[0:00] [clears throat]
>> Good evening everyone. We had a little
[0:04] bit of inconvenience today, so we have a
late start. So, thank you all for your
[0:08] patience. We are manually recording this
and we will post it to our website so
[0:14] all the residents can be part of
the meeting and we'll take questions
[0:20] email afterwards.
[0:24] They won't hear me.
So, they won't have questions. So, it'll
[0:27] be afterwards we can answer those
questions.
[0:30] Um so, good evening everyone. Today is
August 5th. It is our August work
[0:34] session. Let's get started by calling to
order.
[0:41] » Yeah, Councilmember Laskey.
>> Present.
[0:43] » Councilmember Sarno.
>> Here.
[0:45] » Councilmember Rhea.
>> Here.
[0:47] » Councilmember Allen will note his
absence for the record. Councilmember
[0:50] Fry.
>> Here.
[0:52] » Vice President Kingsley.
>> Here.
[0:53] » President Sanalax.
>> Here.
[0:55] » And we'll note that Mayor Aronson is
absent for the record as well. Great,
[0:59] thank you.
All right, we'll start off with a couple
[1:02] announcements. So, prior to this meeting
Borough Council held an executive
[1:06] session
and we spoke about property, personnel,
[1:11] and legal matters.
Before we get started, it looks like we
[1:16] did receive one public comment following
our July 15th week public meeting.
[1:22] Steph, would you mind reading that
public comment into our record for me?
[1:26] » Yes, this is from Alyssa Kelly. She
actually emailed this to the mayor and
[1:30] the mayor passed it along. So, I'm going
to read this on her behalf. So, she is a
[1:35] resident, a mom of three young
daughters, and she wanted to share an
[1:39] idea that she thought would be an
incredible addition to our community,
[1:41] which is a splash pad.
And she noted that one of the big
[1:45] reasons her family loves living here is
how walkable and family-friendly the
[1:49] town is. We spend so much time walking
through our parks, playgrounds,
[1:52] businesses, and the events. It's one of
the things that makes this town so
[1:55] special. It's a big reason so many
families, including ours, want to stay
[1:58] here long term.
She felt a splash pad would be a natural
[2:02] extension of everything our town already
does so well. It would give families a
[2:05] free, safe place to cool off during the
summer without having to travel to
[2:08] neighboring communities or pay admission
to a pool. It also would It also create
[2:12] another gathering place where neighbors
can connect and children can play
[2:15] together. As a mom of three children, I
know firsthand how families
[2:19] are looking for activities that are
close to home. Our girls already love
[2:22] walking to our parks.
I can only imagine how much joy a splash
[2:26] pad would bring, not just to them, but
to the countless other children in our
[2:29] community. It would quickly become a
destination for residents of all ages
[2:32] and would further strengthen our town's
reputation as one of the best places to
[2:35] raise a family.
I hope the council will consider adding
[2:38] a splash pad to future community
improvement plans. I truly would believe
[2:42] it would be an investment that families
would enjoy for generations to
[2:51] reinforce why so many of us choose to
stay here.
[2:55] She just wanted to thank you for
uh for your time and your direction.
[2:58] » Thank you.
>> You're welcome.
[3:01] » All right.
Um
[3:12] Any public comment related to any agenda
items before we get started?
[3:19] Okay.
Hearing nothing, we'll go right into our
[3:21] agenda and we'll start with land use
matters public hearing ordinances.
[3:26] So, the
first item is a presentation on the
[3:29] preliminary/final
major subdivision and land development
[3:34] application for the Maple Street
development project, 1838
[3:41] 4016 Maple Street,
Mecca Properties LLC as the applicant.
[3:48] » Hello.
>> Good evening.
[3:49] » How are you?
>> I'm representing the applicant,
[3:52] Mecca Properties LLC.
Okay. Christian Marilla right here and
[3:57] members of that LLC.
On the first floor of LLC is Walgreen.
[4:01] Susan White is the engineer from SDA
engineering.
[4:05] And we're here to discuss
the rebuild that
[4:09] we're doing in the fourth ward now
foundation.
[4:13] Building single family detached homes on
the
[4:15] back of the property line.
Four new town houses
[4:20] on this application through the Indian
South Valley
[4:27] I'm choosing to represent the
land on Walgreen site of the property.
[4:32] I will also have a number of waivers
that we're asking for
[4:35] for our
project.
[4:38] We have been before the zoning hearing
board and obtained the necessary zoning
[4:41] relief.
And we're before any commission for our
[4:45] future recommendations.
[4:49] » This is a very
[4:52] So, the project
consists of two
[4:55] residential buildings
and four
[4:58] garages.
And the
[5:00] existing homes are
uh there is
[5:04] uh three town homes on that corner. So,
the idea is to take those down exactly
[5:09] and replace them.
Uh and then right next door to those
[5:13] three town homes is a vacant lot which
will be a single family dwelling. And
[5:19] then behind it um
with access up through Wood Street um
[5:26] off of Elm is the recycling facility.
So, that is the existing Yeah, correct.
[5:32] Existing building uh existing recycling
facility in the back that takes access
[5:37] from Elm Street up to up Wood through
the alley
[5:41] um and that it's that driveway exists
now. So, we're looking to use that
[5:47] driveway to then access what would be 12
town homes in the back.
[5:52] Um there's
uh
[5:54] reconfiguring of lots
to to make this happen.
[5:59] Um and the recycling facility will then
be turned into the the 12 uh
[6:06] townhouse units and then the um the the
lots that are fronting Maple Street will
[6:13] have a consistent backyard that runs
straight through to First Avenue.
[6:19] Um consistent with the the other lots
that are on that um
[6:23] that block.
Um
[6:26] the
the townhouses proposed will face the
[6:31] street. Um
there will be sidewalk on both sides of
[6:35] that street. There's a sidewalk then
that will continue down and can make a
[6:41] connect connect pedestrian connection to
the sidewalk that is in the alley that
[6:47] um extends into
um Elm Street. There is a turnaround for
[6:53] your emergency vehicles.
And there's also some additional um
[6:59] visitor parking that the road had
requested that we consider.
[7:05] That's really it.
Uh oh, sorry, I forgot one other thing.
[7:09] You see there's an L um shaped um piece
that you see that takes you from Maple
[7:16] Street over to First Avenue, a backward
L I should say. That is a uh intended to
[7:22] be a pedestrian path that connects these
two
[7:25] uh streets and it also connects both
rows of 12 townhouses.
[7:32] » And the zoning hearing the
resident talked about accessing the back
[7:37] of those townhouses from Maple Street.
So, in an informal way, he comes down
[7:42] our property. I mean, who would be
behind this?
[7:45] So, it makes sense that we would work
with him to come up with a more formal
[7:49] way to get to the back of the house. So,
what we're proposing now is to create
[7:52] that walking trail
from First Avenue up to Main Street
[7:56] to be utilized by the residents of the
three new houses
[8:00] and the single family home,
all the properties that are blocked at
[8:04] the way on Main Street
and the old alley to the
[8:07] new town alley on Main Street, which
would be the
[8:11] And then we would have a paved walking
trail.
[8:15] I'm not overlooking the property.
>> Could you just go back a second?
[8:22] » Does Hanes Hollister Park anywhere in
that space?
[8:26] » Is what?
>> The Hanes Hollister Park.
[8:30] » The back in the bottom, yes.
>> Down in the bottom, yes.
[8:32] » Mhm.
>> Yes.
[8:34] » What side is
>> Um if you go I guess the aerial will be
[8:38] » which which shows
>> Yeah.
[8:41] » Will that be a street for access?
>> Yeah.
[8:46] So, that wooded area there is the park.
Right at the end of what the what's
[8:52] labeled Wood Street is where the park
is, yeah.
[8:56] » So, what we talked about was creating a
parking area
[8:59] on the Hanes Hollister property.
It would be open to the public and as I
[9:04] discussed before, it would be parking
for our town houses, which would access
[9:08] through the existing Wood Street for the
access to the
[9:11] existing facility.
It was suggested at the planning
[9:15] commission that we put a fence around
that. There was a little bit of a slope
[9:18] issue. We agreed to
[9:23] And that would create more parking for
the park
[9:26] as well.
And a sidewalk down through
[9:28] Elm Street for access.
>> So, that 20-ft alley that also Uh, that
[9:35] serves to
uh
[9:37] provide access to the the homes that
front on Elm Street.
[9:41] Uh
It's It's sort of a street shot behind
[9:44] them. But, you can see that the the
driveway access to the recycling
[9:48] facility kind of hangs off to the left
and goes up the hill.
[9:52] Um
and in that area there, we are going to
[9:56] do some restriping
uh to kind of designate some additional
[10:02] parking spaces. That may be there
already. People might be using that, but
[10:06] it'll be a little bit more defined in
that area so that folks can park along
[10:11] that alley.
As well. And then um
[10:15] » [clears throat]
>> up where we have that emergency access
[10:18] turnaround,
um they suggested the bureau suggested
[10:22] we also add some parking there.
[10:29] » The planning commission had made some
recommendations.
[10:33] Um
are you willing to meet all the
[10:35] recommendations?
>> Well, it depends what they are.
[10:39] Well, the fencing was we were okay with.
The initial that uh
[10:43] floodgate maybe.
You know, on Elm Street with some
[10:46] flooding issues down there, that's okay.
They were talking about a secondary
[10:51] access to the property.
Uh we were not in favor of that. We do
[10:55] have the fire marshal's review letter
which indicates that he's satisfied with
[10:59] the ability to access the property.
[11:04] » This
quick question.
[11:07] I'm not from that familiar with this
area, so I might be asking a dumb
[11:10] question.
That park right there, it would seem
[11:14] that there's a good amount of traffic
that's going to come in and out of there
[11:18] with the alley, or is that not Am I not
seeing that correctly? Like that alley,
[11:22] there seems to be parking there. Is that
Is that like right up against the park
[11:26] right there? I'm just trying to get a
visual.
[11:28] » It'll be on the park.
>> It is.
[11:30] » Okay.
>> It is.
[11:32] Yes. Ralph. You've heard before here
that the recycling traffic down in that
[11:37] space has been a challenge to put kids
down there.
[11:41] » Yeah, that's that's what I'm that's what
I was driving at because I'm not I'm not
[11:44] familiar with that park because we don't
really go there that much on the other
[11:47] on the other side of town.
But, is there anything blocking the park
[11:51] from like that traffic area? I don't
Again, I don't know. I'm asking.
[11:55] Does anybody know that?
>> No, there's nothing.
[11:59] There's nothing there.
>> Okay.
[12:02] » But, the residents who's homes currently
face Elm Street, they do park their cars
[12:08] they come down that
that
[12:10] Wood Street
and they park behind their homes. I
[12:12] understand that.
>> Yes.
[12:14] » So, but the
but the road is still wide enough for
[12:17] people to get by.
Is that correct?
[12:19] » Yes.
Tractor-trailers and trucks get by
[12:23] there, I don't know.
>> And you're you're recommending putting
[12:27] up an actual walking path where the kids
so that people would not have
[12:30] » It's actually sidewalk. It's sidewalk.
>> It's sidewalk, yeah.
[12:35] Yeah, which is an
enhancement to what it had doesn't have
[12:39] today.
>> There's actually a sidewalk um
[12:42] that kind of comes in off of Elm Street
up Wood Street for a little bit and then
[12:48] so we're just going to keep extending
that, bring it across that alley, and
[12:52] then run it up the driveway that goes up
to the recycling.
[12:56] Right around where the D is on Wood
Street is kind of where the sidewalk
[13:00] stops.
Um so, we're going to continue it out of
[13:03] cross over the alley, and then run it
alongside the driveway up to the
[13:11] Yeah, yeah.
>> So, my question for you, you mentioned
[13:16] flooding. So, right now
and for people who aren't familiar with
[13:19] this area, where that recycling area
where the homes are going to go is up on
[13:23] a hill.
That hill, whatever the cause is,
[13:26] there's flooding that comes down into
the back of the homes along Wood Street.
[13:32] What in your engineering, flood
management, water management is going to
[13:36] be done about that? Cuz something has to
be done in that area.
[13:38] » Sure. So, uh number one, the existing
impervious
[13:44] on our property on its own is going to
be slightly reduced. Um all of the
[13:49] macadam and the um
the buildings and stuff on the recycling
[13:53] area will come down. It will be replaced
by some impervious, but there's also
[13:58] going to be a lot more green area that
is in the backyards that are kind of up
[14:02] against those houses that are in along
the alley. So, um we're going to grade
[14:08] swales so that the water is not kind of
leaving the property and impacting those
[14:13] folks, and it'll come down um the
driveway, the alley, the
[14:17] the that it like it normally does. Um
but we are also putting in some
[14:22] stormwater management that will also get
some of that um gray water back into the
[14:27] ground. Uh we are applying for our MPDES
permit, so the county is going to be
[14:32] looking at this rigorous rigorous
rigorously, and we are meeting our
[14:37] stormwater management ordinance. We're
not increasing flow.
[14:41] » Would you say that you're you'd be
improving stormwater management on this
[14:45] property?
>> Your ordinance requires it, so yes, we
[14:49] are.
>> I might have misunderstood. I thought
[14:51] the flooding was was at the back of the
creek, not
[14:54] Uh
I'm not sure. Right? We have a hill, we
[14:57] have an area that floods below the storm
sewer. That's
[15:01] » Well, yeah. I mean
>> That's why we have you, right?
