Improvements Coming to Trappe Borough Hall

is getting a new security system, to include a steel door, a buzzer system and a three foot by three foot service window. Approval for the system was granted at the April 3 Trappe Borough Council meeting. A monitoring system will further enhance security with a fire and entry alarm. Fire Chief Brian Long suggested a "panic" button" be added as well. There will be an installation fee for the monitoring system, as well as a monthly cost.

Visitors to the building will also notice other improvements with repair work on rails and decking behind the Trappe Borough building now complete. Work will soon begin on the sidewalk repairs along Fifth Avenue and walkways around Borough Hall leading to the playground area in the rear.

Further discussion during the meeting included moving the Trappe Borough sign in front of the building and elevating it, allowing meeting dates to be clearly seen from the street. Mayor Peck pointed out that the electrical wiring for the lights shining on the sign are exposed. Sidewalk repairs along Main Street in front of Borough Hall are on the list for repairs. Trappe Today and Tomorrow (TTT) will have input into this project as it may include lighting, trees and decorative concrete.

A sagging roadway on Joan Drive will soon be fixed. A rotted drain pipe is to be replaced with a new concrete pipe at a cost of $22,000. Road repairs to Borough Line Road are pending awaiting communication from Upper Providence Borough. As the Trappe Borough Manager and solicitor continue to reach out to Upper Providence officials over this shared roadway, Council decided to move ahead to their second priority on the “road list.” Engineer John Sartor has been instructed to proceed with the designs for College Avenue East and West and East First Avenue. Council hopes to repair these roadways during the summer months.

Manager Jacqui Guenther previously identified borough road painting needs. Public Works will paint some crosswalks around the borough and Council approved an expenditure to paint the center line at Heritage Park Blvd. and W. First Avenue. Trappe Council has also approved the use of Reilly Sweeping for annual street sweeping in conjunction with Collegeville at a fee of $95 per hour.

In her mayor’s report, Mayor Connie Peck invited everyone to join her in running the Bunny Hop 5K Run on April 14. Runners, walkers and volunteers are welcome to sign-up. Mayor Peck also announced that she officiated a marriage at Borough Hall in March.

During a discussion of ordinances and code enforcement, Trappe Council members renewed their support of enforcing the codes of the borough. Council Vice President Paul Edwards expressed frustration that PECO is not keeping grass and weeds trimmed at the curbs along the power lines. Council asked the borough manager to follow-up again with PECO to try to resolve this.

The borough manager in turn is seeking support from Council for warning letters and subsequent violations sent out to residents and businesses that are not in compliance with borough codes.

"Everybody needs to support Jacqui when people come in and complain," agreed Councilman Nevin Scholl.

"In my opinion, as long as there's an ordinance on the books, we enforce it," said Councilwoman Cathy Johnson.

"We have to look at our ordinances as for the common good," followed Paul Edwards.

Solicitor Dave Onorato said that most people are unaware when they are violating a borough code. He suggested that any letters sent out about code violations be consistent and treat everyone equally.

Trappe Borough codes are available for review on-line.

The next Trappe Borough Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 1, at Borough Hall. The May agenda will include a public hearing on proposed changes of open space fees.