detailed survey identifying easements, encumbrances, deed restrictions, right of ways, flood plains, wetlands, utilities, power lines, encroachments, access points, creeks, and topography. Describe any existing buildings that currently exist on the site and give a timeframe for any demolition/clearing that may be necessary.

3. Zoning: describe the existing zoning of the site and if applicable, the process, timing, and/or possibility of obtaining revised zoning if necessary.

4. Environmental Assessment: has an environmental assessment been done on this site? If so, please provide a copy. Is the property a brownfield site?

5. Accessibility: what is the vehicular and pedestrian accessibility to this site?

6. Public Transportation: describe proximity to public transportation (bus, rail, etc).

7. Parking: describe the availability and quantity of public or common parking, public parking garages (and cost per vehicle if applicable) and the potential to accommodate up to1,500 (+/-) parking spaces within 200 feet of the site.

8. Economic Incentives: does the subject property fall within the boundaries of any special state, county or locally designated development area? If so, please describe.

9. Adjacent Property: describe the types of neighboring businesses. Identify the zoning and current use of any adjacent property.

10. Utilities: describe the availability and proximity of public water, public sewer, electric power, gas, etc to service the facility.

11. Availability: describe your ability to obtain, in writing, a firm commitment to sell with the additional ability to close on the sale and obtain clear unencumbered title.

12. Terms and Conditions: identify cost per acre and terms of sale, financing, and flexibility of terms.

13. Design Influences: describe the historic significance of the area, proximity to historic landmarks and/or architecturally significant buildings."

Reminder: Vote Today, April 22

Today is Pennsylvania's scheduled primary election. Be sure to go out and make your voice heard. For ease of reference, here are the Phoenixville Borough polling places:

NORTH 1
SANTA ANNA ITALIAN-AMERICAN CLUB 442 DAYTON STREET

NORTH 2
FRIENDSHIP FIRE CO, 423 HIGH STREET

NORTH 3
LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE, LODGE 1273, 920 TOWNSHIP LINE ROAD

MIDDLE 1
PHOENIXVILLE BOROUGH HALL, 140 CHURCH STREET

MIDDLE 2
CIVIC CENTER, 123 S MAIN STREET

MIDDLE 3
BARKLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, ROOM 104, 320 SECOND AVE

EAST 1
PHOENIXVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY, 183 SECOND AVE

EAST 2
FIRST METHODIST CHURCH OF PHOENIXVILLE, S MAIN ST & VIRGINIA AVE

EAST 3
PHOENIXVILLE AREA HIGH SCHOOL, 1200 GAY STREET, ROOM 151 (USE CITY LINE AVE. ENTRANCE)

WEST 1
WEST END FIRE HOUSE, 801 W BRIDGE ST

WEST 2
PHOENIXVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL, LOBBY 1330 MAIN STREET

WEST 3
CAINES CREEK SOCIAL CENTER, 125 HARVEST LANE

Hey Senley, Where's The Meeting Update?

Thanks to TPN (again) not adhering to their schedule, the meeting from Tuesday has not yet aired. This is not the first time this has happened. As I've told you before, I watch the meeting as I write the blog update so I don't miss things. These 5-hour ordeals are pretty tough to make it through, let alone remember everything that happened.

Thankfully, we have detailed minutes.

If you wish to register a complaint, please contact the TPN administrators at (610) 407-0776 and politely ask them to adhere to the broadcast schedule they publish in The Phoenix.

In the meantime, local political reporter Skip Lawrence has blogged an update called "Council Highlights" on The Phoenix Files , which you can reach by clicking on the title of this entry. (Where did he get such an idea, I wonder?)

Good job, Skip; I hope this is a trend.

Will Cronyism Prevail?

Tomorrow evening as part of a packed agenda, Phoenixville Borough Council will appoint a member to the Planning Commission to replace the seat vacated by a disenfranchised Mike Hott. We got to this point following a series of cronyistic events leading up to a "surprise" nomination, subsequent reluctant resignation and multi-pronged interview process.

Let's hope that the cronyism is indeed in the past as we move forward.

Bring a few Red Bulls or some "No-Doze" (do they still make that?) to the meeting, as it is pretty late in the agenda before we will be addressing the appointment.

4 candidates appeared before Council at the March Committee meeting, and 3 out of 4 gave very good interviews showing promise for membership on our Planning Commission either now, or in the near future. I am very encouraged by the community interest.

Please feel free to express your opinions here, or (more preferably) send me an e-mail at jsenley@phoenixville.org with your thoughts on who I should support for this open seat.

April 15 - Council Meeting Agenda

PHOENIXVILLE BOROUGH COUNCIL
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
7:00 PM

I. Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance - Chair

II. Roll Call – Borough Secretary

III. Resolutions: Presentation of Resolution #2008-06 to Paul Bastian

IV. Public Hearings

1. Consider Adoption of Ordinance #2118 to Approve, Adopt and Enact an Ordinance Codification and Revision of the Ordinances of the Borough of Phoenixville, County of Chester, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Providing for the Continuation of Previous Provisions; Repealing and Saving from Repeal Certain Ordinances not Included Therein; Adopting Certain Changes Made to Previously Adopted Ordinances; and Providing for the Proper Maintenance of the Code; and to Provide Penalties for the Violation of the Code or Chapters Thereof

2. Consider Adoption of Ordinance #2119 Signifying the Intent of the Phoenixville Borough Council to Organize a Parking Authority Pursuant to 53 Pa.C.S.A. Chap. 55, “Parking Authorities”, As Amended and Supplemented; Setting Forth in Full the Articles of Incorporation, Appointing and Fixing the Term of the First Members of the Board of Such Authority; Authorizing the Authority to Administer, Supervise, and Enforce On-Street Parking Regulations; Authorizing the Execution of the Articles of Incorporation; and Repealing All Ordinances Inconsistent with this Ordinance

3. Consider Adoption of Ordinance #2120 Amending Part 12, Downtown Commercial District (D-Comm) of the Borough of Phoenixville Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 27, as amended, to Modify Certain Area and Design Regulations in Order to Better Accommodate and Encourage Development that Conforms to Established Development Patterns within the Borough’s Business District

4. Consider Adoption of Ordinance #2121 Amending the Borough of Phoenixville Zoning Ordinance No. 1601, as amended, to Revise and Further Clarify the Parking Requirements as Set Forth in 27-2819 (formerly 2819) of the Zoning Ordinance in Order to Provide More Uniform Parking Standards throughout the Various Zoning Districts of the Borough of Phoenixville and to Remove Certain Required Parking Setbacks in the Downtown Commercial District and Such Other Related Amendments as Needed

5. Consider Adoption of Ordinance #2122 Amending the General Definitions Section and Section 27-503 of Part 5 of the Borough of Phoenixville Zoning Ordinance No. 1601, as amended, to Modify Certain Requirements Under the Infill Development Provisions in Order to Better Accommodate and Encourage Infill Development that Conforms with Established Neighborhood Development Patterns Within the Borough of Phoenixville and Such Other Related Amendments As May Be Required

6. Consider Adoption of Ordinance #2123 Amending Chapter 20 “Solid Waste”, Part 1, “Collection and Disposal”, by Deleting References to Tree Trimmings; and Amending Part 2, “Recycling”, by Redefining Yard Waste and Providing Precollection Practices for Yard Waste

V. Presentations

1. Father James Evans Regarding Senior Housing at the Holy Ghost Church

VI. Minutes of Previous Meetings: March 11, 2008

VII. Communications

VIII. Public Participation – 30 minutes

IX. Council Participation

X. Reports of Officers

A. Acting Borough Manager
1. Code Enforcement Director
2. Public Works Director
3. Recreation Director
4. Fire Chief
a. Update Regarding Vehicles
5. Finance Director

B. Mayor’s Report

C. Other Reports
1. CDC Monthly Report

XI. Reports of Committees, Boards, Commissions and Authorities

A. Planning Commission:
1. Consider Approval of the Preliminary Plan for 423 and 429 Vanderslice Street

B. Historical Architectural Review Board
1. Consider Approval of the Application for 99 Bridge Street to Install a Sign

C. Executive Session

D. Council Action referred from Committees

1. FINANCE COMMITTEE
a. Consider Approval of the Prepaids in the Amount of $592,418.83 (Approved in Committee by a Vote of 6 to 0)
b. Consider Approval of the Fund Balance Utilization in the Amount of
$11,717.10 (Approved in Committee by a Vote of 6 to 0)
c. Consider Approval of the Budget Transfers in the Amount of $479.63 (Approved in Committee by a Vote of 6 to 0)

2. COMMITTEE/COMISSION APPOINTMENTS
a. Consider Appointment to the Open Planning Commission Seat

3. PARKS/PROPERTY/RECREATION COMMITTEE
a. Consider Staff Recommendation for GQ Property Maintenance in the Amount of $45,500 for Grass Cutting (Approved in Committee by a Vote of 6 to 0)

XII. Public Participation (con’t)

XIII. New Business
a. Discussion Regarding Municibid Online Auction Site to Sell Borough Equipment
b. Discussion Regarding a Traffic Study and Pursuing a Four Way Stop Sign at Franklin and Emmett Streets

XIV. Old Business

XV. Adjournment

Want "Free Parking"? Play Monopoly.