[15:03] » Yes.
Yeah.
[15:08] » And we have we received the Pennoni and
Gilmore review letters, which were in
[15:11] full compliance with the situation right
now.
[15:15] » So, I think I heard in total 16 units.
>> Yes.
[15:20] » Three townhouses.
12 townhomes and then a single one.
[15:26] Single.
>> Correct.
[15:28] But you're knocking down three.
>> Uh I'm replacing them.
[15:33] » Right.
>> Right.
[15:34] » And are they currently occupied those
three?
[15:36] » They're not.
>> They they were built a long time ago and
[15:40] they're on a
stone foundations and they're not all
[15:43] the same size.
>> Yeah.
[15:45] » So going through the review of staff
will recommend that maybe we
[15:49] tear them all down 18-ft wide and one
foundations for the three.
[15:54] I mean what we presented was a
>> She has a
[15:57] a view of what
a rendering of what she was seeing
[16:00] for that area. That's that's kind of
what
[16:05] they're envisioning for the that
replacement.
[16:09] Um the one on the left is the single on
the new vacant lot.
[16:15] And you'll notice that that has a front
entry garage onto First Avenue.
[16:20] » You did get a variance to allow that.
There is already a depression out there
[16:23] where
>> I was going to say there's a curb cut
[16:25] already.
>> There is a curb cut there already.
[16:31] » Will all those
townhouses have
[16:34] be able to park next to their house or
will some people have to be a little bit
[16:37] removed and walk in?
>> Well First Avenue does have parking
[16:43] perpendicular parking along there.
And once we finish up I think there's
[16:49] actually
right now one of the buildings that is
[16:52] on that first lot
has a driveway access onto First Avenue
[16:57] and that'll go away when all this is
done. So you'll gain maybe two possibly
[17:02] three parking spaces on First Avenue as
well. And then there is parking out
[17:06] front.
[17:13] » Does anyone have any other questions
for the project?
[17:19] Okay.
[17:22] Thank you.
>> Did you um did you need us to go through
[17:25] the waivers or no?
>> You can go through them.
[17:28] » Yeah. Yeah, okay.
>> Council
[17:32] Council is aware of all of them,
obviously, but we were fine through.
[17:35] » Okay, sure.
Um
[17:38] the first waiver is to that uh your
ordinance requires existing features
[17:43] within 100 ft of the site you provided.
Um we've shown
[17:48] a a
a
[17:50] a decent amount of impervious I mean
existing features, but uh we also
[17:54] provided aerials so that you can have a
a
[17:57] wider view of things. Uh number two,
which requires separate preliminary and
[18:00] final plan submissions. Uh we don't have
a lot of permits and approvals, and this
[18:05] is basically your final plan, so uh
we're asking for a preliminary final
[18:10] approval.
Uh number three talks um
[18:13] require your ordinance prohibits
dead-end streets, so you saw that we had
[18:18] a dead-end street, and it's just because
of the topography and the way it's
[18:21] situated and how we need to access. So,
in order to offset that dead-end street,
[18:27] we did um talk to your emergency
services and provided that turnaround
[18:31] for them.
Uh number four prohibits driveways and
[18:34] driveway curb cuts within the front yard
setback. Again, because of the way the
[18:40] property is situated and how we need to
access, we had to put the um garages for
[18:45] the townhomes in the front yard, so that
is why we need driveways and curb cuts
[18:51] in the front yard.
Uh number five requires sidewalk along
[18:56] the private street to be placed 4 ft
from the curb line. Um
[19:00] we have some uh
the again, because of the the the way
[19:04] the lot is set up, we needed to place
that um sidewalk right up against the
[19:09] curb. Uh it is there. It's right Oh,
sorry, up against the edge of the
[19:14] street. So, you'll have edge of the
street, then you'll have your sidewalk,
[19:18] and then you'll have your driveway.
Um, number six prohibits grading within
[19:24] 3 ft of the property and right-of-way
lines. Again, because of the way this
[19:28] property exists, we have uh, some of the
existing buildings are built right up to
[19:34] the property line. Some of them even go
over them. So, we're going to need to
[19:37] obtain some construction easements so
that we can get onto everyone's property
[19:41] to demolish everything properly and and
regrade.
[19:45] Uh, number seven, which requires street,
uh, shade trees be planted no more than
[19:50] 30 ft apart at a minimum distance of 5
ft inside the lot lines. We're asking
[19:54] for a waiver to not provide the street
trees, um, in the new street because of
[19:59] the way we have the sidewalk and the
driveways that are being set up. We
[20:02] don't have that, um, grass area to plant
in. And, um,
[20:08] for along Maple Street, we have two
existing street trees. It would require
[20:12] more, but again, there's sidewalk out
there and there's really nowhere to put
[20:16] those trees.
Uh, number eight, which requires
[20:19] multi-family development uses to be
screened along the areas adjacent to
[20:23] other properties with 6-ft high
plantings. Um, we have those 6-ft high
[20:29] plantings along the rear yards, so it
would be up against First Avenue and up
[20:33] against those properties that are facing
Elm Street. But, for the two, but for
[20:38] the ends, the ones that are sort of, um,
behind the ones on Maple Street and for,
[20:44] um, the ones that are facing the park
and stuff, but uh, there
[20:48] topography,
um, infrastructure, we have retaining
[20:52] walls, we have, um,
um, paths and stuff. We just can't fit
[20:57] in those plantings and still make them
thrive and be healthy with all the, uh,
[21:02] infrastructure that we need to install.
Um, number nine requires park and
[21:07] recreational facilities. We're just
asking for a waiver to provide a fee in
[21:11] lieu of those facilities.
[21:15] » And that street between the 12 unit
townhouses will be a private street
[21:19] maintained by the homeowner's
association that's what we're creating.
[21:36] » And you're not removing any trees in any
of this construction, correct?
[21:42] » There's slight
>> Oh, wait. Wait. We are. Sorry.
[21:45] I apologize.
>> Where the turnaround is, there are some
[21:48] trees.
>> Trees that are down below.
[21:51] » Actually on borough property.
>> So we're
[21:55] trees out there top of the hill. So
we're looking at this drawing and many
[21:58] of those are
older trees.
[22:01] » Right.
>> Ours.
[22:02] » Yes.
>> What are you considering to remove?
[22:07] I don't have to pick out each tree,
right?
[22:10] I'm wondering, you know, we don't have
half of it, 75%, 10%?
[22:14] » No, there's there's like
one, two, three, four, five. There's six
[22:18] trees that go along that driveway that
are in the way of the pedestrian path
[22:23] that we need to get.
>> Okay.
[22:25] » And where the turnaround is, too.
>> Where the turn
[22:27] » The emergency turnaround, that's where
the bigger trees are.
[22:30] » There are some trees in there, yes.
Sorry.
[22:33] » Would it be safe to say that the
majority are staying?
[22:36] » Yes, the majority are staying.
>> They are on borough property, not ours
[22:39] anyway.
>> You can still take credit.
[22:45] » Actually, whatever we need to get the
turnaround in in the parking.
[22:48] » Yeah.
>> Okay.
[22:51] Okay, thank you.
>> In addition,
[22:54] you have the other trees that would be
coming out there once it
[22:57] they surround
firm that we put in years ago for the
[23:01] neighbors.
They're all large varieties that are um
[23:06] that have to come out for the
>> Walking path.
[23:09] » The not the walking path, the
behind Maple Street. We need that
[23:13] access. There's all There's all trees
planted there now.
[23:21] » So, you're removing trees, we're not
adding these. You're asking for some
[23:26] leeway for for not adding.
>> Well, we we are we are adding trees
[23:31] along the rear lines.
>> Okay.
[23:33] » So, you're putting trees back.
>> Yes.
[23:35] » Right. Right. We are.
>> There's There's um at these, there's 26
[23:39] trees being in addition. So,
>> So, you might be taking out five to
[23:44] seven, but you're putting in 26.
>> Correct.
[23:47] » Thank you.
[23:56] Any other questions?
[24:01] Thank you.
There's no vote tonight,
[24:03] » Correct.
>> Thank you.
[24:06] » Thank you very much for taking time to
show
[24:09] and explain.
>> Uh the normal process is we'll put
[24:12] together a draft resolution and send it
to you for next week.
[24:17] » Okay, great.
>> [clears throat]
[24:23] » Thank you.
>> All right. Thank you very much.
[24:25] » Thank you.
>> Thanks.
[24:28] Moving to the next agenda item, it's
under presentations. Um so, we're going
[24:34] to discuss bids received for the
community shuttle service renewal for
[24:38] the RFP. Um I'll invite Caitlin Valeri
from GVF GVF to the podium, please.
[24:47] » Hello. Uh my name is Caitlin Valeri, I'm
from GVF. Just as a reminder, we're a
[24:52] transportation management association.
We were founded in 1990, and we're a
[24:55] nonprofit organization.
Um we've been partnering with the
[24:59] Borough of Conshohocken on various
projects for over 30 years.
[25:03] Um and we also have over 30 years of
shuttle management experience including
[25:07] 1 million trips for Fortune 500
companies, universities, national parks,
[25:11] and local governments.
So just as a reminder, um the RFP was
[25:16] advertised on June 19th for a 2-year
contract with three optional 1-year
[25:20] renewals and the due date for the
proposals was July 24th, 2026.
[25:27] We received two complete proposals,
Transdev and Craft Transportation. And
[25:31] just a few quick comparisons and then
I'll get into the financials.
[25:35] Um Transdev, they both have a
14-passenger vehicle.
[25:38] Um Transdev has a propane-fueled
vehicle, that's the current Conshohocken
[25:42] cab. Craft Transportation will be
gasoline-powered.
[25:46] They both offer Wi-Fi and tracking
software included in the proposal.
[25:51] Um and when I get into the numbers, just
keep in mind that Craft Transportation
[25:55] did look to see what the current
tracking software was and included that
[25:58] software in the proposal. So that's the
BusWhere app. So they included keeping
[26:03] the tracking the same and as did
Transdev. Um both vehicles include bike
[26:07] racks and they are ADA compliant as per
the RFP.
[26:10] Um so just as a reference,
um the 2026 contract for the cab, the
[26:16] daily rate for Wednesday through
Saturday when it's running 11:00 to
[26:21] 11:00 is $942.16
and on Sundays when it's a shorter day,
[26:26] it's $490.08.
The total contract for 2026 was about
[26:33] just shy of $251,000.
So um I believe that you have the
[26:38] numbers in front of you, is that
correct?
[26:40] Okay. So I just wanted to make sure. So
Transdev, um it's a 4% increase from the
[26:45] current contract um if you're
considering the daily rate.
[26:48] Um the longer days would be $980.16
and Sundays are $490.08.
[26:55] And the total contract cost is just shy
shy of $261,000.
[27:01] When you compare Kraft Transportation
for 2027,
[27:05] um the daily rate
for Wednesday through Saturday on the
[27:09] longer days is $1,187,
and the Sundays are $690.
[27:17] And the yearly cost in the Kraft
proposal is just shy of $322,000
[27:22] for the year.
Um so, do you look at the 5 years
[27:26] totally proposed? Transdev is an
increase of 4% on the daily rate for
[27:30] each year. Um Kraft Transportation is an
increase of 3% on the daily rate.
[27:36] Um for Transdev, the Wi-Fi is $660 for
the year, and the tracking software is
[27:42] $2,100 for the year.
Um there's no charge for the Wi-Fi on
[27:47] the Kraft Transportation vehicle. The
same tracking software is $3,600 for the
[27:52] year. So, if you compare those, we add
the Wi-Fi where it's no cost for Kraft,
[27:57] but $660 for Transdev. Transdev, the
total Wi-Fi plus tracking is $2,760
[28:03] for the year, and um
Kraft, the total is $3,600 even. So,
[28:10] um
would you like me to get into any of the
[28:14] other numbers
for each the additional years?
[28:17] » Yes, please.
>> Okay. So, for year two, um
[28:22] if I'm looking at Transdev, it's a 4%
increase from year one. The daily rate
[28:26] for Wednesday through Saturday is
$1,019.36.
[28:30] For Sunday, it's $509.68
for a total contract cost of
[28:36] $273,552.98.
[28:41] Um for the same year for Kraft
Transportation, Wednesday through
[28:45] Saturday, the daily rate is $1,223.
And for Sunday, it's $711.
[28:51] The total contract cost is
$334,440.05.
[28:59] Um for the optional renewal years, for
year three,
[29:03] the daily rate for Transnet is $1,060.
And then $530 for Sundays.
[29:10] Total contract cost $284,000
$284
[29:15] $349,000.
And then for Craft Transportation,
[29:20] sorry, I'm looking over two pages here.
The daily rate is $1,260
[29:25] for the
[29:28] for the shorter days, with a total
contract cost of $344,241.50.
[29:37] For year four, another optional renewal
year,
[29:40] Transnet $1,102.40
for Wednesday through Saturday, which
[29:45] again are the longer days. For Sundays,
$551.20.
[29:51] Total contract cost $293,000
$710.92.
[29:57] For Craft Transportation,
um
[30:00] for Wednesday through Saturday,
$1,299.
[30:04] For Sundays, $756.
And then yearly cost
[30:16] $80.
