Eagles Mere Borough

April 6, 2015

The Eagles Mere Borough Council meeting was called to order on the above date by President Feesewith the following Council members. Dave Wernerand Mayor Wernerwere in attendance via conference phone: VPChristelle Loftus, John Ecker, John Huhn, Walter Haussmann, Robert Spahrand Secretary/Treasurer Wilson. In the gallery: K. Smith, J. Moore.

Public Comments: no issues were discussed.

Minutes- for the previous monthly meeting were approved as amended on a motion from Mr. Ecker, seconded by Mr. Huhn.

Treasurer’s Report – for the previous month were approved with the minutes.

The tax collector will be contacted to see if North Financial paid the taxes for 2014.

Street Superintendent Report:reportemailed to council. Wood being left in the street right of ways can be cut by Borough employees if the street super determines it needs to be removed. Property owners will be responsible for wood left on their property. Fog lines need to be repainted and Mr. Moore will get an estimate. There is funding available in this year’s budget if the paving contract doesn’t max out the funds. From Pennsylvania Ave at RT. 42 to Lakewood Ave at RT. 42 it is 1.8 miles.

Open Records Officer: No RTO forms received filed.

Ordinance & Zoning Officer’s Report-

Business Conducted –

Emergency Planning:

Swiftreach-testing to get familiar with the new system will begin as Ms. Wilson and the Boroughliaison have time to get together.
The Emergency Brochure will be printed as soon as Ms. Hasting forwards this to the Mayor and the Borough Office.

Taxes for 2013- M.Gibbs has been sent a certified letter requesting proof that the taxes were paid in 2013 to the school district. After discussion of conversations and emails it was decided that the Borough needs to have verification that the school taxes were paid by his mortgage company.

Paving Bids: Three of the four bid packets distributed were received from:

Glen O. Hawbaker, Inc.-$52,234.40

HRI, Inc.-$56372.20

Robert Young, Inc-65,893.80

On a motion from Mr. Ecker the low bid from Glen Hawbaker, Inc was accepted pending review by the Street Committee Chairman. It was seconded by Ms. Loftus. This amount was under estimate and what was budgeted. Hawbaker will be officially notified of the awardof the bid as soon as the committee chairman gives the okay. Discussion as to whether more paving should be done resulted in a majority of council voting to do only what was bid plus the white line repainting. There are limits to what can be added to a contract that has already been bid and to do the balance of Allegheny Ave. it would have to be advertised. Ms. Wilson will do some research to see what percentage of the original bid can be increased.

An appointment will be scheduled to go see the solicitor to discuss the amendments to the Zoning Ordinance for drilling, and several other issues that need legal advice. Ms. Loftus, Mr. Huhn and President Feese will attend, as well as Secretary Wilson.

The new bench has been purchased and is ready to be placed outside as soon as the weather permits. Mr. Moore will put wooden pieces on the legs to facilitate moving it inside in the winter.

The 2014 Audit has been completed and payment approved on motion from Mr. Haussmann, seconded by Mr. Huhn. There were no problems found.

Shade Tree Commission- Mr. Beaugard will be asked to attend a meeting with council to determine a (5 yr)long range plan and establish budgeting for that plan. Mr. Beaugard has information on the recent inventory the STCcompleted and would like to discuss how to proceed. An Ad Hoc Committee consisting of members of finance & infrastructure committees to follow-up may be formed if needed.

Sullivan County Library letter asks that someone attend their planning meeting. Mayor Werner will attend as she is familiar with the library.

PSAB Resolution Committee- Ms. Loftus is the County Representative if anyone needs to have an issue placed before the State Legislators. It was noted that the 1000 foot casing for gas wells might be a topic that they could promote. Mr. Huhn was asked to get something written to Ms. Loftus for consideration.

Mayor’s Report:

EM Country Club will sponsor a promotional event for wedding planners, etc. and Mayor Werner will attend to give her views on what Eagles Mere has to offer.

FEMA letter was received to advise folks building and living in a flood plain that EM is a member of the Flood Insurance program. Letters will be sent to property owners in the floodplain.

Committees:

Museum :a new board member is still needed pending a decision at a later date.

Infrastructure:

Decision needs to be made regarding the location of the Spring Cleanup dumpsters. This is coming up in June and Mr. Moore would like to be able to lock the gate at the end of the day so no one can leave unwanted or undesirable items after hours. Also, Council &Borough employees should be the only ones allowed to have access to the dumpsters.

Ordinance: met and discussed the amendments to the Zoning Ordinance re:drilling.

Finance:No meeting was held, but everything looks as it should for last month.

Website: The new site is progressing. New photos are expected for each season in the Borough as soon as the weather breaks. Ms. Smith has come up with a lot of good ideas and there are some changes in the works for next year to revert back to the original mission of the website.

Secretary’s Notes:

PURTA report filed 3/10/15.

Priority Life Major Med Plan – anyone wanting to review please see the secretary.

Bridge repairs – Ms. Wilson filled out form on line to get the bridge on lake road inspected.

Comcast is raising installation rates to $50.

Army Recruiter office asked secretary to verify Eagles Mere has no police dept. to facilitate someone from Laporte getting a police report. They were advised we cannot verify another municipality’s police protection.

3 Street lights have been repaired as reported.

The bills were ordered paid for the Borough and Museum including the Auditorby motion from Mr. Huhn, seconded by Mr.Ecker.

he meeting was adjourned by of the President.

Respectfully Submitted,

Kay L. Wilson

Secretary/Treasurer