It is good that the parking debate has evolved into intelligent (well, mostly intelligent) discussion as we approach the vote on establishment of a Phoenixville Parking Authority to begin addressing the issue.

I posted the following response this morning to Patricia Matson's recent online and printed article in The Phoenix.

"Hi Patricia:

Thanks for contributing this article to the ongoing discussion on the parking issues we have in town. I share your concern that we need to begin doing something about the problem.

I am confused about one point in your article though; and that is the "local business taxes" you mention. I'm not aware of any tax monies that are collected and given to the Borough from the downtown businesses.

There are some individuals who are indicating that parking is some sort of inalienable right; this just isn't so. These same folks also believe it should be "free".

The only place I'm aware of "Free Parking" is in the board game Monopoly. Even then, you only get such by a lucky roll of the dice.

A very timely article in a peer JR publication earlier this week presents data showing that the construction cost of a parking garage runs around $22,000 a space.

For a 500 space garage at that price, it's a paltry $11,000,000 just to build said facility. This cost doesn't include operations after the facility is open for business (staffing, enforcement, etc.).

Now, let's talk mathematics.

To recoup the initial construction cost (which would need to be financed using a 20-year bond), math shows that each of the 500 parking spaces would need to generate $22,000 in parking revenue over that 20-year period if the bond financing construction was interest-free.

Since, uh, that isn't going to happen, let's assume generously that we get a real bargain and the principal and interest cost is only $30,000 per space in that time period.

If the parking garage is a 24-hour facility, and we assume that all 500 spaces are constantly filled for 20 years, only $.18 an hour would need to be collected to cover the cost of initial construction.

Wow, cheap!

Oh, what's that? You mean we don't have the level of problem where said facility will be completely full 24 hours a day 7 days a week? Oh. Well that changes things a bit.

Will it be full 16 hours a day 7 days a week? Probably not. 12 hours? 8 hours? Rarely, if ever? We don't really know.

So, we must build into that initial cost factor an unpredictable level of usage, particularly if you can park on the street or in some municipal lot for free.

Let's generously assume that the parking garage averages out 100% allocation 8 hours a day over 20 years. That means $.54 an hour would need to be collected to cover the initial construction cost.

Still kinda reasonable, right?

Oh, there's operating costs? Staff to support the parking garage's operation? Well, what does that cost? $100,000 a year, maybe, on average? Factoring that in adds $2,000,000 in cost that must also be recouped, increasing the previously stated hourly average for self-sustainment from $.54 to $.66 per space.

Oh, and uh, we forgot about maintenance costs? Insurance costs? What other costs might there be?

OK OK, so we've gotten in too deep with all this silly mathematical analysis. Let's just settle on $1 an hour and be done with it, and we'll probably have a good shot at covering all the costs we incur, even if the garage isn't 100% occupied an average of 8 hours a day over 20 years.

Right? Good.

Well, kind of.

Well, maybe, but there's another problem.

Now there's the matter of getting investors to float us a 20-year $11,000,000 bond for this garage's construction. Think there's enough solid information to support investment in this opportunity? What would the investor do if we per chance didn't generate the necessary revenue to cover that year's bond payment?

Well there's an easy solution to that one.

Let's just have the Borough financially back the bond with the tax dollars of Borough residents.

"Just in case".

And then we're all set. If we don't generate enough parking revenue in a given year to make the bond payments, we'll just increase our Borough taxes a little more.

Ummm.

Oh.

Wait.

That means that residents not only would have paid for the parking garage's construction, but they'll also be paying to use it?

Well, gee. The taxpayers in the North Ward that I represent just won't go for that whole double-charging thing.

Maybe we should entertain other options.

Hey - maybe this is better left to private enterprise. Surely if there's money to be made in this adventure, someone will come in with a proposal to build it and run it for us.

... Wouldn't they?"

April - Public Commentary

You may place posts under this thread for general discussion on Phoenixville Borough Council matters during the month of April, 2008.

As a reminder, please take note of the following:

1. I am the author of all main blog entries. No other individuals have author access to this blog.

2. I am the author of all comments posted under my blog ID, "jeff senley". I am not responsible for comments posted under any other credentials.

3. I am the moderator of all comments posted to this blog. The large majority of comments will be accepted and posted; however, comments which are profane, inflammatory or unrelated to the parent blog posting will be rejected. Please use reasonable decorum in your comments.

Thanks for participating in your local government!

March - Public Commentary Follow-up

The March comment thread included discussions on:

Gay Street Bridge Closure
Bike Race Impact to Downtown Businesses
Planning Commission Appointments
Borough "Bulletin Board" Inquiry

You may click on the title of this entry to jump directly to that posting and the associated comments. All discussion points have been addressed to the best of my ability.

Parking Authority: Park It.

Just for clarification's sake, here is an excerpt from the e-mail message I sent to my Council collegaues earlier this week after completing research and thought on the pending Parking Authority ordinance. As mentioned at the bottom, I intend to vote against it at this time.

"Finances:
I've spoken with Finance Director Nease. There is no line item in the 2008 budget for Parking Authority start-up; therefore, the funding in 2008 would have to come from the Fund Balance. This increases our expenses without increasing our revenues.

We've already drawn on the Fund Balance a few times this year, and this cannot be allowed to become a trend. I've repeatedly asked for what the Parking Authority start-up costs are; I've gotten 10K, 15K, 20K, but nothing concrete. I've also heard lots of discussion on potential grants, but once again nothing concrete, and nothing that indicates that the grants are only available dependent on formation of a Parking Authority.

My Suggestion:
I'd like to see a subcommittee formed under Community Development to begin bringing focus to the parking situation in 2008. This should accomplish the same goal and will not cost any money. The members of said subcommittee can be those targeted for appointment, plus any interested Council members (who would not be eligible to be members of a Parking Authority).

We can charter said subcommittee to tell us at the end of 2008 if a Parking Authority is the right vehicle to work toward resolution; and if not, what is. They can also indicate to Council what finances they might need in 2009, allowing us to plan appropriately during the 2009 budget cycle. They can prepare documentation on the proposed short and long term tactical plans for what is to be accomplished. They can review the associated state statute and raise questions on points where clarity is questionable.

This approach would give us the opportunity to move ahead this year with no budget impact. And, if a Parking Authority becomes the implementation vehicle, we can pick up the ball in 2009 exactly where it is now, properly prepared for what will come.

My Vote:
Based on the above, I intend to vote against the ordinance to establish the Parking Authority as it currently stands at the April 15th meeting.".

Open Call: Parking Authority Interest

This entry is an open call for interest in participation on the Phoenixville Parking Authority, should it go forward as an entity at the April 15th business meeting.

If you have interest in participating on the Parking Authority, please contact me at jsenley@phoenixvile.org and/or Council President Henry Wagner at hwagner@phoenixville.org with your interest and any associated questions. Please do so as soon as possible, recognizing the deadline below.

Background:
At this time, I am not committed to voting "Yes" on the ordinance to establish the Phoenixville Parking Authority. However, seeing as the present Council climate indicates that the ordinance is likely to pass with or without my vote, I believe it is important for me (and all of you) to participate in this portion of the process in helping to ensure appointments in Phoenixville's best interests.

The ordinance must be advertised no later than Tuesday, April 1 in time for the April 15th meeting. This advertisement must contain the charter members of the Authority and their terms. Each of the 5 members will be appointed for a different initial term, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years, respectively.

March 24 - Meeting Broadcast

Thanks to my friend Dorene for contacting TPN about the March 24 meeting broadcast. They encountered some technical issues resulting in a delay. The meeting will be shown at 6PM on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of next week.

I will try to have an update logged by Tuesday morning.

March 24 - Update Delayed

TPN 22 has not shown the re-broadcast of Monday's meeting yet, and I have not seen a broadcast schedule published this week in The Phoenix. The broadcast schedule normally appears on page 5.

I do not like to post my "meeting updates" until I have watched the re-broadcast of the meeting. I request your patience.