And then finally year five, which is the
[30:19] last year of the optional renewal,
Wednesday through Saturday for Transnet,
[30:24] $1,146.56
[30:27] for the longer days, $573.28
for the shorter days, with the total
[30:33] contract cost of $305,365.
[30:38] $85.
And then for Crafts, for Wednesday
[30:41] through Saturday, $1,339.
And then for Sunday, $779 with a total
[30:47] contract cost of $363,417.75.
[30:53] Um, a couple of other things that I
wanted to note is that the Wi-Fi and
[30:56] tracking software costs for both
proposals does not go up. It stays the
[31:01] same for all five proposed years.
And um
[31:06] there's also included the cost for
removing the existing Contra Costa Cab
[31:11] branding on the Transnet vehicle, which
would be $300 at any time that you would
[31:15] choose to do so. And then if you wanted
to re-wrap it with a half wrap, which
[31:19] only goes like up halfway up the
vehicle, it's $2,800.
[31:24] And the full wrap is $4,400.
And then for the CAT transportation
[31:29] vehicle, the half wrap is $4,500 and the
full wrap is $6,000. And that's a
[31:32] one-time cost for whenever
it
[31:36] should it happen. But I will say that
the wraps are pretty
[31:39] pretty sturdy. They last for a long
time, but
[31:42] Um, and then also one other thing to
note is that you may notice on the
[31:46] spreadsheet that there's different day
numbers in each year. I went through and
[31:50] pulled out all of the holidays that fall
on days that CATS run. So for example,
[31:55] the CAT doesn't run on Thanksgiving, so
I removed that Thursday from the list.
[31:59] So that's why there's some different
days.
[32:02] Like if
if um
[32:04] Christmas falls on a Monday, the CAT
wouldn't run on that day anyway. So
[32:07] that's why like some of the years say
204 days instead of say 205 or 206.
[32:15] » I'm sorry. You spit out a lot of
information.
[32:18] » Sorry.
>> Um, so it is a agreement for 3 years
[32:26] with an optional year 4 and 5. Is that
what you said?
[32:29] » It's an agreement for 2 years with an
optional year 3, 4, and 5. And those are
[32:33] individual
um
[32:35] individual 1-year renewals.
[32:58] So, it's basically a 12,000 if we stay
with Trans Stat. It's about a $12,000
[33:05] increase
>> from the current.
[33:07] » for the two years over the current.
>> So, for the first year, it's about
[33:15] It's just under 10,000
increase the first year, and then it's
[33:19] about a a 13,000 increase from year
>> one to year two of that contract year.
[33:31] » Do any of you have any questions?
[33:40] All right. Again, no vote this evening,
just information.
[33:45] Thank you.
>> Thank you very much.
[33:46] » Thank you.
[33:55] » Next item on our agenda this evening is
a discussion on our Second Avenue
[33:59] Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project. I
will invite Brian up to the podium,
[34:05] and um I would you mind going over what
you have to show us this evening.
[34:10] » Um
>> [clears throat]
[34:11] » sure. Uh good evening, everyone. Uh as
you may recall, uh the borough received
[34:16] a grant uh from PennDOT
to improve the safety of Second Avenue
[34:21] um several months ago.
Uh what Britney has put up on the screen
[34:24] is the current plan.
Um this plan uh will include
[34:29] high-visibility crosswalks, uh signage,
uh as well as an overhead flashing
[34:34] warning device,
uh and side-mounted warning devices. So,
[34:38] it'll be very similar to what we already
have at Fourth
[34:41] uh and Seventh.
Um
[34:44] And that second page is really a
rendering or a detail of what the signs
[34:48] and and the flashers will look like.
But,
[34:50] um effectively, uh this uh will consist
of two mast arms uh overhead uh to show
[34:57] um or to display the rapid the rapid
flashing beacons in both directions
[35:01] along with associated uh pedestrian push
buttons
[35:05] um and uh as I mentioned, the pavement
markings and signage. So, this plan is
[35:09] currently uh under review by PennDOT. Uh
we expect any comments and or approval
[35:15] in the next uh week to 2 weeks,
uh after which, once we address any
[35:19] comments if there are any, we'll be
ready to advertise it for bids.
[35:23] Uh so, I expect that to occur
uh probably in the next uh you know, 4
[35:27] to 8 week time frame. We'll be ready for
that to occur.
[35:32] Um so, brief update. But, with that, any
questions or any um
[35:36] other information I can provide,
certainly can answer any.
[35:40] » On the left-hand side
um of your screen, is that a center
[35:45] island? Is that traffic calming? Is that
what that is?
[35:48] » That's actually the existing painted
median that leads down towards First.
[35:52] So, that's all that's existing. That's
already there.
[35:55] Yeah. So, there's there's no real curb
work or changes with this project. Uh
[35:59] we're just going to use the existing
curb bump-outs uh that are already on
[36:03] the east side of uh Adams and Second.
[36:09] » You want to have any other questions?
[36:15] Okay.
Thank you.
[36:16] » Thank you.
[36:23] » All right. Next item on our agenda this
evening is to consider approving the
[36:27] purchase of 680 Caldwell Lane, which
owned by RTI Caldwell LLC.
[36:34] That parcel ID is 49-00-02707-00-7.
[36:42] Um and we're looking to consider
approving a resolution, which would be
[36:48] 2026-11, that would authorize the
purchase/transfer of ownership of the
[36:53] property.
Before we get started, I'm going to
[36:56] invite Ray up to the
podium um and Frank Perry to present the
[37:03] plans for this property, and then Mike
Peters will discuss the resolution and
[37:09] sales situation.
And there's Shauna.
[37:14] Sorry, I left you out. I just ran away.
[37:21] Okay.
>> All right, so I'll get started with um
[37:24] how we got here. Um several years ago uh
council
[37:29] tasked the administration with trying to
find
[37:32] facilities uh that would accommodate our
growing uh municipality. So, we were
[37:38] able to
uh deal with one of those issues with
[37:42] the fire station. Uh the second thing
that we were tasked with was trying to
[37:45] find something in the
[37:50] We're trying to best find something that
was fit that was uh
[37:56] uh that would be uh
suitable for public works uh public
[38:01] services uh
garage department, and the third thing
[38:06] was the community center uh the
expansion of the community center. So,
[38:10] uh an opportunity a couple months ago
came
[38:13] uh forward
um
[38:16] and um we had to discuss it. So, what I
want to do is initially We about what we
[38:20] have.
Um so the
[38:25] Currently the public services garage um
is about 5,500 sq ft. Uh what you see is
[38:33] uh
at the bottom the bottom picture is
[38:36] that is at 3:00 in the afternoon when
the garage uh when they put all the
[38:40] vehicles in the garage at the end of the
day.
[38:43] That's what we're able to fit in that
garage. Um
[38:47] it is what I would consider a large
two-bay
[38:53] commercial garage. It is not a uh it it
is not
[38:57] in any means amicable for what the
municipality is
[39:04] what the municipality needs currently.
And this is not been going This is not
[39:08] something that's new. It's been going on
for
[39:11] years. Probably in approximately of 20
years. Some examples I'll show you
[39:16] why the municipality thought years ago
that we needed to expand, but they but
[39:20] they didn't take the uh they didn't take
the opportunity. So
[39:23] um
The next page you'll see um
[39:29] for about 20 people including two uh
summer help people, sometimes part-time
[39:35] people depending
uh on what we are what we are able to uh
[39:39] hire. Uh those are the facilities for
those guys. So 15 by 24 locker room.
[39:45] Um they need to store their dry
equipment, wet equipment,
[39:50] numerous boots, numerous pairs of boots,
uh numerous clothing that they're going
[39:54] to use throughout the day.
Uh whether that's normal weather or foul
[39:59] weather or anything like that. There's
nowhere else in that garage to put
[40:02] anything.
Um
[40:05] On the right-hand side that was an
undertaking uh we they referred to it as
[40:09] the break room training room, but that
was an undertaking that the public works
[40:14] employees took upon themselves to do.
That was uh accomplished by them. It was
[40:20] a tool garage.
>> Correct?
[40:22] » Correct. Yes. When I was the director
down there, it was a tool garage. Um
[40:27] they decided that they wanted to turn it
into a training room and
[40:31] uh
it was built by
[40:34] staff.
Public work staff.
[40:36] Uh
but since it's
[40:40] But since then, even since I've been
down there, it's it's definitely
[40:44] outgrown itself. We tried to have some
meetings down there and everybody's
[40:48] right on top of each other. Uh even that
picture, to be honest with you, doesn't
[40:52] do it justice. It's It um
it is truly smaller than it it looks.
[40:58] Um when I talked about the bureau
looking at facilities in the past to try
[41:03] to accomplish some of its needs for
storage and expansion,
[41:09] West Avenue Garage, which most of the
people in the community and many people
[41:13] on council don't even know that we have
Uh if you go down uh
[41:17] uh West 9th Avenue,
when you're going down the hill towards
[41:21] South Park, there's a small alleyway on
the left-hand side that takes you behind
[41:26] some homes. This garage is located in
that alleyway. So,
[41:31] it's it's on a hill, number one.
Um so, the utilization of that is
[41:36] basically a sometime um mostly lawn
equipment. It's not changed since I've
[41:42] been there. Lawn equipment that that's
concrete that you see there that they
[41:45] put there.
Um
[41:47] but it is what I would it is definitely
a two-bay residential garage. That's
[41:54] what it's That's what they purchased it
for. Um
[41:57] since then, um
we were able to purchase the empty lot
[42:02] next to it um
about 5 years ago, 6 years ago, we
[42:07] purchased the empty lot next to it.
Um
[42:12] again, to be able to try to utilize this
in a more beneficial way,
[42:17] uh it was a uh I think it was 11 or
12,000 dollars to purchase that lot. And
[42:22] um
uh we're hope we were hoping to uh
[42:26] utilize it a little bit more, but uh
simply because of the location it's
[42:31] become very difficult. Um most of the as
you know, most of the trucks
[42:35] that are involved in public services,
public works are larger. This is an
[42:40] alleyway, literally an alleyway. And you
have to try to manipulate these larger
[42:44] vehicles down this alleyway. And we've
had some incidents
[42:50] in the past show that um
that uh that's not really a good idea.
[42:55] We've had some damage to our vehicles,
we've had some damage to poles there uh
[42:59] trying to get around. Uh it also forms a
lot of ice in in the wintertime. So,
[43:04] basically in the wintertime it gets cut
off.
[43:07] Uh the next facility is West 7th Ave
garage. And this is um what I think
[43:15] uh most people in the municipality,
especially the people on West the west
[43:18] side of the municipality, believe
is a
[43:23] public works facility. Um
it is being utilized as a public works
[43:31] facility.
But um those are pole barns. They are
[43:34] not heated uh garages. Uh the other uh
garages is salt barn that uh they only
[43:41] use for they only use to store salt.
Um
[43:45] it's a uh
it
[43:48] from the picture it looks like it's a a
large area, but it's difficult to
[43:52] manipulate uh the larger vehicles around
because it is two levels. Uh
[43:59] the level closest to the bottom of the
the uh page um is approximately three,
[44:06] four, five feet drop off,
um, from the top and some five.
[44:11] And, um,
it's been difficult to maneuver around
[44:15] it. And that was when I was there it was
difficult to maneuver around it. It's
[44:19] even more difficult to maneuver around
it because to keep up with the current
[44:24] needs of what the municipality has,
there's been a substantial amount of,
[44:28] um, small equipment, large equipment
that that's been purchased, and
[44:33] equipment that we never kept in the
past. So, we never had a backup trash
[44:38] truck, for instance.
So, when we our trash truck broke,
[44:43] we kindly borrowed one from Clinton
Township, and then watched on Facebook
[44:48] as everybody said, "How come a Clinton
Township
[44:51] trash truck is driving around our
municipality?" But now we have backups
[44:55] to our vehicles. Um,
if you look at the center of these
[45:00] pictures, those are 53-ft cargo
containers
[45:03] that you see in this picture.
>> 53-ft cargo containers are utilized.
[45:08] What do we use them for now? Right now
there's holiday decorations that
[45:12] we have up that line Main Street every
year. There are a couple of ones that
[45:16] are throughout Miracle Park.
Um, the other two store all kinds of
[45:21] other event-related items.
And they're packed
[45:26] with climbing over things every day to
get in and out of there. What we put in
[45:30] there is
a hazard.
[45:32] » They literally are like a tractor. So,
you open the back doors, and if you want
[45:36] the thing that's all the way on the
other end, you've got to climb over
[45:39] everything else to get it and pull it
out.
[45:41] Um, there's only one way in, one way
out.
[45:44] Um,
the other equipment that you see on the
[45:47] bottom hand, right hand side, that's not
only equipment that some of it was
[45:51] purchased
by the municipality, but a lot of this
[45:55] equipment we've gotten on grants. And,
uh, it's a substantial amount of money.
[46:00] Some of the the chippers, some of the
equipment we've gotten
[46:03] uh we've been lucky enough to get grant
uh grants for for a while now,
[46:08] especially our recycling. So, we've
gotten a lot of grants for recycling,
[46:11] but
Um so, we're able to um
[46:15] So, we were able to to to to
bring that equipment into the
[46:20] municipality, but it's become an issue
as to where it
[46:25] gets placed. If you place it some of it
is diesel, it requires depot then in the
[46:31] wintertime. If you place it outdoors, it
gets weathered very quickly.
