Trappe Considering Pet Waiver For Springhouse Apartments

At the July 3 Trappe Borough Council meeting, Springhouse Apartments developer Manny DeMutis presented council with several documents supporting his position that he needed an addendum to the leases for his newly erected buildings. This addendum would remove the "no-pet clause", and replace it with language allowing dogs and cats.

Council reviewed the site plan, the suggested language for the pet addendum, as well as a statement regarding how the developer would ensure the policy works.

"This addendum would allow renters to have one dog weighing less than 50 pounds, or no more than two cats," DeMutis explained.

He further stated that he spoke to residents with properties adjoining the site and has come to an agreement with them to put a fence as a buffer along the property line, and that the apartment building closest to the homes would be pet-free.

"We will also provide collection bags and pet stands at the entrances of the property," DeMutis said.

The final resolution for this addendum will be voted on by council at the August meeting.

Curb Repair and Road Paving

Trappe resident Sue Leighton requested an update on the road paving schedule and the timeline for the curb repair work that is the responsibility of homeowners. Mrs. Leighton noted that she has had difficulty getting estimates for her curb repairs and asked if the borough has received bids for the road repairs.

"Bids to the borough will not be in until August 15," said Jacqui Guenther, Trappe Borough manager.

"The road repair work is still on schedule," added John Sartor, Trappe Borough engineer.

It was suggested that Mrs. Leighton contact The Pavement Group, a company that is currently doing repair work of area storm drains, for an estimate. Interested residents can call Borough Hall for contact information.

Odds and Ends

Other Trappe Borough meeting notes:

• Council approved a $750 expenditure to move the borough hall sign nine feet, which is necessary for the upcoming sidewalk work. Councilwoman Cathy Johnson also requested $360 to install a handle and lock on the front door of borough hall. This will allow visitors to enter the building in the front, near the newly installled service window.
• Miracle in Motion will install a Jenn swing at the borough hall playground. They have donated the swing with money raised from the 5-K Bunny Hop held in Trappe this spring. They hope to make next year's 5-K even more successful, and they plan to donate a stand-alone swing to Rambo Park. Jenn swings are designed for children with special needs.
• CTMA is working on replacing residential meters with a new type that will allow workers to "drive by" to get a reading.

The board adjourned the meeting and went into executive session to discuss personnel and legal issues. The next Trappe Borough meeting will be held Tuesday, August 7 at 7 pm. The public is invited to attend.