Gay Street Bridge Closure Update

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Engineering District 6-0
7000 Geerdes Boulevard
King of Prussia, PA 19406

March 27, 2008
PR 116
CONTACT: Gene Blaum
Assistant Press Secretary
(610) 205-6800

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GAY STREET / ROUTE 113 BRIDGE IN PHOENIXVILLE TO CLOSE FOR REPLACEMENT ON APRIL 2
Bridge closure date dependent on completing the raising of the Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge on Main Street

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (March 27) – The Gay Street/Route 113 Bridge in Phoenixville Borough, Chester County, is scheduled to close Wednesday (April 2) for the construction of a new bridge over French Creek, several local streets, railroad tracks and the former Phoenix Steel site, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) said today. The new bridge is scheduled to open in early 2010.

The closure of the 84-year-old Gay Street/Route 113 Bridge is contingent on PennDOT’s contractor completing work to raise the elevation of a railroad bridge over Main Street in Phoenixville so borough fire trucks can safely travel under the trestle during construction of the new Gay Street/Route 113 structure. Work on railroad span began Monday (March 24) and is expected to finish early next week.

Under the $17,537,681 project, PennDOT’s contractor, Nyleve Bridge Corporation of Emmaus, Pa., will demolish the 12-span bridge and replace it with a new nine-span structure.

The new Gay Street/Route 113 Bridge will span 972 feet from end-to-end. The bridge’s concrete deck will be supported by steel beams on the three southern and two northern approach spans, and by steel arches on the four central spans. The bridge’s new substructure will consist of two reinforced concrete abutments at each end and eight reinforced concrete piers between the abutments.

Construction crews will build the new bridge on the same alignment as the existing structure. The new bridge will have two 12-foot wide travel lanes; two six-foot wide shoulders; two six-foot wide sidewalks; and ornamental street lights.

Detours will be in use for both cars and trucks during the two-year bridge closure. The truck detour is needed because the car route sends traffic under an overpass with a clearance of 13 feet, 3 inches. Vertical clearances must be at least 13 feet, 6 inches to be posted as a detour route for trucks.

Motorists driving cars and other conventional passenger vehicles will follow Bridge Street, Route 29, Black Rock Road, Trappe Road (Route 113) and Black Rock Road (Route 113) to move from downtown Phoenixville to the north side of the borough. They will follow the exact opposite route to move from the north side to the downtown area.

The detour to move truck traffic from downtown Phoenixville to the north side will be Bridge Street (Route 113), Route 23, Route 724, Bridge Street (in Spring City), 2nd Avenue and Black Rock Road (Route 113). Truck drivers will follow the exact opposite route to travel from the north side to downtown.

Approximately 6,700 vehicles a day use the Gay Street Bridge.

The project is financed with 80 percent federal and 20 percent state funds.

I am still an "R".

Despite yesterday's article in The Phoenix regarding the Planning Commission interviews where I was cited as "Jeff Senley (D - North)", I am indeed still an "R". This was just an unfortunate typo.

I've heard tell that a number of Pennsylvania "R"s have changed their registration temporarily to vote in the primary election in April. I just wanted to confirm that I am not one of them.

March 24 - Committee Meeting Agenda

Borough of Phoenixville
Committee Agendas
March 24, 2008
7:00 PM

****************************************************

1) PERSONNEL/POLICE COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Interviews for Planning Commission Seat
a. Opening Remarks by Candidate
b. Council Interview of Candidate
c. Closing Remarks by Candidate

IV. Appointment to Committee/Commissions

IV. New Business: Discussion Regarding Traffic Signal at Nutt Road and Mason Street

V. Adjournment

****************************************************

2) COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Presentation on Housing by Kurt Kunsch

IV. Committee Member Updates/Discussions
i. Update on the Regional Planning Commission Comprehensive Plan – Richard Kirkner
ii. Update Regarding the CDC
iii. Discussion Regarding the Parking Authority

V. New Business: Consider Forming an Information Services Subcommittee

VI. Adjournment

****************************************************

3) POLICY/PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Ordinance Sub-Committee Update

IV. New Business
a. Consider Approval of Advertising for a Handicapped Parking Sign at 215 Morgan Street (Approved by the Police Department)
b. Consider Approval of Advertising for a Handicapped Parking Sign at 1170 Oxford Avenue (Approved by the Police Department)
c. Consider Request for a Handicapped Parking Space at 424 High Street (Disapproved by the Police Department)
d. Discussion Regarding the Borough Manager Job Description

V. Adjournment

****************************************************

4) UTILITIES/HEALTH/SANITATION COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Staff Update: Update on the Water Plant Projects

IV. New Business

V. Adjournment

****************************************************

5) FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Presentations

IV. Manager Updates

V. Committee Member Updates/Discussions:
a. Review of 2007 Solicitor Costs

VI. Review of Unpaid Bills and Prepaids – action required
a. Consider Approval of the Prepaids in the Amount of $592,418.83
b. Consider Approval of the Unpaid Bills in the Amount of $(amount will come via an e-mail from the finance department)

VII. New Business: Update on the 2007 Audit Timeline

VIII. Adjournment

****************************************************

6) PARKS/PROPERTY/RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Staff Update
i. Friendship Field

IV. Committee Member Updates/Discussions

V. New Business

VI. Adjournment

****************************************************

Local Bloggers Unplugged

You may click on the title of this posting to be redirected to the Phoenixville News.com Podcast area where you will find 4 15-minute audio files presenting the "Bloggers Roundtable" organized by Skip Lawrence and Matt Byrd of The Phoenix this past Wednesday evening.

Councilman Buckwalter, Karen Johns and me accepted Skip's invitation to participate in this informal look at Phoenixville bloggery and its effect on local politics. We all weigh in on issues such as how and why we got started as bloggers, blog administration and maintenance, public participation and readership, and our relationship to other mass media.

We also talk about boobs.

Enjoy!

Main Street Bridge Closure Update

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Engineering District 6-0
7000 Geerdes Boulevard
King of Prussia, PA 19406

PR 98
CONTACT: Gene Blaum
Assistant Press Secretary
(610) 205-6800
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAIN STREET BRIDGE IN PHOENIXVILLE TO CLOSE MARCH 24 FOR
TWO WEEKS TO RAISE CLEARANCE OF ADJACENT RAILROAD BRIDGE
Preliminary work to be done before closing the Gay Street/Route 113 Bridge


KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (March 14) – The Main Street Bridge over French Creek in Phoenixville Borough, Chester County, will be closed and detoured for two weeks, starting Monday, March 24, in order to raise the elevation of an adjacent railroad bridge so borough fire trucks can safely travel under it during construction of the new Gay Street/Route 113 Bridge, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation said today.

Main Street through traffic will be detoured over Bridge Street, Gay Street/Route 113 and High Street while crews jack the existing Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge over Main Street two feet to provide sufficient clearance for borough fire trucks.

Upon completing this preliminary operation, PennDOT will close the nearby Gay Street/Route 113 Bridge and begin dismantling the 83-year-old structure. Crews will replace the existing 12-span bridge under a $17.5 million project, which is scheduled to be completed in early 2010. The new bridge will span the creek, several local streets, railroad tracks and the former Phoenix Steel site.

When the Gay Street/Route 113 Bridge closes, PennDOT will post detours for both cars and trucks. The truck detour is needed because the car route sends traffic under an overpass with a clearance of 13 feet, 3 inches. Vertical clearances must be at least 13 feet, 6 inches to be posted as a detour route for trucks.

Motorists driving cars and other conventional vehicles will follow Bridge Street, Route 29, Black Rock Road, Trappe Road (Route 113) and Black Rock Road (Route 113) to move from downtown Phoenixville to the north side of the borough. They will follow the exact opposite route to move from the north side to the downtown area.

The detour to move truck traffic from downtown Phoenixville to the north side will be Bridge Street (Route 113), Route 23, Route 724, Bridge Street (in Spring City), 2nd Avenue and Black Rock Road (Route 113). Truck drivers will follow the exact opposite route to travel from the north side to downtown.

Approximately 6,700 vehicles a day use the Gay Street Bridge.

The Nyleve Bridge Corporation of Emmaus, Pa. is the general contractor on the project that is financed with 80 percent federal and 20 percent state funds.

Park the Parking Authority?

All along, I have stated that given the 2 choices for addressing our downtown Phoenixville parking issues, a Parking Authority (independent) or a Parking Department (supported with Borough staff), I favored the former. I also indicated that I was willing to give the benefit of the doubt to prior Council, who had seemingly done their homework on this issue.

