New Bricks and a Brewpub on Main Street in Collegeville and Possible Regulations for Your New Windmill

As a part of the ongoing Main Street Revitalization and Beautification plans for Main Street, the committee is preparing for decorative brick crosswalks.

Collegeville Borough Manager and Zoning Officer Geoffrey Thompson announced that borough crews are currently in the process of cutting and milling the crosswalks in anticipation of the brick application.

Borough Engineer David Leh said that “the brick designs should be installed by as early as next week, and will probably take around seven to 10 working days to complete.”

The board approved the advertisement of an Alternate Energy Ordinance for small wind energy, solar and geothermal systems. The legislative intent of this ordinance is to regulate the use of things like solar panels and wind turbines for home use.

Per the ordinance, regulation of residential use of wind turbines and solar panels will have conditions such as the maximum height of a solar panel and prohibited use of signage on windmills.

The board approved the advertisement of this ordinance over strong objections by board member Rowan Keenan.

Questions about the Alternate Energy Ordinance can be directed to Collegeville Borough Hall, or call 610-489-9208.

Current borough building inspectors Gilmore Building Inspection are in the process of terminating their business, and as such, the borough will need to officially appoint a new certified building inspector. Council approved the transition of these responsibilities to Keystone Municipal Services to serve in the transition period.

Police Chief Barton Bucher publicly commended Officer Tim Kennedy on his quick work in helping a driver on Main Street and Second Avenue. According to Bucher, Kennedy reported that he witnessed a vehicle driving erratically. Having safely pulled the driver over for inspection, he quickly identified that the woman was suffering from high blood sugar and notified emergency response teams to have the woman hospitalized.

Thompson announced to board members that Appalachian Brewing Company will be taking the old Hemingway’s spot on Main Street and Third Avenue. The restaurant and bar will move in by the end of this month.

“This is a good outfit. I’ve been to their business in Harrisburg, and they have good stuff,” said Thompson.

Collegeville-Trappe Municipal Authority and Public Works committee board member Keenan presented the board with its decision to invest no more than $1.2 million in a five-year plan with Penn Liberty.

Rowan explained the benefits of investing the municipality’s money in T-Bills and municipal bonds using a laddered approach that will “hopefully allow us to outperform CDs,” said Rowan.

In public comments, Aileen Johnson, librarian at thanked the Borough Council for its support. Jolson went on to add that the library was recently able to add more than 3,000 downloadable eBook titles and a new language learning database application called “Mango” with more than 40 languages.

Jolson also announced plans this summer for a multi-cultural reading program. For more information about what the PV Library has to offer, visit www.pvlibrary.net.

Craig Farr, of Collegeville Crossing, followed up on his presentation about local snow removal alternatives for residential crosswalks given during the public comments portion of March’s board meeting. Farr suggested that it is especially difficult for children to navigate the entry points of a walkway during heavy snowfall.

As an action item, Thompson contacted four local snow removal professionals about the efficacy of Farr’s proposal. Thompson reported that while they are still considering Farr’s concerns, the added cost of this snow plow maneuver would cost the borough an additional $13,000 a year, and would still not completely remedy the situation.

The board approved Borough Solicitor Mark Hosterman’s complete overhaul of the currently outdated solicitor and peddler’s ordinance. Highlights include amendments such as fees for groups, registry with police officials, exemptions for nonprofits, rules of conduct and fines for violations.