[46:36] Uh hoses and deterioration
of those vehicles is
[46:41] quite evident
uh after the winter if they stayed out
[46:46] through the winter outside through the
winter.
[46:48] Uh I will note and this is the the
genius of the public works department.
[46:54] The picture on the left-hand side, you
see a bunch of concrete blocks that are
[46:59] there.
Uh they built those concrete blocks
[47:02] because there is no way for them to load
salt into their trucks because of the
[47:07] height of the new trucks.
So, the public works department built
[47:11] a lift uh basically a small not a lift,
but a small bridge like that where
[47:16] they're able to drive
a front-end loader on top of it and dump
[47:22] the
uh
[47:24] salt into their trucks
to be able to work through the night at
[47:28] this location. Uh the other thing that
you'll notice about the location is
[47:32] those parts of the district have roads
about uh 30 ft wide and another let's
[47:38] say 15 ft to the front door of the
houses across.
[47:41] Um we have heard for many years um
I don't know if I'm supposed to reveal
[47:46] it, but I know the previous
councilperson um
[47:49] uh she had uh as our the home for the
next public safety center.
[47:54] That's something I have to talk
walk.
[47:58] » You're good.
>> Um it's hard to get an idea of what
[48:01] 45,000 sq ft is. So, not that we're
going to have it in there, but the
[48:05] biggest vehicle we could find is our
Quint trash Quint fire truck. So, we
[48:11] drove it through the building. So, what
you see here is the Quint inside the
[48:15] building and it easily maneuvers around
this building. Uh the build parts part
[48:20] of the building was um
uh
[48:23] they they they they In 2007, they put an
addition on
[48:29] the lower end of this building, which
gave the 45,000 sq ft. So, there's a
[48:33] separate a wall separation between them.
Um
[48:38] It is
by no means a perfect building. It is a
[48:43] work in progress. So, it will be a work
in progress over numerous years to get
[48:48] it to what
eventually would be a
[48:53] a very good public safety building. Um
public
[48:58] works building.
Um
[49:00] but um
the good the the the things about it
[49:03] that
stuck out right away are the size, open
[49:07] bays, the easily accessible to uh
to um
[49:13] to the borough as a whole on that side.
Um
[49:17] we really don't have any residential
issues there. Um
[49:22] We did get uh that plan is a tree plan
uh to try to address some of the things
[49:29] that we potentially saw we might have uh
issues with is the noise and
[49:34] uh aesthetics.
Uh so, we had uh some drawings and plans
[49:39] as to how to address some of those. We
would uh it's in dire need of
[49:46] some TLC. Um so, trees, plantings,
painting, those things we would start
[49:52] looking at them just immediately.
Renewing the office portion of it would
[49:56] be done
almost immediately.
[49:59] Um
and move from there. The office portion
[50:03] of this building is
almost the size of the entire public
[50:09] works garage, 600 block of about
about 5,000 square square feet.
[50:15] Um
so we did uh we started the
[50:20] and the last phase is basically the size
in comparison to to what we have now
[50:25] as though both um
on all our current sites size-wise and
[50:30] uh
uh
[50:32] as to what we have if we purchase that
building, it's a 215% increase in
[50:38] space.
Um
[50:41] so um some of the things that we looked
at along with this is what would we do
[50:48] with the current current current
properties we have. So
[50:51] um
just going through
[50:54] off the top of my head, 6th Avenue 600
block of East East Elm Street.
[51:00] Um we have already had an engineer look
at that to put a second floor on it.
[51:04] We're waiting to see what the results of
that are. The second floor would give a
[51:07] second floor for
uh
[51:10] the availability for the public works
people to go to the second floor to use
[51:14] it for locker rooms, a lunch room,
things like that, but it wouldn't open
[51:18] up the area for the larger vehicles.
Uh we would still be dealing with what
[51:23] we're dealing with there.
Um to try to leave the facility in the
[51:27] same same
footprint with the same uh
[51:32] uh roof and everything else, we know we
have a problem with that. You've seen
[51:36] that in our in almost every capital um
uh
[51:40] capital budget that I that since I've
taken over. Um
[51:44] we've always tried to account for the
fact that
[51:47] that roof
on that building was eventually going to
[51:52] have to be replaced.
Um
[51:56] some of the problems with that is where
we're going to put everybody when while
[52:00] we're doing it. Um we did have a flood
there one time and we brought in a
[52:06] trailer
to accommodate all the public works
[52:09] department, but we still were able to
open up the garages
[52:13] to use the garages while the trailer was
on location and it just became quite
[52:18] evident that we were in a
pretty futile position where we are. Um
[52:23] where where that location is. Uh we've
eliminated the use We started to
[52:27] eliminate almost completely the use of
the gas pumps.
[52:30] Uh there is no more gas. We we're we're
going to use an outside entity for
[52:34] getting for pumping uh for for getting
our fuel.
[52:38] Um
but the location of the gas pumps
[52:43] in proximity of the power lines in front
of them
[52:48] uh prohibits us from ever really going
through a process of changing any of
[52:53] that.
Even to remove that,
[52:56] um when we got bidding on some of
removing the tanks, um
[53:00] most of the operators want to bring a
crane in and put it on Hector Street
[53:05] and go over two houses
to remove the tank on Hector Street.
[53:10] Um
so it's a tight place it's a tight uh
[53:14] very tight
place. It's
[53:18] far outweighing what it
was meant for when I was down there. Uh
[53:23] I'll let Frank speak to the current
conditions
[53:27] uh since he's gained some employees and
some equipment since I left there. Uh
[53:33] but we'll start with that
[53:37] particular building.
>> Um so that as Ray said, that building is
[53:42] beyond repair a
and there are a lot of repair issues
[53:45] there.
leaks in
[53:48] numerous spots over top of electrical
wires. There is major leak every time it
[53:53] rains.
Um
[53:55] it does leak onto the electrical wires,
the alarm panels, and all that stuff.
[54:00] And we are just out of space. Our
mechanic works out of there on a daily
[54:04] basis.
Um
[54:06] So, we have, you know, his area in the
corner that takes up one basically one
[54:11] half of the garage is where the mechanic
has his lift and his equipment.
[54:15] And
as you see in the pictures, our fleet
[54:18] trucks are in there every day. It's It's
a multi
[54:21] Um
We fight it a little every day. We have
[54:25] a lot of equipment parked outside.
Millions of dollars of equipment that
[54:29] just sits outside.
It's vulnerable to the weather, to
[54:33] people getting in, you know,
that stuff down in the garage. You know,
[54:36] they can get over the fence easily.
And we have a lot of equipment outside,
[54:40] dangerous equipment.
Um chippers are all sitting outside cuz
[54:44] we have no room for anything.
Um
[54:47] We take it in as Ray said, the cargo
containers.
[54:51] Um
that stuff down in the Yeah.
[54:54] Back at
Elm Street,
[54:57] we have 19 guys that share a room
that is half the size of this quarter
[55:03] the size of this one.
where they're getting changed as Ray
[55:06] said, you know, their locker rooms
there. We have
[55:09] We don't even have enough lockers for
the amount of guys we have.
[55:12] They're just hanging stuff up.
Clothing laying everywhere.
[55:16] Office space, there's
myself, Robert and myself, and four
[55:20] managers crammed in a
20 by 9 ft office space. There's four
[55:26] desks. It's basically like cubicles.
Um
[55:31] So, we, you know, and the bathroom is
there's only, you You one stall, one
[55:35] urinal in there for 20 people.
It's we
[55:40] outgrew I mean, it served its purpose.
Don't get me wrong, but I think it is
[55:44] now time to consider and this
opportunity of
[55:48] you know, when our public works
department works out.
[55:51] Um I think this is a good plan.
[55:55] » How long you
>> I've been here 29 years now.
[55:58] So, I've seen it grow. I've been through
it.
[56:01] Um
and it doesn't look like it's stopping
[56:04] to grow.
And
[56:06] the equipment and the work and things
that happen and
[56:09] more work we're taking on, we just have
nowhere to store anything.
[56:13] We're piling stuff on top of each other.
Everything.
[56:19] » So, when we get past the the operations
portion of it and get down to what um we
[56:26] would do with that property. So, uh
there is there would be no intention for
[56:31] the borough to really need that property
anymore. So, um
[56:36] uh
when when these properties become
[56:39] available or people get on the rumor
mill or and start uh
[56:45] hearing that these properties are going
to be available, there's a lot of
[56:49] generally a lot of phone calls if there
is interest and there has been interest
[56:53] in it in the general uh in the
general public for purchasing of that
[57:00] uh
garage, but
[57:02] we've also engaged in some conversations
with the sewer authority. They're also
[57:07] going through the same issue that public
works is going through, which is
[57:12] um
expansion. There is that they need to
[57:15] expand and there's really nowhere to go.
They are, as you can
[57:20] most some people don't know this, but
uh a good portion of our
[57:25] some portion of the uh sewer authority
is actually in Wetmore Township.
[57:29] Um
so, when uh
[57:33] when this discussion came up, one of the
things we needed to do for this
[57:37] particular building during our due
diligence period was we wanted to have
[57:42] uh the storm sewer looked at and the
sewer system looked at and we went to
[57:47] the sewer authority and asked them to do
that for us and in that conversation uh
[57:53] during that conversation it came up that
that they may have interest in that
[57:57] property.
Um so,
[57:59] uh that opened up a lot of options in
the municipality municipality uh
[58:04] and I guess there's some legal
Obviously, there's going to be some
[58:07] legal hurdles, whether that's a public
entity, private entity, however that's
[58:12] dealt with, but for us it doesn't really
matter. So,
[58:16] one way or another, uh we can be it's a
private public entity and we can deal
[58:20] with it a little bit differently, but um
otherwise, it would go up for auction
[58:25] just like any other property that the
Borough of Duncannon would put up for
[58:28] auction.
Uh
[58:30] we would set a
um we would set a price that we would
[58:33] want for it um and put it up on put it
up for auction.
[58:38] That's 6th Avenue.
Um
[58:41] 7th Avenue, which is the more intriguing
one. I I think we would What what the
[58:46] goal there would be would be to bring it
back to what it
[58:50] is supposed to be, which is an extension
of Southwest Park.
[58:55] Uh and in doing so, again, in
Anita's name, we're going to have to
[58:59] bring bring up her name every 5 minutes
for this, but Anita did approach council
[59:04] uh several times about putting a dog
park there.
[59:08] Uh in fact, she presented I I didn't
remember clearly, but she presented uh
[59:13] at least I saw a rendering of the dog
park at that location. And I know
[59:17] there's a lot of questions about dog
parks and things like that, uh but
[59:21] because of the the way that that's
shaped, it
[59:25] optimal long runs, uh
so would be able to fence it in, we'd be
[59:30] able to secure it.
Uh
[59:33] If I remember her renderings correctly,
she even had parking spaces there.
[59:38] Um
we would not be building any structure
[59:42] on that property.
No matter what.
[59:46] There would be no structures.
Uh and then there would be a discussion
[59:50] on what we would do with the current
structures and whether we can
[59:53] incorporate that into some type of
facility that would work with either dog
[1:00:00] park, a park, a splash pad.
A splash pad
[1:00:05] or whatever. Uh we do have water in
there finally, too. It wasn't water in
[1:00:10] there before finally. There's water in
there now.
[1:00:13] Um
but uh
[1:00:16] if we could incorporate it, and because
it's a pole barn, it's referred to as a
[1:00:20] pole barn, there's a lot of things we
can do with it. There's no gas in there.
[1:00:25] There's just power. Uh it's not heated.
Um
[1:00:28] so So, we could
the there are things that we could
[1:00:32] potentially do it that would not have
not
[1:00:35] not knock me down. Uh I I I did uh ask
uh
[1:00:40] for a rendering,
uh but it was not going to be available
[1:00:44] by this meeting. Um
if this were to move forward, there'll
[1:00:48] be a rendering of that in in a natural
kind of setting as part of Southwick
[1:00:54] Park. Trees, grass,
and then whatever you want to whatever
[1:01:00] whatever you want to do.
Uh
[1:01:04] uh the 9th Avenue facility, again,
that's one that we would be uh we would
[1:01:09] have to really discuss
uh
[1:01:13] the return on the investment on that
property will probably never happen. Uh
[1:01:19] we
uh lot of was paid a lot of money was
[1:01:21] paid for that.
Uh
[1:01:24] and I believe in 1997
uh
[1:01:28] the community garden has talked about
fencing and trying to keep deer out and
[1:01:33] and if you go to the community garden,
you see how everything is kind of
[1:01:37] » which is that we would not have that. We
really wouldn't need it for anything
[1:01:40] else. So, I don't really see why we
would
[1:01:43] do any other direction but that.
Uh that is it.
[1:01:49] » Um
So, uh we've done everything that we
[1:01:53] possibly could at this point. We've
taken We've done We've taken some ATVs
[1:01:58] down there and seen if we could make a
connection between Cow Lane
[1:02:03] and the bike path. Um the bike path, if
you look at the aerial picture, the bike
[1:02:08] path comes in
about at the turn of 476.
[1:02:13] Um but it is a pretty pretty substantial
slope. Um
[1:02:17] uh but we did take some ATVs to see if
if there was be a potential there and it
[1:02:24] would be hard
um
[1:02:27] construction, but
we could definitely have conversations
[1:02:30] with Lower Merion Township in the
uh
[1:02:33] in the future and then we would be able
to be able to run
[1:02:36] a path through Cow Lane. It would be
very
[1:02:39] neat to have a
connection between the A-field
[1:02:43] and the bike path.