While my position remains generally the same between these 2 options, I indeed erred in my "Yes" vote on Tuesday evening to send this item forward for an April 15th public hearing prior to any supporting committee discussion. While altering my vote would not have changed the outcome since it passed 6-2, I should have voted "No".

I admitted during the Parking Authority discussion that I had given the items only cursory review due to time constraints in advance of the meeting. The ordinance and articles of incorporation are generally based on a state statute. My "Yes" vote in context to move forward before I was really at a comfortable level of understanding is inconsistent.

However, it's not squarely my fault.

As I listened again to dissenting council members' comments as to why we should be discussing this in committee first, I am in agreement with them. We received the draft items the Friday before the meeting on Tuesday. This is just not enough time to give such an important matter the attention and floor discussion it needs, and there was no planned vehicle to do so in the Council meeting structure.

And the light went on ... Geez, that's what committees are for.

Why were we hurried through this process? I don't really know. But, it shouldn't be this way.

I've sent an e-mail to President Wagner with copies to Council and the Mayor indicating that I believe we should discuss this at the March committee meetings before proceeding further.

March 11 - Council Meeting Update

Here is a summary of the main points of the Phoenixville Borough Council meeting of Tuesday, March 11, 2008. You may watch the broadcast on TPN for further detail. See the daily schedule published in The Phoenix for broadcast times.

Consider Approval of Resolution #2008-06 Honoring Paul Bastian:
The resolution was approved 8-0 and read into the record. We thank Paul for his lengthy volunteer service.

Minutes of Previous Meetings: February 12, 2008 and February 25, 2008:
The minutes were approved from both meetings 8-0. Mr. Kirkner expressed (again) that the minutes are too detailed.

Public Participation – 30 minutes:
Members of the public rose to speak about an issue that occurred on President's Day on the north side, ongoing concerns with slow THP issue resolution at the Ledges, presentation of a permit against the preliminary relocation plan for the Vale Rio diner, and discussion on trail preservation from the regional planning perspective.

Council Participation:
Members of council spoke in response to the above items, and additionally to concerns about weekend construction at the hospital, new police equipment donations and purchases, the upcoming low bridge closure on March 24 and the re-timing of the lights to keep traffic moving, concerns around closed loop system construction occurring during peak travel hours, direction to the CDC on inquiring on the possibilities of a minor league baseball team in Phoenixville, increased waste tonnage and decreased recycling in the monthly sanitation report, adjustments to the street sweeping schedule for Church Street, rogue no parking signs, the Gay Street bridge closure schedule (detour beginning March 31), downtown merchant concerns on early notification on event-triggered street closures, debris removal near French Creek behind Westridge, and Chief Mossman's acceptance into an FBI-provided training program later this year.

(Editorial Comment: The above sentence is the longest run-on I've ever written.)

The following motions were made during Council Participation:
A motion was made to purchase 2 new police cars prior to expiration of the state contract on April 1. These cars were scheduled to be purchased during 2008, and there were cost savings to be obtained by doing so now, and donation potential for equipment if we agree to allow one of our vehicles to be showcased at a convention. The motion passed unanimously.

A motion passed unanimously to create an ordinance documenting no parking signs on the 200 block of Church Street from 9AM to 10AM on Mondays (south side) and 9AM to 10AM Friday (north side) from March 1 through December 31. The motion passed 8-0.

A motion passed unanimously to create an ordinance supporting no parking signs on the east side of Main street between Bridge and Price. The signs are already up, but is not currently enforceable; it was put up earlier for safety reasons and construction accommodation, but the ordinance was never passed. The motion passed 8-0.

Public Hearings:
Consider Adoption of Ordinance #2117 Agreeing To and Adopting the Phoenixville Region Intergovernmental Cooperative Implementation Agreement for Regional Planning and Authorizing the Execution of Such Agreement:
Members of the public spoke in regard to scope of the regional planning commission's scope of review, and in support of the overall plan concept. The motion passed 8-0.

CDC Monthly Report:
Barry Cassidy spoke on behalf of the CDC. Discussions are continuing on the PPG property, but there is no significant progress to report. Regrettably, due to the foreclosure and inability to obtain easements, the French Creek trail project is likely to be abandoned at this point. The grant extension we received expires in June and it is unlikely that the grant will be extended again; even though we've done some engineering, have a design plan, and are able to get "trail money". A letter will be drafted to request a further extension, but it is not likely. Other grant management activities are proceeding successfully.

Reports of Committees, Boards, Commissions and Authorities:
Planning Commission:
Consider Whether or Not to Oppose the Zoning Hearing Board Application for 347 Bridge Street (Planning Commission Recommended Not Opposing the Application):
No action was taken on this item.

Consider Whether or Not to Oppose the Zoning Hearing Board Application for 211 Nutt Road (Planning Commission Recommended Not Opposing the Application):
No action was taken on this item.

Consider Authorizing the Advertising of and Scheduling of a Public Hearing for Adoption of a Zoning Ordinance Amendment for the Design Regulations in the D-Comm District (Planning Commission Recommended that the Ordinance be Adopted):
The motion passed 8-0 for a hearing at the April 15th Council Meeting.

Historical Architectural Review Board (No Action Memos this Month):
It was indicated that the HARB has not met recently due to not being able to achieve a quorum. President Wagner will reach out to determine what the issue(s) are to ensure that the board operates effectively.

Council Action referred from Committees:
Community Development:
Consider Approval to Advertise the Parking Authority Ordinance:
The motion was made to table this item by Mr. Kirkner, seconded by Mr. Buckwalter. The motion to table failed 2-6, all others dissenting. Mr. Kirkner expressed detailed objections to the draft ordinance in committee context. Mr. Buckwalter raised some additional concerns, perhaps directing toward a parking task force instead, which could be activated sooner at no cost and make a recommendation for the right solution. Animated discussion ensued between Mr. Kirkner and Mr. Ciruelos (another Jerry Springer moment, but close; watch the show about 2 hours in). While the state statutes are clear regarding the powers of the authority, Council maintains the ability to limit these powers. While it was recognized that there are still a few unanswered questions, we should move forward and let the public review and speak. The motion passed 6-2, Mr. Buckwalter and Mr. Kirkner dissenting.

Finance Committee:
Consider Approval of the Prepaids in the Amount of $438,624.05 (Approved in Committee by a vote of 8 to 0):
The motion was approved 8-0.

Consider Approval of the Unpaid Bills in the Amount of $2,304.87 (Approved in Committee by a vote of 8 to 0):
The motion was approved 8-0.

Consider Designating $30,000 from the Surplus Fund to a Capital Line Item for a Traffic Signal at Nutt Road and either Mason or Callowhill Streets (Approved in Committee by a vote of 8 to 0):
The motion was approved 7-1. I dissented because this amount covers only 1/4 the expected cost of the light should a study indicate that as a recommendation (around $120,000). PennDOT will pay for the study if we agree to fund the solution, which we currently cannot do, and there is currently no other funding source.

(Editorial Comment: No slight is meant to the residents in the affected area or to Father Jim Evans by my "No" vote on this motion. Funding to support the results of the study are not in the 2008 budget, and we are in a recession. I also have no idea what happened in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 with respect to inaction on this issue, nor why it is a concern that has suddenly been re-raised. As the current Finance Chair, I am uninterested in cleaning up messes of 6 years ago by playing a numbers game moving money around where Council has no short-term intention to follow through. The residents are not served with a solution by this motion in any capacity. Additionally, if Borough Council is planning to clean up multiple accounting issues of the past by depleting surpluses in 2008, it's going to be a very rough 2009 for local taxpayers).

Consider Approval of the Change in the Pension Asset Allocation from 60% Growth/40% Fixed to 65% Growth/35% Fixed (Approved in Committee by a vote of 6 to 1 to 1):
The motion passed 6-1-1, Mr. Kirkner dissenting and Mr. Ciruelos abstaining due to employment reasons.

Consider Police Department Request to Transfer $10,800 from CPIP to Building Renovations (Approved in Committee by a vote of 8 to 0):
The motion passed 8-0.

Consider Allocating $6,000 from the Pension Fund Line Item to Conduct the Necessary Study to be Compliant with Act 45 (Approved in Committee by a Vote of 8 to 0):
The motion passed 8-0.

New Business:
An IT Subcommittee was created under the Community Development Committee and will be chaired by Mr. Handwerk. Council and the public were invited to participate.

Mr. Buckwalter directed staff to begin analyzing what is necessary for improvements to our water infrastructure and to begin researching possible financing options.

Old Business:
A motion was made to approve the Borough's Codification of Ordinances. The motion passed 8-0.

Vale Tree-O

Having read The Phoenix earlier this week and noting the "superstar" move of the Vale Rio Diner to its supposedly temporary home, I am regrettably less optimistic that we will ever have a reopened and functional establishment. I took a quick drive over there on Thursday morning to find that there are several large trees that don't look all that healthy looming auspiciously over our poor diner.

I remain supportive of moving forward expediently on plans and accommodations to reopen the diner in a new locale, but there are several hurdles involved. Had the owner pursued the relocation process concurrently with the sale of the property, a lot of things could have been taken care of related to zoning issues and traffic concerns.

However, none of it may be relevant in the future anyhow. If Mother Nature elects to breathe on one of those trees too heavily in a spring or summer storm, our Vale Rio might end up looking like a giant crushed soda can.

Maybe it would be best if the diner were somewhere out of sight for a while. It doesn't exactly improve the quality of life or property values at the Nutt / Starr intersection as it is now. (Wonder if there may be cause for any fines? Hmmm.)

But let's think optimistically ... If the diner's structure can be preserved safely, maybe we could wait a year or so after the Walgreen's opens. After it flounders for several months and closes due to lack of adequate patronage (since we already have market saturation for local pharmacies located at safer and more easily accessible intersections), wouldn't it be grand if the diner ended up back right where it was.

Good luck to those crossing the street for a quick walk to Starbucks by the way; that's a pretty gnarly proposition.

Maybe I'm wrong.

I guess I just hate to see the demise of the Phoenixville historic gem we had in the Vale Rio (not to mention the fantastic food) in the interests of the almighty dollar. I might feel a bit better if something we actually needed in town were to be developed there.

Phoenixville is now relegated to Egg McMuffins for 5 AM breakfast runs, so let's make do for now and keep the faith.

March 11 - Council Meeting Agenda

PHOENIXVILLE BOROUGH COUNCIL
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
7:00 PM


I. Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance - Chair

II. Roll Call – Borough Secretary

III. Resolutions: Consider Approval of Resolution #2008-06 Honoring Paul Bastian

IV. Presentations

V. Minutes of Previous Meetings: February 12, 2008 and February 25, 2008

VI. Communications

VII. Public Participation – 30 minutes

VIII. Council Participation

IX. Reports of Officers
A. Acting Borough Manager
1. Code Enforcement Director
2. Public Works Director
3. Recreation Director
4. Fire Chief
5. Finance Director

B. Public Hearings
1. Consider Adoption of Ordinance #2117 Agreeing To and Adopting the Phoenixville Region Intergovernmental Cooperative Implementation Agreement for Regional Planning and Authorizing the Execution of Such Agreement

C. Mayor’s Report

D. Other Reports
1. CDC Monthly Report

X. Reports of Committees, Boards, Commissions and Authorities
A. Planning Commission:
1. Consider Whether or Not to Oppose the Zoning Hearing Board Application for 347 Bridge Street (Planning Commission Recommended Not Opposing the Application)
2. Consider Whether or Not to Oppose the Zoning Hearing Board Application for 211 Nutt Road (Planning Commission Recommended Not Opposing the Application)
3. Consider Authorizing the Advertising of and Scheduling of a Public Hearing for Adoption of a Zoning Ordinance Amendment for the Design Regulations in the D-Comm District (Planning Commission Recommended that the Ordinance be Adopted)

B. Historical Architectural Review Board (No Action Memos this Month)

C. Executive Session

D. Council Action referred from Committees
1. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – Consider Approval to Advertise the Parking Authority Ordinance
2. FINANCE COMMITTEE
a. Consider Approval of the Prepaids in the Amount of $438,624.05 (Approved in Committee by a vote of 8 to 0)
b. Consider Approval of the Unpaid Bills in the Amount of $2,304.87 (Approved in Committee by a vote of 8 to 0)
c. Consider Designating $30,000 from the Surplus Fund to a Capital Line Item for a Traffic Signal at Nutt Road and either Mason or Callowhill Streets (Approved in Committee by a vote of 8 to 0)
d. Consider Approval of the Change in the Pension Asset Allocation from 60% Growth/40% Fixed to 65% Growth/35% Fixed (Approved in Committee by a vote of 6 to 1 to 1)
e. Consider Police Department Request to Transfer $10,800 from CPIP to Building Renovations (Approved in Committee by a vote of 8 to 0)
f. Consider Allocating $6,000 from the Pension Fund Line Item to Conduct the Necessary Study to be Compliant with Act 45 (Approved in Committee by a Vote of 8 to 0)

XI. Public Participation (con’t)

XII. New Business

XIII. Old Business

XIV. Adjournment

Speedy Gonzales Impersonators Beware

ENRADD has come to Phoenixville. Click the title of this blog entry for more information.

Thanks to Councillan Buckwalter for this unexpected trip down memory lane. The video clip he links to is from WTAE-TV 4 (Pittsburgh's equivalent of our WPVI). The news report is focused on North Huntingdon Township, your humble Councilman's former place of residence from 1980 through 1994.

March - Public Commentary

You may place posts under this thread for general discussion on Phoenixville Borough Council matters during the month of March, 2008.

February - Public Commentary Follow-up

February's comment thread included discussions on:

Morris Park Vandalism
North Side Streetlights
No Parking Signs on Church Street

You may click on the title of this entry to jump directly to that posting and the associated comments. All discussion points have been addressed to the best of my ability.

Rendell Recognizes Water Issues

Will Phoenixville share in this acknowledgement and move forward locally to do our part?

****************************************

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Dept. of Environmental Protection
Commonwealth News Bureau
Room 308, Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2/28/2008

CONTACT:
Neil Weaver
Phone: (717) 787-1323

GOVERNOR RENDELL SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER ESTABLISHING SUSTAINABLE WATER INFRASTRUCTURE TASK FORCE

HARRISBURG -- Governor Edward G.Rendell has established a high-level task force through executive order that will evaluate what is needed to ensure Pennsylvania maintains a sustainable water and wastewater infrastructure in light of continued cuts from the federal government in recent years.

"Our water and wastewater infrastructure is aging," said Governor Rendell. "Pennsylvania is facing nearly $20 billion in unmet water-related infrastructure needs, and that doesn't even take into account ongoing capital costs and expenses associated with operations and maintenance responsibilities. We need to begin developing a comprehensive plan now that supports a sustainable network of systems to protect public health, and ensure citizens and businesses don't lose out on the quality and dependable services they have come to expect."

A federal Clean Water Needs Survey found that Pennsylvania is facing nearly $11 billion in unmet drinking water infrastructure needs and at least $7.2 billion in unmet wastewater infrastructure needs.

The Governor today signed Executive Order 2008-02, establishing the Sustainable Water Infrastructure Task Force, which is to analyze issues related to cost-effective and sustainable investment in the state's water and sewer infrastructure.

The task force is to consider new funding options and non-structural alternatives to capital upgrades, such as nutrient credit trading, water re-use and conservation. It is responsible for developing a report by Oct. 1 that provides recommendations and financing options to support water-related services in the Governor's fiscal year 2009-10 budget proposal.

Members of the task force are to include representatives of the administration, General Assembly, academia, the state's Office of Consumer Advocate, as well as local government and municipal associations.

"Shrinking support from the federal government means the financial burden associated with the needed work is increasingly falling on states and local municipalities," said the Governor. "The commonwealth alone has suffered a 50 percent cut in the federal funds we had received previously to support water infrastructure. Without that needed support, our economy, environment and quality of life will suffer."

The Governor pointed to continued cuts in the federal Clean Water State Revolving Fund--one of the state's most important tools for funding water infrastructure improvements. Pennsylvania's share of the state revolving fund program has been cut by approximately half in the past three years, down $30 million to $27 million, while President Bush's upcoming fiscal year budget proposal calls for another $330 million in cuts to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency--largely aimed at wastewater projects.

The president requested only $555 million for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund in FY 2009, which would be the lowest level of funding for the program in its history if enacted.

"While I've called on Congress to restore these valuable funds, we must take steps to ensure we have reliable systems in place that deliver dependable services," said Governor Rendell. "The high-level task force I'm establishing through this executive order will focus on finding solutions to Pennsylvania's drinking water and wastewater system needs, either through new funding sources or cost-effective, non-structural alternatives.

"Pennsylvania needs a comprehensive strategy to ensure the long-term sustainability of its water infrastructure. Without one, our ability to tackle the serious environmental and economic infrastructure challenges facing our communities will be jeopardized."

****************************************

February 25 - Meeting Update

My (verbose) meeting update for the Phoenixville Borough Council meeting of February 25 has been posted.

Click on the title of this entry to jump to it.

St. John's Community Garden: Saved!