Uh going through the office property
[1:02:47] over there.
Uh so, we look at every opportunity we
[1:02:51] can. The only structure that you
wouldn't that you would see on this site
[1:02:57] uh that isn't on this site currently
would be a salt.
[1:03:01] We would build a salt barn. Salt is very
corrosive.
[1:03:05] Um so, to put salt inside a building, uh
we wouldn't want to do that as much as
[1:03:09] the structure. So, somewhere along in
that on that property, there's numerous
[1:03:14] locations outside of
um
[1:03:17] outside of any
aesthetic issues that you possibly
[1:03:21] impose by it.
We would be we would be able to close
[1:03:24] off the
sidewalk.
[1:03:27] Uh the same type that you see
on at 7th Avenue. It would be a
[1:03:31] uh
a whole block
[1:03:34] with the front loading dock.
Uh so that's the only other structure
[1:03:38] that we would be
putting on our property so
[1:03:41] concrete with a
with a with a loading dock so
[1:03:53] » Any questions from anybody? That was a
lot of information.
[1:03:58] » If this and and just let's I mean to be
quite honest with you,
[1:04:02] if this does not work out, we will still
be having to live with it. So
[1:04:06] do
let's by no means try to pretend like
[1:04:11] that's not what we have to have. It is
going to have to happen.
[1:04:15] Um and it's probably sooner than later.
So if this does not work out, we will be
[1:04:21] we'll just continue looking for another
gate.
[1:04:26] » For me,
I'm I'm repeating back to you some of
[1:04:30] the things you said but
to summarize them,
[1:04:33] it sounds like there's two big issues,
safety and efficiency.
[1:04:37] I mean every property you name has a
what I think is a worker safety issue.
[1:04:43] Uh and overall it sounds like there's an
efficiency issue where you definitely
[1:04:48] lose a lot.
[1:04:50] Yeah, that's just a tunnel. I mean,
I mean you talked for a while and I have
[1:04:54] to sum it up in 2 seconds.
And that's what I'm hearing you say is
[1:04:59] worker safety too.
>> So a common sense issue like trying to
[1:05:03] make a connection on a vehicle when it's
snowing and 20 and 12 degrees and doing
[1:05:09] it inside a facility and then going out
>> I I've made a list
[1:05:14] pretty much every property you named has
some kind of
[1:05:17] I mean, that that is
that's a major safety issue. Someone's
[1:05:21] going to get hurt, but even smaller I
mean, raining into electrical areas and
[1:05:25] things like that.
[1:05:27] Yeah, so that's
those are the two biggest topics I'm
[1:05:31] going to be talking about.
>> Mr. Frank, as the director of the public
[1:05:36] services department, you talked about
having a single mechanic.
[1:05:41] That mechanic is responsible for every
piece of equipment including police
[1:05:49] cars.
>> Fire, snow plow.
[1:05:52] » So, so one mechanic for all that
equipment with one day.
[1:05:58] » Yes.
>> So, I would anticipate that's an area
[1:06:01] that we probably are going to need to
see growth in as well.
[1:06:06] Um, and this would give us the
opportunity to actually put some
[1:06:09] mechanics in to be able to do that.
>> Yes, absolutely. And that's
[1:06:13] the new space
potential new space.
[1:06:16] Uh, there's
more than enough opportunity
[1:06:19] that I have
another
[1:06:22] thing that we have in the future.
Definitely
[1:06:25] keep moving forward.
>> And that goes to both of the both of the
[1:06:30] both of the departments.
>> The current lift that we have we've
[1:06:35] already got pricing to move and it's
actually much cheaper than what we
[1:06:39] thought it to move it to another
location.
[1:06:41] So, that was relatively new and it can
be reutilized
[1:06:45] in a new location.
Uh, and we do currently have one
[1:06:48] mechanic, but we have what I think would
be called one mechanic in training,
[1:06:53] which we will which um,
we have discussed with Stephanie and
[1:06:58] uh, he's in school to finish. He was a
licensed mechanic at one point, but he
[1:07:03] his license ran out, but he's interested
in now. amazing difficult
[1:07:09] person to find and hire
and we're not going to be able to have
[1:07:13] one that's on staff.
And we're trying to get a
[1:07:17] » So, I'm not hearing that this is going
to be as big of a project as the public
[1:07:24] safety building where it was a knock
down, rebuild, millions of dollars to to
[1:07:30] outfit. I'm hearing that this is a
building that we can use its bones and
[1:07:36] develop it out as we go.
It probably needs a little bit of
[1:07:41] something to get it up and running.
>> Oh, absolutely. I mean,
[1:07:45] the biggest thing to get us in there
uh
[1:07:48] the office area
right now is
[1:07:51] might be considered uninhabitable and
it has some mold issues from it just
[1:07:56] sitting. So, we would
go in there
[1:08:00] in house and we've got that.
Um
[1:08:03] and make our space
be great for me and my
[1:08:06] employees.
It needs some I guess I'd say TLC.
[1:08:10] Um
but the bones are good. Everything else
[1:08:13] about the building
And we did have a conversation with the
[1:08:17] owner um based on because the sale of
this property is relatively new and I
[1:08:23] don't really want to He doesn't want me
to get into the specifics of the sale,
[1:08:26] so I'm not going to.
But um the sale of this property is
[1:08:30] relatively new and he can't
um
[1:08:33] so, he's had to go go through all of the
all of the due diligence
[1:08:38] in order to purchase property. So, there
were some uh asbestos shingles on the
[1:08:42] floor.
That has already been remediated and we
[1:08:45] have documentation of that remediation
and we were able He's been very amicable
[1:08:50] with us uh with us about going in and
out and looking at and we are you know,
[1:08:55] that that has been taken care of and
remediated correctly by a certified
[1:08:59] company because it was part of the
documentation. Um that was
[1:09:04] Um so those are the things that that
we've seen. There is one final aspect I
[1:09:08] will talk to you
with with with with um
[1:09:12] equipment. So one thing that we have not
gotten into was was the final phase of
[1:09:17] the public services and barrels going to
do with
[1:09:20] Once the roads are where they need to
be, there's the next part of that
[1:09:25] equation maintaining them and
maintaining the level where it needs to
[1:09:28] be. So one lane for instance goes bad,
what are you going to do?
[1:09:35] So
in the next 18 months, the
[1:09:39] bureau's
public services department will be
[1:09:42] developing a program to do road
maintenance which will include
[1:09:47] uh
mill and overlay
[1:09:50] like overlay.
Uh they're going to work with actually
[1:09:53] with Main Township a lot of that type of
work, road work. So they're going to go
[1:09:57] up to Main Township and learn
about
[1:10:01] like some of their technique.
Um let's let's just talk about the um
[1:10:05] public park and all the um
trails in the public park that they
[1:10:09] recently
put there. Um this is going to last
[1:10:11] forever.
Um they will be able to
[1:10:14] redo them and maintain them and actually
do
[1:10:18] and with Main Township that's the first
project that they're going to do with
[1:10:21] the Main Township. They're doing some of
the doing some of the park
[1:10:24] and the trails and they're learning
and so they're going to go there and
[1:10:28] learn how to do that. And eventually
through the capital program and when
[1:10:32] it's when it's necessary, um they're
going to get the equipment that they
[1:10:35] need to do it.
Um they can rent some of it
[1:10:39] um but they don't know how to use them.
That was never part of what they did.
[1:10:43] Um that will be the final portion of
what they did. So you'll have storm
[1:10:48] water
sanitation
[1:10:52] tree removal
[1:10:56] salt
which we do also state roads down with
[1:10:59] the with the bridge as well as the state
roads here in Peterborough.
[1:11:04] Um
All that is done by um
[1:11:08] these guys. So, it's an ever-evolving
job
[1:11:12] and um
and it's an ever-evolving job with the
[1:11:17] professionalism that is required for the
Um they're trained well.
[1:11:22] Um they do the job well. Um
and this is uh
[1:11:26] this would be the perfect half to if we
can make it work. But, if we can't, like
[1:11:32] I said, we will not settle for less.
So, we'll do a fine something else.
[1:11:37] » I'm trying to
um better understand the
[1:11:43] uh
how we'll start utilizing the space. I
[1:11:46] mean, again,
we're overstuffed. We are, you know,
[1:11:50] basically packing stuff on top of other
things. It's dangerous to
[1:11:55] to do that because, you know, any
inefficient. Um but, I guess my question
[1:12:00] is
the facility going to be about three
[1:12:03] times the size of what we currently
have.
[1:12:06] Uh so, what do you estimate we would
already fill up of that space given what
[1:12:12] we have? Like 50% of the new space?
>> Yeah, I I I Well, I I I would say we'll
[1:12:17] be maybe 2/3 of the space would be full.
Um
[1:12:20] we have So,
we have
[1:12:24] other facilities
we store and we we lease We're we're
[1:12:28] currently leasing facilities
in order to store equipment.
[1:12:33] So, that I didn't bring up. I only
brought up the
[1:12:37] the properties that we actually own.
Uh or have uh a vested interest in other
[1:12:43] than the leased properties. But, we do
have We have We do have properties that
[1:12:48] we lease uh where we store our
equipment.
[1:12:52] Uh um
We have even our property
[1:12:55] here, we have
equipment that
[1:12:59] would all go for the most part there.
And because it's an open
[1:13:04] setup, there's a lot of things we can do
inside um, to
[1:13:09] hot it, make it
uh, the police department can have their
[1:13:13] place, the fire department can have
their place.
[1:13:15] Um, and yeah, yeah, one thing I did
forget to say is
[1:13:21] 65 Elm Street, one of the view, Elm
Street garage is not sprinklered.
[1:13:26] Um, there's no sprinkler system there at
all. So, there's a placard on the front
[1:13:30] of the building and if it catches on
fire, fire department doesn't have to go
[1:13:34] straight for
Um, this is a fully sprinklered.
[1:13:38] It's fully sprinklered.
So, we also have a little bit more faith
[1:13:43] in the fact that we could put some of
this kinds of equipment.
[1:13:47] Um, and
sprinklers are jump out and I was
[1:13:50] talking about with life safety, but they
also put out fires. That's what I'm
[1:13:54] talking about with the fire department.
Um,
[1:13:56] uh, so, that was definitely a benefit
for this. That these are
[1:14:01] fully so
[1:14:16] » Anyone else have any questions related
to this?
[1:14:21] Yeah, where you said you this was built
and keep talking.
[1:14:25] Realistically, where else is there
a close good borough contract?
[1:14:30] » I'm not going to be sarcastic, Kathleen.
You you walk with sound
[1:14:34] way more than I do.
Um,
[1:14:37] you tell me.
>> I I don't I can't think of any place
[1:14:41] that
>> plan to try to make that negotiation
[1:14:43] happen.
>> Right.
[1:14:44] » Um,
but even
[1:14:47] even when we have even engaged in some
some talks, in general, they've been
[1:14:53] conversations about leasing and never
buying. And then, um the other ones,
[1:14:58] when you start thinking about where they
are, they really don't work. We can't
[1:15:03] have a facility like this
on the other side of the train tracks.
[1:15:07] It's not going to
We have to have a facility We can't have
[1:15:10] a facility along that Hollow Lane
stretch because it's going to break
[1:15:15] every once in a while for a little bit
of time.
[1:15:18] So, this is, believe it or not, there is
not even a corner of this
[1:15:24] and that's why
the tributary behind it is not a
[1:15:28] tributary to the Williams Brook. That's
also a small borough road that floods.
[1:15:33] Um
but not in that section.
[1:15:37] » So, basically, this or
nothing else?
[1:15:41] » Maybe some of the land around it.
Maybe some
[1:15:49] But yeah, there's I don't really I don't
see anything that's I don't see anything
[1:15:54] in in that
inside of the borough of Mountainside.
[1:15:58] I just don't.
[1:16:01] » And Mike, there's no problem with the
borough of Mountainside running a
[1:16:05] business in Summit Township?
>> Not running a business.
[1:16:09] But
>> They're operating
[1:16:10] » They're operating running a municipal
operation out of another jurisdiction.
[1:16:13] There's no prohibition on that
whatsoever.
[1:16:20] » Anyone else?
Mike, can you just go over the
[1:16:23] resolution real fast?
>> Sure. Um so,
[1:16:27] what we prepared, and council has seen
these before when we've engaged in
[1:16:31] property purchases, is a
a resolution that sets forth some of the
[1:16:35] background, nowhere near as as detailed
as we're going to do, some of the
[1:16:39] background of why the this is needed,
um
[1:16:42] and then authorizes as this moves
forward
[1:16:47] your borough manager with my advice and
and help to execute the documents that
[1:16:52] are needed for purchase of the property.
It attaches a draft agreement of sale.
[1:16:58] That draft agreement of sale
is going to be amended, and that is
[1:17:03] because we included our a standard due
diligence period in here.