(Note: An audio transcript of the meeting is available for download if you click on the title of this blog posting. Community Garden discussion begins at approximately 19 minutes into the sound recording.)

The news was provided late this afternoon. It is best expressed by an excerpt of the words sent in an e-mail from Rev. Linda Gruber which President Wagner shared with Council:

"Friends and Family –

It is with joy and pleasure that I share with you that the Housing Authority of Chester County acted today to keep the St. John’s United Church of Christ Organic Community Garden and to integrate it into any planning for future housing development at the Fairview site. On behalf of the Consistory and congregation, I expressed our thanks to the HACC for their action. This is a win win for all of Phoenixville. Now we move on to the issues of feeding the hungry, sustaining the land and offering social, spiritual, physical growth and sustenance; and, fostering continued community spirit.

We need to thank the Borough Council of Phoenixville, other political offices on the state and regional levels, non-profits in our community like Phoenixville Area Community Services, the Chamber of Commerce and all those folk in the community-- gardeners and non-gardeners for your support. Our garden coordinator Dorene Pasekoff deserves words of thanks for her networking folks together enabling voices to be heard and our concerns raised in the widest possible way on this issue."

While this is still in a bit of flux, the acknowledgement of the housing authority's value recognition of the Community Garden is the beginning of a win for the Borough.

While I have always been a vocal supporter of the need to maintain the Community Garden, in the interest of giving credit where credit is due, I defer congratulatory recognition to my North Ward colleague Mr. Kirkner and CDC Executive Director Barry Cassidy.

February 25 - Meeting Update

Here is a summary of the main points of the Continued Phoenixville Borough Council meeting and committee meetings of February 25 based from the conglomerate agenda:

Special Council Meeting

Vale Rio Preliminary Plan Presentation:
A preliminary sketch was presented for Council review to relocate the Vale Rio diner to the corner of Nutt Road and Starr Street. Several challenges with planning, traffic management and residential impacts were discussed. It was noted that the Zoning Hearing Board or Planning Commission have not reviewed the proposal, and there was desire to circumvent the Zoning Hearing Board via ordinance changes instead. Council did not express any objection to moving forward.

Recess to Committees:

1) Community Development:

Presentation: Jim McMaster, Solicitor for the Phoenixville Regional Planning Commission:
Mr. McMaster presented a change summary of the regional plan implementation agreement. All other municipalities have adopted the agreement to date. Approval of the implementation plan does not constitute any financial commitments for the 2008 budget year. The motion to recommend authorization of advertisement for adoption passed 8-0.

Committee Member Updates/Discussions:

Discussion regarding the December’s PC action memo regarding amending the zoning ordinances parking requirements (approved by the PC):
Borough Planner Ray Ott provided a brief presentation on the recommended amendment. The presentation included a re-review of the shared parking matrix and analysis of example situations. Some requirements in the current ordinance are contradictory and somehat unclear among different districts, this unifies the requirements and guidance. The motion to recommend authorization of advertisement for adoption passed 8-0.

Discussion regarding the establishment of a Parking Authority:
The motion to direct the solicitor to draft the ordinance for establishment of a Parking Authority passed 8-0. The original motion indicated concurrent drafting and advertising, but was revised to allow Committee to first review and discuss the draft. The solicitor committed to making the best effort to have the ordinance drafted by the March Council meeting, but cited this as challenging. This validates that we should certainly review it as a full Committee instead of a sub-committee prior to advertisement.

Discussion regarding amending the zoning ordinances in the DCOMM area:
Borough Planner Ray Ott provided a presentation on the recommended ordinance changes in the DCOMM District. The draft changes recommended lightening established limitations on minimum lot area, minimum lot width, minimum front yard, minimum side yard, minimum rear yard, maximum building coverage, maximum impervious coverage, and minimum building space.

It was indicated that many of these items are consistently granted variances by the Zoning Hearing Board; however, no concrete information analysis to that effect was presented. There was significant concern expressed mostly over the rear yard and impervious coverage changes, and possible impact due to future planned expansion of the DCOMM district. It was also indicated that the Planning Commission has not yet seen this recommended ordinance change, but it is on their agenda for this month's meeting.

I made a compromise motion to recommend advertisement of the draft ordinance removing changes to the rear yard and impervious coverage items failed 3-5, Msrs. Gill, Handwerk, Kirkner, Speck and Wagner dissenting. A subsequent motion was made by Mr. Wagner to recommend advertising as is; a motion was made to table this motion by Mr. Kirkner, and that motion passed 6-2, Msrs. Speck and Wagner dissenting.

However, we weren't done there. See New Business below for additional discussion.

Update Regarding the CDC:
Robb Frees and Barry Cassidy provided general updates on the current CDC projects. They spoke favorably on moving forward with the parking authority, or a parking department should the authority not move forward. Discussions are in progress with PPG for parcel development, updates will be provided in the future as available. Financing of the Friendship Fire Company project through possible grants is progressing. Information packets on CDC responsibilities and workflow processes with the intent of a 5-year projection are in the process of being prepared. Grant administration cleanup activities are on schedule. Also, some new businesses are headed to the downtown area including a music store and recording studio, sushi restaurant, and an art gallery.

Update on the Chester County Housing Authority:
Barry Cassidy indicated that there was a lack of clarity recognized on whether or not there is or isn't a plan for development on the North Side. We were accused inappropriately of "NIMBY" by CCHA, which carries no legitimacy because of what we are already providing.

V. New Business

And now, Act II on the DCOMM stuff ...

Following unexpected allowance of discussion by Ryan Costello representing the developer of Renaissance South who recommended that my original motion on changes to the DCOMM district zoning be reconsidered. I declined to re-make my original motion, which failed 3-5. This motion was re-made by Mr. Wagner; a motion to table this motion failed, and the subsequent vote failed 4-4, Msrs. Buckwalter, Handwerk, Kirkner, and Speck dissenting. Tie votes in Committee fail as they are not eligible to be broken by the Mayor.

Mr. Costello was recommended to go through the standard channel for variance approvals. I am hopeful that committee chairs in the future do not allow this nature of exceptions to planned committee meeting order.

New Business:
Council was invited to tour Franklin Commons Tuesday March 4 at 7PM.

2) Policy/Personnel:

Ordinance Sub-Committee Update
Nothing has been brought to the ordinance subcommittee to date.

New Business:
A questionnaire was circulated to Council and the Mayor to be filled out by all members and sent to the search firm assisting with our Borough Manager recruitment process providing them guidance points on our needs. A companion draft advertisement was also sent for review.

3) Utilities/Health/Sanitation:

Update Regarding New Borough Hall Location and Other Projects:
Everything is on hold in this area pending establishment of a funding stream.

New Business:
The monthly and quarterly delinquency reports for water/sewer/trash services were provided to Council. The reports are larger than expected despite significant staff effort to resolve them, with notably more 90-day delinquencies than acceptable. While service shutoffs are not desirable, good faith efforts have been made. Approximately 200 shutoff notices will begin processing on Tuesday.

4) Finance Committee

Update on Rollout of New Version of Software:
The Caselle upgrade process will begin following completion of the 2007 audit, estimated early-to-mid second quarter. Enhanced reporting capabilities, new modules and dashboard technology to provide better visibility to financial data are the key benefits.

Consider Approval of the Prepaids in the Amount of $438,624.05:
The motion to recommend approval to Council passed 8-0. Discussion did ensue regarding control of solicitor cost by not referring non-urgent matters to them without Council support.

Consider Approval of the Unpaid Bills in the Amount of $2,304.87:
The motion to recommend approval to Council passed 8-0.

Consider Approval of Designation of $30,000 from the Surplus Fund for a Traffic Signal at Nutt Road and Mason and/or Callowhill Street:
The Borough was previously given $30,000 in impact fees 6 years ago for a study in this area, but said study has not been completed. It is not part of the "closed loop" plan, but prior Council(s) apparently misdirected this money to other general fund expenses. The motion to recommend transfer passed 8-0 following much discussion.

Consider Approval of Change in Pension Asset Allocation from 60% Growth/40% Fixed to 65% Growth/35% Fixed:
The pension committee supported this recommendation from our financial analyst. While non-uniformed employees already contribute to their own pension funds, the Police department contract does not permit such contribution. The motion to recommend transfer passed 6-1-1, with Mr. Kirkner dissenting and Mr. Ciruelos abstaining due to his employment.

Consider Police Department Request to Transfer $10,800 from CPIP to Building Renovations:
This is money from the 2007 budget which is already allocated for equipment purchases, and has no impact on 2008 finances. Because we're not moving forward at this time with relocation of Borough Hall and this may take quite some time, renovations are necessary. The motion to recommend transfer passed 8-0.

Consider Establishment of an Information Services Subcommittee:
This item was deferred to a future meeting due to time constraints.

Additional New Business:
A motion was made to recommend transfer of $6,000 for an actuarial study to ensure compliance with Act 45 related to post-retirement benefits. The motion passed 8-0.

5) Parks/Property/Recreation:

No updates of significance.

6) Personnel/Police:

New Business:
24 applications took the Police Agility Test; 22 of these will be scheduled for the written test in the process of new officer recruitment.

A letter from March of 2007 from Father Jim Evans related to traffic management during the closure of the Gay Street Bridge was forwarded for re-review based on the planned closing.

Returning to the regular agenda:

CONSIDER AUTHORIZING THE SOLICITOR TO DRAFT AND ADVERTISE THE PHOENIXVILLE REGIONAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE IMPLEMENTATION AGREEMENT FOR THE REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION:
The motion passed 8-0.

CONSIDER AUTHORIZING THE SOLICITOR TO DRAFT AN ORDINANCE FOR THE CREATION OF A PARKING AUTHORITY, DRAFT ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION FOR SAID PARKING AUTHORITY, AND UPON REVIEW OF THE DRAFTS BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT AND ORDINANCE COMMITTEE CHAIR, AUTHORIZE LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT FOR COUNCIL ACTION:
The motion (as changed during committee) to draft the ordinance and articles of incorporation passed 7-1, Mr. Buckwalter dissenting.

CONSIDER AUTHORIZING THE SOLICITOR TO ADVERTISE THE D-COMM ORDINANCE CHANGES:
No action was taken.

CONSIDER ACTING ON MATTERS RELATING TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION VACANCIES AND APPOINTMENTS:
A letter of resignation was submitted electronically by John Messina from his recently granted Planning Commission appointment. Council moved to accept his resignation 8-0.

Interviews for John and the rest of the interested candidates will occur at the March Committee meeting. At this time, Mike Hott, Michelle Beaver, and Marcia Eldred have submitted requests for consideration.

February 25 - (Continued) Council Meeting - Additions

Two additions have been made to tomorrow's Special Business Meeting agenda for Phoenixville Borough Council:

1. A Public Participation section has been added to the agenda, immediately following the Roll Call.

2. Prior to scheduled Executive Session, an item called "Vale Rio Preliminary Plan Presentation" has been added.

February 25 - (Continued) Council Meeting Agenda

PHOENIXVILLE BOROUGH COUNCIL
FEBRUARY 25, 2008
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING

I. CALL TO ORDER

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

III. ROLL CALL

IV. EXECUTIVE SESSION

V. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

VI. CONSIDER AUTHORIZING THE SOLICITOR TO DRAFT AND ADVERTISE THE PHOENIXVILLE REGIONAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE IMPLEMENTATION AGREEMENT FOR THE REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

VII. CONSIDER AUTHORIZING THE SOLICITOR TO DRAFT AN ORDINANCE FOR THE CREATION OF A PARKING AUTHORITY, DRAFT ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION FOR SAID PARKING AUTHORITY, AND UPON REVIEW OF THE DRAFTS BY THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT AND ORDINANCE COMMITTEE CHAIR, AUTHORIZE LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT FOR COUNCIL ACTION

VIII. CONSIDER AUTHORIZING THE SOLICITOR TO ADVERTISE THE
D-COMM ORDINANCE CHANGES

IX. CONSIDER ACTING ON MATTERS RELATING TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION VACANCIES AND APPOINTMENTS

X. RECESS TO COMMITTEES

XI. GENERAL BUSINESS AS DETERMINED BY COUNCIL

XII. NEW BUSINESS

XIII. ADJOURNMENT

February 25 - Committee Agendas

Phoenixville Borough Council
Committee Meetings
February 25

*******************************************************

1) COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Presentations: Jim McMaster, Solicitor for the Phoenixville Regional Planning Commission

IV. Committee Member Updates/Discussions
i. Update on the Regional Planning Commission Comprehensive Plan – Richard Kirkner
ii. Discussion regarding the December’s PC action memo regarding amending the zoning ordinances parking requirements (approved by the PC)
iii. Discussion regarding the establishment of a Parking Authority
iv. Discussion regarding amending the zoning ordinances in the DComm area.
v. Update Regarding the CDC
vi. Update on the Chester County Housing Authority
vii. Update on the Implementation Agreement for the Phoenixville Regional Comprehensive Plan

V. New Business

VI. Adjournment

*******************************************************

2) POLICY/PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Ordinance Sub-Committee Update

IV. New Business

V. Adjournment

*******************************************************

3) UTILITIES/HEALTH/SANITATION COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Staff Update: Update Regarding New Borough Hall Location and Other Projects

IV. New Business

V. Adjournment

*******************************************************

4) FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Presentations
a. Update on Rollout of New Version of Software

IV. Manager Updates

V. Committee Member Updates/Discussions:
a.

VI. Review of Unpaid Bills and Prepaids – action required
a. Consider Approval of the Prepaids in the Amount of $438,624.05
b. Consider Approval of the Unpaid Bills in the Amount of $2,304.87

VII. New Business:
1. Consider Approval of Designation of $30,000 from the Surplus Fund for a Traffic Signal at Nutt Road and Manavon Street
2. Consider Approval of Change in Pension Asset Allocation from 60% Growth/40% Fixed to 65% Growth/35% Fixed
3. Consider Police Department Request to Transfer $10,800 from CPIP to Building Renovations
4. Consider Establishment of an Information Services Subcommittee

VIII. Adjournment

*******************************************************

5) PARKS/PROPERTY/RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Staff Update
i. Friendship Field

IV. Committee Member Updates/Discussions

V. New Business

VI. Adjournment

*******************************************************

6) PERSONNEL/POLICE COMMITTEE MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Public Participation

III. Appointment to Committee/Commissions

IV. New Business

V. Adjournment


*******************************************************

Borough Website Feedback - Public Comments

The new www.phoenixville.org website has been launched, as was documented in Friday's edition of The Phoenix. It will be work in progress for some time. Your comments and feedback are welcomed in its continued improvement.

What would you like to see?

Subscription by E-mail Re-enabled

For those of you who subscribed previously and would like to continue receiving e-mail updates, please re-subscribe using the new box in the right hand column. The previous e-mail subscription feed has been deleted; let's hope this one has less issues.

While You're Browsing ...

Whilst you enjoy the blog content, I thought you might also enjoy an appropriate musical interlude, symphonically reflective of current events.

You don't need to play "Name That Tune" since the title is the video content, but I'll warn that this interpretation is a bit "avant garde". I call it "Clumsy Circus".

I'll be interested to know if anyone was able to make it through the whole 4 minutes.

Messina Punts Political Football Back to Council

In today's edition of The Phoenix, the headline indicates that John Messina has recommended to Council that his recent appointment to the Planning Commission be rescinded and that Council proceed with public interviews of the candidates for the seat that he was appointed to 2 days ago.

I respect Mr. Messina on this issue, and am appreciative that he has publicly stated his position as such.

However, I have 2 comments of relevance:

1. I believe there is little chance that such a stance would have been taken were it not for the bloggery of Ken Buckwalter, Karen Johns, Richard Breuer, and me, along with the newly-lauched blog repository at The Phoenix. We have validated via the blogosphere that people are reading, watching, participating, and reacting. Bloggery has now taken its place as a crowbar in the pursuit of open government; kudos to my fellow Phoenixville Bloggers.

2. If it were me in this same position, and the stated words reflected how I felt, I would not have taken the weak stance of "recommending to Council" that my appointment be rescinded; rather, I would have voluntarily resigned and subsequently re-submitted my application for consideration, opening the position for re-appointment.

Council must now obtain 5 votes at it's next business meeting to rescind the appointment (if that is even possible); otherwise, all discussion and posturing is for naught.

Stay tuned ...

Response from Michelle Beaver

Michelle contacted me and provided her permission to share her response on her application for Planning Commission appointment following on from Mike Hott's letter to Council. Her correspondence appears below.

I thank her for expressing interest in volunteering for the Planning Commission, and hope that she will not be deterred in applying for appointment in the future.

"Mike,

I could not agree with you more. These are the type of actions that the political machines are made of and I believe strongly that there is no place for this type of political favoritism in Phoenixville. Not only was I not interviewed for the Planning Commission seat, I was told by Henry Wagner that Brian Watson would contact all of the applicants for an interview that was to occur on February 25 at the Borough Council Committee meeting. I was neither contacted by Mr. Watson nor Mr. Wagner on the matter. Was I lied to? Does community deception and unscheduled votes have a place in Phoenixville? I hope not.