[1:17:07] But we do already know that we will be
some zoning relief from from the
[1:17:12] township, so we will be
uh amending this
[1:17:17] agreement of sale to provide a time
period within which we can seek that
[1:17:21] zoning relief from their zoning hearing
board. No red flags at this time in
[1:17:25] terms of obtaining that, but um prior to
closing the borough certainly wants to
[1:17:30] have that
in hand. The purchase price is $5.975
[1:17:36] million,
and otherwise the agreement of sale is
[1:17:41] relatively straightforward just because
um there's not there's not a lot to this
[1:17:45] in terms of of um
financing in turn as between us and the
[1:17:51] and the seller. So,
um the provisions of the resolution are
[1:17:54] are relatively short, and what we do um
in these circumstances and what we do
[1:17:58] here is after we have
the agreement of sale form finalized and
[1:18:04] agreed to between the parties,
um you guys will consider it again at
[1:18:09] that will likely be in the meeting um 2
weeks from now.
[1:18:16] » And then just from a financing
perspective, so again at the closing,
[1:18:20] the cost is $5,975,000
plus associated closing costs.
[1:18:25] And the post funding plan will be to
utilize $3 million from the borough's
[1:18:29] general funds.
And then $3 million from the capital
[1:18:32] fund balance.
And we'd use cash on hand to purchase
[1:18:35] the real property.
And then upon receipt of the 2027 bond
[1:18:40] proceeds, which are already underway,
which should
[1:18:43] come in approximately early 2027,
the borough will reimburse the capital
[1:18:48] fund in the amount of 3.9 million of
those proceeds.
[1:18:50] So, you have the funding available
um and it is
[1:18:55] sufficient for the acquisition. It is
prepared.
[1:19:05] Any other questions?
[1:19:10] Hearing no other questions
this evening, I'm looking for a motion
[1:19:14] to approve the resolution 2026-11,
which would authorize the purchase and
[1:19:20] transfer of ownership of 680 Conover
Lane tax parcel
[1:19:25] um in the amount of $5,975,000
plus the associated closing costs. And
[1:19:32] Stephanie, whenever we're those funds
which is what I'm going to
[1:19:37] do to get to you that.
>> I make the motion to approve.
[1:19:40] » I'll second.
>> I have a motion and a second. All in
[1:19:43] favor?
>> Aye.
[1:19:44] » Aye. Anyone opposed?
Motion carries.
[1:19:50] Thank you.
>> Thank you very much.
[1:19:59] » How are you doing, Bob? You're right
back there.
[1:20:02] Talk to Stephanie so you know where that
is.
[1:20:04] Where are you going? My battery is
dying.
[1:20:05] » be the motion to approve.
>> Yeah. Yeah.
[1:20:09] Um all right. Next item on our agenda
this evening is council business. It
[1:20:12] doesn't look like we have any other
council business. Um so, we'll move
[1:20:16] right into the manager matters and have
a discussion on the park and recreation
[1:20:20] mission.
Okay. Yeah, we'll go through the
[1:20:25] ordinance that was passed that that
revised the park and rec ordinance and
[1:20:28] then create the park and rec creation
commission. And so, now we need to
[1:20:31] discuss the compilation of that actual
commission, and then start the process
[1:20:36] of advertising for the vacant positions,
interviewing, and appointing with the
[1:20:41] plan of having the commission up and
running for early 2027. So, all we're
[1:20:44] asking is to get the team going on. Um
the one piece of clarification that I do
[1:20:49] need from council is that the commission
is five members total.
[1:20:55] And the compilation can either be one or
two council members, and then that
[1:21:00] depending on what you decide. Either one
of the council members would either be
[1:21:03] three
or four
[1:21:06] residents.
So, the main direction we need from you
[1:21:09] this evening is how would you like that
compilation set up,
[1:21:13] and also just give us authorization to
start the interview the advertising and
[1:21:18] interview process.
>> So, this will follow the same process
[1:21:22] that we've used for other commissions
and committees and task force. Our
[1:21:27] people will apply with interest.
We will interview them, and we will, as
[1:21:33] a council, make a selection on who those
members are those members.
[1:21:39] » Council, is there any um feeling of one
or two council members on this
[1:21:45] commission?
>> So, I'll say that
[1:21:50] preliminarily I have been spoke to
some people about the parks and
[1:21:55] recreation director.
Um
[1:22:00] seems to be some good interest in places
that we haven't
[1:22:03] necessarily seen here
before.
[1:22:07] Um
so, I'm kind of bullish on saying that
[1:22:12] we can get a good amount of residents
on the commission, and um
[1:22:18] obviously like Little League has has the
interest of
[1:22:22] softball things like that. There's even
gentlemen who have played basketball
[1:22:27] with the new board. And the board wants
to
[1:22:30] you were sitting
and
[1:22:32] you showed your interest in it, so
um
[1:22:36] I'd be okay with one council person and
leaning
[1:22:39] on
us getting
[1:22:43] or other people I know traditionally
who've been talking to receive.
[1:22:48] » We can also reserve the right to if you
only get so much interest to tell them
[1:22:52] that the council
>> Well, I think that's the idea. If you do
[1:22:55] that, then that's what I what I would
suggest would be the plan. But again,
[1:22:59] right now
I can't say for certain, but I think
[1:23:02] there's a good amount of
of interest in uh
[1:23:06] being part of
[1:23:10] » So, opposed to one council member and
four searching for four.
[1:23:15] We need members?
>> I like it.
[1:23:19] » Great. Should I write it? Got it.
[1:23:25] So, you will
you will based on that
[1:23:29] direction start the advertising process
to start having candidates interviewed.
[1:23:34] So, anyone has any questions or anyone
has interest, you can forward them to
[1:23:39] bring me or I will walk them through the
process of getting them set up.
[1:23:43] » And as a reminder
commissioners that are appointed are the
[1:23:48] voting members, but anyone who comes to
any of the meetings and
[1:23:52] have input and discussion.
>> Correct. And this commission is going to
[1:23:57] be the main commission that's going to
serve as an advisory role to council
[1:24:03] on the things pertaining to development,
improvement, use, maintenance, leisure
[1:24:08] needs of the borough parks, playgrounds,
and recreational facilities.
[1:24:14] So, it's a good kicking off part for the
the growth of our next
[1:24:19] » So, just to call out the difference,
this will be the advisory board.
[1:24:23] » Correct. Friends of Contra Costa Parks
is our fundraising arm. So, they're two
[1:24:29] separate and distinct groups that will
work together for the community.
[1:24:34] » So, there's two separate and distinct
groups that need to be the Contra Costa
[1:24:38] Parks separately a nonprofit
organization.
[1:24:43] » Good.
>> Thanks.
[1:24:44] » Hey, just a follow up. What should I not
be a member because it will sit on both?
[1:24:48] » At this point, they'll be separate.
But again, as Tina said, they can
[1:24:53] definitely attend
and have
[1:24:57] be part of the conversation.
>> Thank you.
[1:25:02] » Anyone else?
All right, moving on.
[1:25:05] Our next item is to consider awarding a
bid for construction services for our
[1:25:10] Hollowell Street Road Construction
project.
[1:25:14] So, um this is one of the roads in our
road program that will be done. Um and
[1:25:20] the idea is we start awarding bids and
we start having all our roads rebuilt.
[1:25:26] Um so, I'm looking for a motion to award
the base bid with an alternate bid
[1:25:32] number one and an alternate bid number
two to T. Schieffer Contractors
[1:25:38] Incorporated, and that amount is
$832,585.
[1:25:46] » I'll make that motion.
>> I'll second.
[1:25:48] » I have a motion and a second. All in
favor?
[1:25:50] » Aye.
>> Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries.
[1:25:55] Next item is to consider approving
resolution 2026-12,
[1:26:00] which will approve a supplemental
appropriation for the Hollowell Street
[1:26:05] Road Construction project.
[1:26:09] So, looking for a motion to approve
resolution 2026-12.
[1:26:15] » I'll make that motion.
>> I'll second.
[1:26:17] » I a motion and a second. All in favor?
Aye.
[1:26:20] Aye. Anyone opposed?
The motion passes.
[1:26:24] Next item on the agenda is a discussion
on reappointing E. Bergwall & Company,
[1:26:30] P.C., to conduct the bureau's annual
financial audit for fiscal years ending
[1:26:35] in 2027,
2028, and 2029. Stephanie, would you uh
[1:26:41] just go through the proposal?
>> Yes, E. Bergwall is our current
[1:26:46] auditor
um and they have conducted our annual
[1:26:49] financial audits since 2016.
They have been instrumental in uh
[1:26:55] completing items such as local
valuation, final capital asset listing
[1:26:59] policy, and implementing government wide
financial statements.
[1:27:03] We are looking to renew the agreement
for another 3 years. Again, for '27,
[1:27:08] '28, '29.
For '27, we're looking at a $1,000
[1:27:13] increase at $25,000. And then for '28,
there'll be a $750 increase.
[1:27:19] And for 2029, a $750 increase.
[1:27:27] » Any questions related to that? We're not
going to vote on this tonight, but
[1:27:31] if you have any questions.
Jeremy, do you have any questions?
[1:27:35] » Stephanie, I have a quick question. I
believe the answer to this is no.
[1:27:39] Are we subject to a single audit act for
federal funds?
[1:27:43] Because of the million dollars we don't
get that much.
[1:27:46] » We were subject to one single audit
award, but
[1:27:51] that was only for one single
grant award. Yes, one year.
[1:27:55] » Thanks.
[1:28:00] » Next item
[1:28:05] Next item on the agenda is to consider
approving 140 East 6th Avenue
[1:28:10] financial security escrow release number
one, which is the final, and that would
[1:28:14] be in the amount of $39,809.
[1:28:18] Looking for a motion contingent upon the
receipt of recorded agreements with the
[1:28:23] MJ Acquisitions LLC.
>> I'll make that motion.
[1:28:27] » I'll second.
>> I have a motion and a second. All in
[1:28:29] favor? I. Anyone opposed?
Motion carries.
[1:28:34] Next item is considering 140 East 6th
Avenue professional service escrow
[1:28:39] release, and that would be a final
release, in the amount of $3,257.66
[1:28:46] plus interest.
Looking for a motion contingent upon the
[1:28:50] receipt of recorded agreements with MJ
Acquisitions LLC.
[1:28:54] » I'll make that motion.
>> I'll second.
[1:28:56] » I have a motion and a second. All in
favor?
[1:28:59] I. Anyone opposed? Motion carries.
Next item is to consider approving a
[1:29:04] tuition reimbursement for Sergeant
Walter for the fall of 2026. This is
[1:29:09] part of the local bargaining agreement,
and that amount is $7,766.88
[1:29:16] plus the cost of books.
Looking for a motion.
[1:29:21] » I'll make that motion.
>> Okay.
[1:29:23] » I have a motion and a second. All in
favor? I. Anyone opposed?
[1:29:27] Motion carries.
[1:29:30] Next item on our agenda
[1:29:34] is the Valerie answer.
Um
[1:29:37] is discussing the results of the trial
period for our temporary residential
[1:29:42] permit parking on 2 and 300 blocks
of East Elm,
[1:29:48] uh the 400 block of West Elm Street
parking.
[1:29:54] And um looking at that to be made
permanent through a borough ordinance.
[1:30:00] So,
Chief Lennon, do you want to go over
[1:30:02] that with us just real quick?
>> Yes.
[1:30:05] Um like you said, we're here to give an
update on the temporary parking permit
[1:30:09] resolution that we had in place for the
last 90 days.
[1:30:12] So, I'll begin with the 200 and 300
blocks of East Elm Street.
[1:30:16] In December 2025 and February 2026, the
borough received concerns from a single
[1:30:21] citizen about parking availability in
the 200 and 300 blocks of East Elm
[1:30:25] Street.
In March of 2026, a plan was formulated
[1:30:29] to establish whether there was a need
for residential permit parking in these
[1:30:32] areas.
In March, parking officers began
[1:30:35] collecting information on parking in the
area, including available spaces,
[1:30:39] current parking utilization, and
availability.
[1:30:42] Officers began visiting these blocks two
to three times a day to observe and
[1:30:46] document available parking.
The available parking in both of these
[1:30:49] blocks, in the 200 block we have 52
available spaces.
[1:30:54] In the 300 block, we have 69 available
spaces.
[1:30:57] The objective is to determine whether
parking occupancy consistently exceeds
[1:31:01] 85%.
This is a commonly accepted threshold at
[1:31:04] which drivers begin experiencing
difficulty finding available parking.
[1:31:09] At the May 20, 2026 May 20th, 2026
Borough Council meeting, Borough Council
[1:31:14] approved a temporary 90-day resolution
establishing 2-hour residential parking
[1:31:19] permit for the 200 and 300 blocks of
East Elm Street. Following this meeting,
[1:31:23] letters and temporary permits were
distributed to all residents of these
[1:31:26] blocks explaining the process and
soliciting feedback.
[1:31:30] We also used the displayed permits to
determine whether vehicles were
[1:31:34] residents or were
or were visitors.
[1:31:37] Today, we have received questions from
one landlord about the process and its
[1:31:41] purpose and one business who was against
the uh establishing permanent parking.
[1:31:47] It should also be noted that the
original concern of both parties we
[1:31:51] received feedback from were all on the
200 block of East Elm Street. We
[1:31:55] included the 300 block because it's a
close proximity and the available
[1:31:59] parking in that area.
In our charts, [clears throat] we chose
[1:32:03] to display based on the occupancy
consistently exceeding 75% and 85%
[1:32:08] because below 75% would mean that the
parking is readily available.