This type of political favoritism and incumbent pre-determination is exactly why I wanted a seat on the planning commission. What Phoenixville needs right now are new faces, new ideas, and new perspectives. I studied community development, public policy and focused on local politics at Rutgers University. I have experience in real estate law and have worked for the Downingtown Zoning Hearing Board Solicitor. My family has acquired three houses in Phoenixville in the past four years. Therefore, I feel that I can bring the perspective of the new wave of Phoenixville homeowners. I am disturbed by Council's blatant disrespect for my application to the planning commission.

To be honest, I would have been satisfied with an interview and no appointment because I did not want you to lose your seat. I have seen your work, both on the planning commission and on the neighborhood watchband committee and I believe you were a valuable asset to the planning commission. Mike, your experience with GIS and your professional, dedicated attitude to the future of Phoenixville is apparent. The borough needs you.

I welcome comments and questions on the matter. In particular, I have yet to hear from any one of the members of Borough Council.

Respectfully submitted,
Michelle Beaver"

Letter from Mike Hott to Borough Council

With Mike's permission, I am posting the following e-mail which he sent to President Wagner last evening. The Prez subsequently forwarded it to the attention of all Council members, a level of openness which I appreciate.

This response surely seems to support the alienation and disenfranchisement I previously mentioned.

I thank Mike for his Planning Commission service, and hope it has not come to the currently scheduled bitter end.

I think that something should be done about this.

"Borough Council,

I write this email in disgust with regard to the "sham" of a process Council conducted in the planning commission appointment process. To not hold public interviews is appalling and disrespectful to the applicants and residents. This appointment and the process around it reek of political patronage. It appears the "Good Ole Boys" network is alive and well at Borough Hall. As a fellow Democrat I continue to be embarrassed by the actions of the Democrat majority. I would have thought my 5 years of service would have merited at least an interview, but I guess that's too much to ask for. Then again, I'm sure the appointment of John was a done deal as soon as the voters kicked him off of council.

Please feel free to pass this on to the rest of Council.

Michael Hott"

February 12 - Council Meeting Update

Here is a summary of yesterday's meeting. Since I was not physically in attendance, this summary was prepared following my viewing of the meeting broadcast on TPN this evening.

PHOENIXVILLE BOROUGH COUNCIL
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
7:00 PM

III. Resolutions: Consider Approval of Resolution #2008-05 honoring Paul Bastian
This resolution was deferred by staff until the next meeting.

IV. Presentations: Brief Presentation by the Phoenixville Community Health Foundation
The foundation presented their plan to move ahead with a tributary addition to Reeves Park. The motion passed 6-0.

V. Minutes of Previous Meetings: January 15, 2008 and January 28, 2008
Mr. Kirkner noted that the minutes are appearing to be detailed transcripts of the meeting and not "minutes". Content of the minutes will be reduced in the future. The motion to approve both minutes passed 5-1, Mr. Kirkner dissenting.

VI. Communications
Mr. Speck made a motion to approve a line-item transfer recommended by the Police Department. The motion was seconded and subsequently recommended to be passed to the Finance Committee for further review. The motion was tabled 5-1, Mr. Speck dissenting.

Mr. Kirkner reported on the housing authority meeting results. We are on record as Council indicating that we support extension of the lease for the St. John's Community Garden. It was reiterated that the housing authority must follow proper established land use development planning process. Mr. Kirkner made a motion to draft a letter to this extent to the housing authority, which passed 6 -0.

Mr. Wagner indicated that a preliminary meeting was held with PPG. How these meetings will occur in the future will be dealt with later in the meeting.

VII. Public Participation – 30 minutes
Jim Lolli spoke in favor of reappointing Mike Hott to the Planning Commission.

Clint Burks spoke on behalf of the French Creek Townhome owners who expressed safety and security concerns with incomplete actions and noncompliance with the approved plan by the developer, S&S. Mr. Kirkner and I were tasked with following-up on this.

David Saneck spoke about the proposed NCR-1 infill ordinance changes from the planning commission's perspective and asked Council to consider average lot size in the revised ordinance.

VIII. Council Participation
Mr. Gill discussed the Morris Street playground parking lot sharing (with the hospital) which was discussed last year. This money was to be given to the Recreation Department. Staff was directed to determine if we have received these funds.


IX. Reports of Officers
A. Acting Borough Manager:
Consider Approval of a Motion to Approve and Ratify the Extension of Time Approvals Contingency Period under the Friendship Fire/Borough Agreement of Sale to March 28, 2008
The motion passed 5-0.

B. Public Hearings
1. Consider Adoption of Ordinance #2115 Amending Chapter XV “Motor Vehicles and Traffic”, Part 1(C), “Parking Regulations” by the Addition of Handicapped Parking Zones (First Avenue)
No members from the public spoke. The motion to adopt passed 6-0.

2. Consider Adoption of Ordinance #2116 Amending Chapter XV “Motor Vehicles and Traffic”, Part 1(C), “Parking Regulations” by the Addition of Handicapped Parking Zones (Morgan Street)
No members from the public spoke. The motion to adopt passed 6-0.

C. Mayor's Report
The Civil Service Commission met and reorganized on February 4. The process has begun for hiring a new police officer. The Mayor's Community Service Awards will be held on February 26 at 7PM at Borough Hall.

D. Other Reports
1. CDC Monthly Report
Barry Cassidy spoke about coordination of the PPG meeting, the housing authority meeting, grants for the Melchiorre property, the initial train study, miscellaneous grant monies, and fire department funding.

X. Reports of Committees, Boards, Commissions and Authorities
A. Planning Commission:
1. Consider Whether or Not to Oppose the Zoning Hearing Board Application for 138-140 Buchanan Street (Planning Commission Recommended Not Opposing)
No action was taken.

2. Consider Approval of the Preliminary/Final Plan for Renaissance South
Mr. Kirkner made a motion to approve, which passed 6-0.

D. Council Action referred from Committees
1. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
a. Discussion Regarding the Infill Ordinance
It was indicated that the Planning Commission should be directed to review similar changes for all NCR districts; this was determined to be a "Phase 2" approach. An action memo was located, and the motion to advertise the ordinance passed 7-0.

b. Discussion Regarding the Parking Authority
Discussion was referred to Committee.

XI. Public Participation (con’t)
Tim Daly spoke about the No Parking signs on the 200 block of Church Street and solicitation of volunteers from the public for some trash

XII. New Business
1. Consider Continuation of Council Meeting for the Purpose of Acting on the Regional Plan Implementation Ordinance
Deferred to the end of the meeting

Mr. Kirkner motioned to direct the solicitor to begin addressing the Buckwalter litigation before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The motion passed 6-1, with Mr. Buckwalter abstaining.

Mr. Speck made a motion to increase Chief Mossman's salary 1 payscale step forward effective January 1, 2008. The motion passed 7-0.

Mr. Kirkner motioned to dissolve the ad hoc committee representing PPG in the interest of promoting Sunshine compliance. The motion passed 7-0. The solicitor indicated that no violations were committed.

The No Parking signs on Church Street were deferred to committee for further action.

Mr. Kirkner provided an update on the regional plan, which has now been approved by all associated municipalities. The next step is the implementation plan, which the solicitor has reviewed and will offer comment to Council. There is a meeting on February 27 in the Schuylkill Township building.

Mr. Kirkner motioned to remove the appointment of John Messina to the Planning Commission from the table, it was removed from the table 7-0. Mr. Buckwalter indicated that the motion was tabled pending interviews in committee of all applicants. Mr. Buckwalter motioned to re-table, the motion failed 3-4, Mr. Ciruelos, Mr. Gill, Mr. Handwerk and Mr. Kirkner dissenting. Following the failure to re-table, the motion passed 5-1-1, Mr. Buckwalter dissenting and Mr. Speck voting "Present".

Mr. Buckwalter motioned to schedule a standard business meeting on the 4th Monday of each month; this is the same night as Committees. This would allow closure of meetings instead of frequent repeated continuance. The motion failed 2-5, Mr. Ciruelos, Mr. Gill, Mr. Handwerk, Mr. Kirkner and Mr. Speck dissenting.

Mr. Buckwalter motioned to hire Keystone Municipal Services, Inc. for assistance with recruitment of our next Borough Manager. The motion passed 7-0.

XII. Old Business
Mr. Handwerk was appointed to serve as the PACT representative.

The meeting was continued to February 25th for action on the Regional Plan.

Post-Game Report: Due Diligencers Upset by Good Ol' Boys

In an unexpected move last evening at the February Phoenixville Borough Council meeting which I was regrettably unable to attend, Council chose to act anachro