[1:32:12] So, this is
uh
[1:32:15] the uh this is the 200 block that we're
looking at there. If you want to go to
[1:32:18] the 300 block, you can see uh the 300
block, we just have one slight deviation
[1:32:24] where we go above that 85% and even
though we do go above that 85% uh in
[1:32:30] that one time frame, it still means
there's still available availability of
[1:32:34] five parking spots in that block. So,
um we're not seeing anything where there
[1:32:39] there's no parking available. So, uh
this leaves you with three options.
[1:32:44] Uh option one is to close the temporary
permit parking out. As the data shows,
[1:32:48] the commonly accepted thresholds have
not been met. It is our recommendation
[1:32:52] at this time that the threshold has not
been met and it is uh it is difficult to
[1:32:57] justify implementing implementing
residential parking
[1:33:01] program in this area.
Option two is to collect the data in
[1:33:06] these areas as current development comes
to fruition, it may influence parking
[1:33:11] availability.
This could be problematic based on the
[1:33:14] current staffing and other duties of uh
and other areas served by parking
[1:33:18] officers. It's taking uh taking them
away from their normal tasks of
[1:33:22] collecting this information.
Op- option three is implement permit
[1:33:27] parking on these blocks. This could be
problematic again with staffing uh
[1:33:31] current staffing. If residents are
required to supply necessary information
[1:33:36] and expenses to obtain obtain permits,
they uh deserve consistent enforcement.
[1:33:41] If permanent parking is
uh approved on these blocks, there will
[1:33:45] most likely be an effect on surrounding
blocks with the displacement of
[1:33:49] non-permanent park- non-permanent
vehicles on these blocks. So, as this
[1:33:53] permanent parking ordinance temporary
resolution has been in place. We have
[1:33:58] not received feedback from residents
saying that we're looking for this, we
[1:34:03] like this.
We've actually
[1:34:06] the lack of that information, I think,
speaks to the fact that
[1:34:10] it may may lead to residents not
going out and getting a permit, and then
[1:34:15] us unnecessarily enforcing permits on
residents that don't comply.
[1:34:21] Uh another consideration is that a
90-day temporary resolution receives
[1:34:26] limited interest. It may result in lower
compliance rates and requires
[1:34:30] unnecessary enforcement actions against
the vehicle that the borough residents
[1:34:33] the program was designed to assist.
So, that is our update for the 200
[1:34:39] block. I'll move to the 400 block of
West Elm Street, where we did establish
[1:34:44] by ordinance overnight parking.
The borough [clears throat] received
[1:34:48] multiple requests from residents of the
400 block of West Elm Street seeking a
[1:34:52] solution to ongoing shortage of
off-street parking. Prior to the
[1:34:56] construction of the Madison at West Elm,
a permanent parking lot was available
[1:35:00] for West Elm Street residents.
Recognizing the continuing need for
[1:35:04] resident parking, the borough worked to
reestablish a permit parking program.
[1:35:09] Permits for 20 dedicated overnight
parking spaces in the Madison at West
[1:35:13] Elm parking lot became available for
purchase on June 1. Demand was immediate
[1:35:18] with 18 of the 20 permits sold within
days of becoming available.
[1:35:22] Since the program's implementation,
patrol officers have conducted overnight
[1:35:27] monitoring of the parking lot, which
began with enforcement, but quickly led
[1:35:31] to compliance with the permit
requirements. Residents' feedback has
[1:35:35] been overwhelmingly positive, with many
expressing appreciation for the
[1:35:38] borough's ability to develop and
implement a practical solution to
[1:35:41] address their parking needs.
I would also like to thank our court
[1:35:47] services manager, Cal Kaski, who's here
tonight, and our parking enforcement
[1:35:51] officers for conducting these surveys
and enforcement during this 90-day
[1:35:55] period.
[1:36:01] » Any questions pertaining
related to the
[1:36:04] » Yes.
Um
[1:36:08] if we
choose not to
[1:36:12] uh move ahead with permanent parking, is
this something that can be revisited
[1:36:18] later on?
>> Absolutely. We can we can revisit this
[1:36:22] if uh conditions change in the area,
we'd be happy to do the same thing and
[1:36:26] and see what uh what the results are
after that second study.
[1:36:29] » Right. Cuz uh you mentioned before like
conditions are about to change
[1:36:34] imminently as a new uh like restaurant
eatery and {slash} sports facility is
[1:36:40] about to go in there. And I believe they
have an agreement for parking, but
[1:36:45] that's not to say everyone is who starts
going there is going to know where the
[1:36:49] parking is, and that may affect it, but
uh rather than say continue with the
[1:36:57] permitted trial until that's built and
up and running and everything.
[1:37:03] I mean,
my belief is that it might be prudent to
[1:37:06] just pull pull this back given your
stats. Um
[1:37:10] but I was interested in the fact that
like with the conditions changing, that
[1:37:14] we could revisit it again.
[1:37:18] » We'd be happy to do that.
>> Thank you.
[1:37:22] » And and just for the record, right? So,
these are two separate parking permits
[1:37:26] issues. This isn't just one overall
ordinance. We're going to consider these
[1:37:31] as two separate.
>> Yes, and uh both of them were were
[1:37:34] handled differently uh and both on the
east side and on the west side.
[1:37:38] » I'll tell you people in my ward are very
happy.
[1:37:42] So, they're happy that it's being
patrolled.
[1:37:45] And they're very happy to have parking
problems with those spaces.
[1:37:51] » Are there creative options for the 5:00
to 9:00 p.m. that we
[1:37:57] could start exploring?
[1:38:01] With that in mind,
I'm just thinking
[1:38:05] not to
just kind of drop it off, but we
[1:38:09] obviously have the 5:00 to 9:00 issue.
So,
[1:38:13] can we try and think is there anything
else out there that we can get creative
[1:38:17] with?
>> There is commercial parking available
[1:38:21] directly behind our block.
[1:38:27] » That
>> I don't know if they I don't think that
[1:38:30] parking is timed either.
So, just general timed parking
[1:38:36] between certain between 5:00 to 9:00
might also be an
[1:38:40] option.
[1:38:44] » All right, there's no vote tonight on
this,
[1:38:47] but thank you for sharing that data.
Helps me make informed decisions, so I
[1:38:52] appreciate it.
>> Thank you.
[1:38:54] » Thank you.
[1:38:57] » All right, next item on our agenda is
legal matters, and this is considering
[1:39:03] us to authorize the our solicitor to
seek party status on behalf of the
[1:39:08] borough
in the zoning hearing board proceedings
[1:39:11] regarding the proposed data center in
Lower Merion Township.
[1:39:15] So,
what I'm looking for is a motion to
[1:39:19] authorize the borough solicitor to go
tomorrow evening to seek party status on
[1:39:24] behalf of the borough
to the Lower Merion Zoning Board.
[1:39:28] » I'll make that motion.
>> I'll second.
[1:39:30] » I have a motion and a second, so all in
favor?
[1:39:32] » I.
>> I.
[1:39:33] » Anyone opposed?
Motion carries.
[1:39:37] You have your orders there, Mr.
Solicitor.
[1:39:40] » Thank you.
[1:39:42] » All right.
We are at the council member and mayor
[1:39:46] matters section. Um the mayor is not
here. Did he send pictures?
[1:39:49] » He did not.
>> Oh.
[1:39:51] » He's enjoying his vacation.
>> He is enjoying his vacation.
[1:39:55] All right. So, we'll go right down the
council
[1:39:59] list. Mr. Frey.
[1:40:04] Every time.
I know. Every time I say it wrong.
[1:40:08] » So,
uh yeah, I just wanted to say a quick uh
[1:40:12] shout out to the Conshohocken Theater
and Arts
[1:40:16] program.
It was really, really cool
[1:40:19] um
to see the turnout
[1:40:22] the people that came out um and
supported it. Really, really good job on
[1:40:27] the actual production
value of it. And the performers were
[1:40:32] awesome.
Uh
[1:40:34] my daughter came there and she was like,
"I think I'll be in the next one."
[1:40:38] And I was like, I was like, "Okay,
cool." Like, this is it's really neat
[1:40:41] thing to see. Um
so,
[1:40:43] » shows, though.
>> I I know. I know. Well, they said they
[1:40:46] told her if she could read, she could be
in this one. So, I said, "You got to do
[1:40:49] this one bucks cuz
Um
[1:40:53] But, yeah, really good job by everyone
involved. And kudos to everyone who got
[1:40:56] it up and running and really put that
together. Something to be uh
[1:40:59] be proud of.
That's all.
[1:41:02] » And Kathleen, I'm just really proud of
Kevin Stackhouse and Frank Colangelo. I
[1:41:07] I think.
I'm sorry.
[1:41:10] » Your comments, ma'am.
>> Adrian?
[1:41:12] » Adrian.
>> I just want to thank the fire department
[1:41:15] and the police. Uh we just had National
Night Out last night and last Thursday
[1:41:20] and this Tuesday, we had sprinkler
nights in the park. Uh I know my son
[1:41:25] loved it even though he took forever to
get changed and only went in there for
[1:41:29] about 5 seconds. So,
uh we greatly appreciate it. Um and then
[1:41:33] I mean, it was packed. It it's just
great to see that every single time we
[1:41:37] have it, it seems to get a little more
and more um
[1:41:41] uh
packed. So, that that's great to see.
[1:41:44] So, thank you to the fire department,
public works, appreciate you, and also
[1:41:48] to the folks department.
>> Alan?
[1:41:51] » Nothing for me.
[1:41:54] » Um for me,
yes, the parks were packed. I was
[1:41:58] totally amazed at how packed the parks
were um for both of those events.
[1:42:03] Um I also heard feedback that um the
kids' music was a hit, and if we could
[1:42:10] do more than one of those in a summer
session, they would love to have that.
[1:42:15] Um
from Contra Costa Theatre in the Parks,
[1:42:19] um that cast and crew wanted to say
thank you to borough administration,
[1:42:25] borough council for supporting them in
putting together that show. Um
[1:42:31] we had a
very talented group of individuals that
[1:42:35] came from all over, locally and um afar
to actually perform, and um I think that
[1:42:44] all the feedback we got um has been
spectacular. We did four shows.
[1:42:49] Um we had over 100 people at each show.
I think the last show on Saturday, we
[1:42:56] probably had almost 300 people. There
were people everywhere at that show as
[1:43:00] well.
Um and our looking forward The group is
[1:43:03] looking forward to continuing to um
host have us um host them as we move
[1:43:09] forward.
They're planning their winter one
[1:43:12] to come to us.
[1:43:16] » All right. Any public comment this
evening on anything? Come on, Bev.
[1:43:20] Okay. Tim,
Ed,
[1:43:23] Mark.
And then
[1:43:26] Sorry. You need You need All right.
>> Good evening, everyone. Thank you. Uh
[1:43:31] Tim Beckel, resident of West Elm Street.
I wanted to come and speak about the
[1:43:35] Meckauer property, the people street
development.
[1:43:38] Uh I live nearby and what it cost us
with I'm very supportive of the project.
[1:43:42] I think it's great, you know, to add
housing, especially in that location,
[1:43:47] uh compared to recycling kind of
industrial use near housing, not great.
[1:43:52] So, uh very supportive of the project. I
do want to see move see it move forward.
[1:43:58] There are a couple of things that I
wanted to point out. Um there was some
[1:44:02] discussion earlier about removal of
trees and one of the things that I don't
[1:44:07] know you can appreciate from an overhead
drawing is that
[1:44:12] it sounds like it's only a few trees,
like five, six, seven trees, but these
[1:44:15] are like 70-ft tall trees.
Um
[1:44:19] so, when you're talking about,
you know, mature root systems, the
[1:44:23] contribution to the canopy you don't
have enough of, you know, in certain
[1:44:28] areas of the borough. Um
you know, it's going to take a long time
[1:44:32] if you're planting 26 trees or whatever
they said.
[1:44:36] Um
you know, it's going to take a long time
[1:44:37] to get that canopy back or you might not
because those are not going to grow to
[1:44:41] the same extent as these mature high
trees. Um and one other, you know,
[1:44:47] obviously, you know,
being part of the EAC, I care about that
[1:44:50] in general, but I think given this area
of the borough, um
[1:44:55] they mentioned flooding issues. I'll
trace the pictures here in a second.
[1:44:58] Um
but you know, there are some severe
[1:45:01] flooding issues and one of the things
that I don't know and I don't understand
[1:45:05] and I don't know enough about it if the
storm water
[1:45:09] issues were considered for the removal
of the trees from public lands and the
[1:45:13] parties you know,
the painting added to the uh
[1:45:18] basically Kinsley's Field, part of that
park. You know, so they may say, "Okay,
[1:45:23] we've met we are improving storm water
on our property, the full of our
[1:45:27] property, but are we overall in the
aggregate contributing to the storm
[1:45:32] water or actually reducing it because of
what's happening in the public lands?
[1:45:37] Um and so
I'm going to pass pictures around if
[1:45:41] that's all right.
Thank you.
[1:45:44] Um there's a couple copies. So, there's
severe flooding issues. So, this is a
[1:45:49] picture of my driveway, backyard, August
of 2021. Severe flooding. Um I think
[1:45:57] at least a half a dozen cars were
totaled.
[1:46:00] Um
five to six residents had their houses
[1:46:03] flooded. Uh this is about a week or two
before Ida.
[1:46:07] Um
my wife was pregnant. It was eight
[1:46:09] months pregnant when this happened. This
was not ideal
[1:46:12] to say the least. Um
I wanted to thank
[1:46:17] the borough for, you know, I talked to
Ray at the time and
[1:46:21] there was a focus on it. So, I don't
want to say that nothing's going to be
[1:46:25] considered or looked at.
Um
[1:46:28] September 1st, 2021, which I think is
Ida, happened, happened again. And I
[1:46:33] think what's happening in the
Again, not an expert. The storm water
[1:46:37] drain that's
next to Hansel's Folly Park either gets
[1:46:41] overwhelmed and, you know, backs up. I
don't know if it's actually backing up
[1:46:45] or if it's getting overwhelmed.
Um
[1:46:48] I forgot to put a label on this. This is
July of '23.
[1:46:53] Um
and then recently it's been a
[1:46:56] couple times in the last
month or two.
[1:46:59] Um and these are all I just want to
point out, these are all flooding events
[1:47:02] that for the most part have happened
during the day when I can actually get a
[1:47:04] picture. But basically any heavy rain
we're worried about it. Um
[1:47:10] you know, do I have to move my cars? I
you know, I have flood barriers at the
[1:47:13] back of my house. Do I have to put those
out? Um
[1:47:17] I think there was heavy rains a couple
nights ago. It's like 3:00 a.m. and
[1:47:20] we're like, do I have to I have to go
and and see if it's flooding.
[1:47:24] Um I'm not the only resident that's
experiencing this.
[1:47:27] Um so, I don't want to say that this
project was, you know,
[1:47:31] going to make or break this situation,
but I wanted to bring it to your all's
[1:47:34] attention
um
[1:47:36] and make sure that the project is not
making it worse. Hopefully, it'll help
[1:47:39] the breeze a little bit and bring some
focus
[1:47:43] uh to this issue.
[1:47:57] » Ed?
>> Yeah, I live on Edgewood Ave.
[1:48:00] 201 West Elm Street, Conshohocken.
Um just uh wanted to say thank you for
[1:48:06] the Widener Park, the pocket park down
there. Walk by it every couple times
[1:48:09] every day. It's really nice design
you've done there. The plantings, the
[1:48:13] trees, the benches. So, they improved
that park a lot. It was just a park
[1:48:18] before.
Other thing is
[1:48:23] Uh
got to give props to the chief.
[1:48:27] Um he's a man of his word.
Couple months ago, I came asked about
[1:48:33] flashing light on West Elm Street.
Nothing happened.
[1:48:37] Came back, asked again.
Nothing happened.
[1:48:41] 2 weeks ago, before a meeting, I talked
to him for 4 minutes. I said, "Hey, can
[1:48:46] you look into it?"
8:00 the next morning, it's done.
[1:48:51] Okay.
I don't know why the chief had to do it
[1:48:55] because that was 4 months after I asked
you guys. "Want to be done now?"
[1:48:59] "We're going to look into it. We're
going to look into it."
[1:49:02] He does it. I mean, that's a man. He is
as they said about Jake Sullivan, he be
[1:49:09] a man.
That thing was done.
[1:49:11] Previously, you talked about um
parking issues.
[1:49:16] You're going to do the Main Street, the
Fayette Street revision.
[1:49:20] Um Goodwill is worth thousands,
thousands of dollars. Your budget shows
[1:49:26] that you make $120,000 in revenue for
the parking fines.
[1:49:32] Well,
probably have to pay the the
[1:49:35] individuals, parking enforcements, two
cars, two guys,
[1:49:40] $50,000 in salary,
car, two cars, maintenance,
[1:49:45] payments, insurance, gas, and another
10, 12,000. So, you're really netting
[1:49:51] about 60,000.
Go up and down Fayette Street, there's
[1:49:55] no rhyme or reason
for the parking there.
[1:50:01] Literally, in front of your building,
there's no parking sign, there's no
[1:50:05] restrictions.
Across the street, 2 hours.
[1:50:09] In front of PNC and the church,
2 hours.
[1:50:13] Across the street, it's 1 hour time
limit, but you got to pay for that.
[1:50:20] You go down in front of
the
[1:50:24] the bars,
three of the signs say 15-minute to-go
[1:50:29] parking. So, they're running in and out.
But you turn the corner
[1:50:33] on First Ave,
there's two signs there,
[1:50:38] but then two more parking spots, you got
to pay for 1 hour.
[1:50:44] There's no rhyme or reason.
Across the street, it right here on your
[1:50:48] side of the building,
it's I think 2 hours and 1 hour parking
[1:50:53] free.
Next, across the street
[1:50:57] at the deli, you got to pay.
But in front of the deli, you don't have
[1:51:02] to pay. On the side of the deli, you do.
Perhaps, and you probably guys have
[1:51:06] already thought about this over the
years,
[1:51:09] free 2-hour parking.
I mean, when you do the new street
[1:51:15] configuration, just think of the
positive things that you're going to be
[1:51:19] able to say, work, play, eat, go to
school and free parking.
[1:51:24] Just something They're only getting 60
grand. It's not a lot of money. It's not
[1:51:28] going to make a difference in this
budget.
[1:51:31] But, it's a lot of goodwill that you'll
eventually get. Customers can come
[1:51:36] for lunch and don't have to worry about
running out.
[1:51:39] So,
like I said, if it was consistent,
[1:51:41] that's one thing. But, it's really
inconsistent on
[1:51:45] Fayette up to Fifth Street. So, just
wanted to pass that on.
[1:51:48] » Thank you.
>> Thanks again, Chief.
[1:51:53] » Marla?
[1:51:56] » Good evening. Marla 19 East 11th Avenue.
I By the way, I love this restaurant
[1:52:02] idea.
I
[1:52:05] just wanted to say a comment on the data
center application limit. As you know,
[1:52:10] I'm the vice chair of the zoning board
here in Conshohocken. I just want to
[1:52:13] comment on that application since it's
not here for me and in my capacity as a
[1:52:17] private citizen.
First of all, thank you to for all the
[1:52:21] council for
approving
[1:52:25] the seating party status in that
application. I think it's really
[1:52:29] important for the community
that our voices be heard and I'm sure my
[1:52:33] computers will do a great job.
I I just want to encourage council to
[1:52:40] oppose this application as much as you
possibly can. I've seen situations where
[1:52:45] parties
don't necessarily oppose the
[1:52:48] application. They might accept
conditions. They might
[1:52:52] They might be a settlement. And while I
realize there are a lot of hypotheticals
[1:52:55] here and I don't know how the
applications are going to play out.
[1:52:59] They've already rejected conditions that
were offered to them. And I'm just I'm
[1:53:05] concerned that they're going to try to
throw out a few conditions that won't
[1:53:09] really protect the community and um that
we may back down because we're up
[1:53:14] against a very deep pocket here and I
think that's that's very dangerous.
[1:53:19] So I was reading in the New York Times
that there are communities across the
[1:53:23] country that currently are suing data
centers because people's home properties
[1:53:30] have now been depreciated. They would
you know buy and nobody wants to live in
[1:53:34] a community where
um their walls are shaking like they
[1:53:39] live in a nightclub 24 hours a day
or where the air is polluted. And I
[1:53:44] think that you know if that happened
here then a lot of people who live here,
[1:53:49] probably some of you as well, the most
important asset that they own is could
[1:53:54] become depreciated and
then you're trapped. You can't leave and
[1:53:59] no one wants to buy your house and we've
basically watched the community 50 years
[1:54:04] back uh to a time when people didn't
really want to come here. So that's
[1:54:09] basically what I wanted to urge tonight.
>> Thank you.
[1:54:12] » Thank you.
>> Thank you.
[1:54:15] We'll go
[1:54:18] Okay.
>> My name is Chester Davis. I'm from West
[1:54:21] 6th Avenue.
My first time I come to a meeting.
[1:54:24] My question is it seems the borough
purchased and did purchase that by and
[1:54:29] is by men.
What happened with that house that the
[1:54:33] borough was going to update and let them
pay it?
[1:54:36] I know I didn't hear anything. Did the
borough purchase that house next to the
[1:54:40] new firehouse property?
>> Yes, they did.
[1:54:44] » Oh, you did. What did you do with it?
>> It's part of that complex.
[1:54:48] » Making a beer?
>> Yes.
[1:54:50] » Ah.
That's going to be enormous.
[1:54:52] » It it helps with the turnaround for the
trucks. I think was the main reason.
[1:54:57] » Yeah, the and some engineering
>> In that alleyway that is next to the A
[1:55:02] stadium.
Uh there's
[1:55:04] a garage back there basically and that
street itself is pretty narrow that us
[1:55:10] getting that would greatly help our
ability to move the trucks in and out of
[1:55:15] that street.
>> Okay.
[1:55:17] Can I ask my question?
>> Thank you for coming.
[1:55:20] » Come back anytime.
Our pleasure. Come back anytime.
[1:55:25] » Okay. Thank you.
>> All right. Your turn.
[1:55:31] » Uh my name is Jennifer Fields. I was
resident in Contra Costa 24 years but I
[1:55:37] still have property here on the 200
block of
[1:55:40] uh East Elm.
So, we were part of the study that was
[1:55:45] just completed for parking.
What I'll say is
[1:55:49] uh
in 2013 we purchased the property and we
[1:55:53] went through about 3 and 1/2 months of
pretty heavy cleaning up, renovating,
[1:56:00] making the property livable.
Every day we were there, sometimes every
[1:56:04] night we were there, weekends,
uh mornings,
[1:56:09] and
still go every week because we maintain
[1:56:13] the property and we take care of the
issues that come up and I'll just say
[1:56:18] that the findings of the study are
exactly my experience. So, that's that
[1:56:24] was really good. I was like, "Hey, I can
read that slide."
[1:56:28] Um
but there's a couple of things that I
[1:56:30] just like to share because when it first
rolled out, we had no idea why. We just
[1:56:35] got this thing, "Hey, everybody should
uh have permits." And we didn't have a
[1:56:40] reason why. So, I I thank you for
explaining
[1:56:43] why we went through uh
the pilot there.
[1:56:47] Um
[1:56:49] A lot of questions came to my mind as it
was going on and so
[1:56:54] I don't feel strongly one way or the
other.
[1:56:57] As it rolls out forward, maybe we will
need it. Right now, I don't think we do,
[1:57:02] but some of the issues that came to
mind, for example, um what about
[1:57:08] non-resident property owners? What about
contractors, caretakers, health care
[1:57:12] providers, family and friends who come
to visit? What do we do with them if
[1:57:16] residents have parking passes and they
don't, and there's a potential for
[1:57:21] uh tickets. And as Ed said, well, yeah,
we're not going to create a lot of
[1:57:25] goodwill if you do that in the
neighborhood. Um
[1:57:30] Really, if we're going to deliver a
program like that, it should be without
[1:57:34] cost or inconvenience to people who live
there.
[1:57:38] There's always been ebb and flow of
parking down there. You've got lots of
[1:57:42] visitors that come to the park, for
example. They come. Some people have
[1:57:47] picnics there, basketball games. And
there's people who bring their kids in
[1:57:52] minivans, and they offload, and they go
to the park. There's also a lot of
[1:57:56] bikers and a lot of trail users, so
they'll show up at 8:00 in the morning
[1:58:01] and offload their bike and go down to
the trail and just be there for a few
[1:58:04] hours.
During the day, at least on the lower
[1:58:08] uh 200 block, parking is never a
problem. The opposite side of the street
[1:58:13] has no houses. Find Remodeling, I think
used to be there. I don't know what the
[1:58:17] status of that building is.
But if that changes,
[1:58:21] we may need to have a conversation about
parking. But right now,
[1:58:24] uh those statistics are right. 5:00 to
9:00, because there are restaurants,
[1:58:29] um is really a little more work to find
a parking place, but I, in 10 years, 11,
[1:58:35] 12, 13 years, haven't ever had a guest
uh
[1:58:40] complain about parking. My brother lives
there full-time. He's never said, "I
[1:58:44] have to park six blocks down."
It's never been an issue to find a spot.
[1:58:48] So, for our 200 block, I think that the
decision is to table it until there's an
[1:58:54] actual issue that we can't figure out in
an easier way. Maybe
[1:58:59] but I think in fact when the street was
closed for paving last year
[1:59:04] we all found parking wasn't wasn't a
a big deal.
[1:59:08] Um so that's all I just wanted to share.
I I appreciate the conversation. I
[1:59:13] appreciate the study. It confirms
everything that I was already aware of
[1:59:16] and I hope you guys make a good decision
about that. Thank you.
[1:59:21] » Thank you. Thank you.
[1:59:25] » Anyone else in the audience for public
comments?
[1:59:31] Brittany, I asked you if anything came
in but we're not necessarily
[1:59:35] televising this.
[1:59:39] All right. So
we'll post our recording. We will do our
[1:59:45] best with whatever recording we were
able to capture. Yes. It is not going to
[1:59:50] be great quality and we will do our best
to post what we can.
[1:59:54] » Okay.
>> Um I guess with that what I would say is
[1:59:58] if there are additional questions about
topics on the agenda, please reach out
[2:00:02] to either administration or your anyone
from council. You don't have to go to
[2:00:06] your council member if that's
uncomfortable. Anyone from council and
[2:00:10] we will get you the answers that you
um need that you didn't get to see from
[2:00:15] the live streaming.
Anyone else? Going once. Going twice.
[2:00:20] This was a fruitful meeting today and I
am going to
[2:00:24] call it adjourned.