Trappe Borough Gives and Receives Awards at Monthly Meeting

It was standing room only for the start of Trappe Borough Council's April 5 meeting. Parents, students and other community members packed the room to watch Mayor Connie Peck recognize area students for their contributions to making a butterfly garden at Rambo Park a reality.

Peck, Holly Harper of Natural Lands Trust and PECO Representative Ben LePage honored all Perkiomen Valley Middle School West students who submitted drawings and plans as part of the PECO Green Region Grant.

Science teacher Danielle Patterson of PV West worked with Ursinus College’s environmental science professor Patrick Hurley on this project. Ursinus students were also recognized for their help in mentoring the middle school students.

Each student received a certificate, a gift card and a chocolate butterfly made by borough manager Jacqui Guenther.

Later this month, the winning entry will go from a drawing on paper to a butterfly garden installed by PV students, Ursinus students and members of the Trappe community. Sassafras Landscaping will provide the planting and lend assistance with the installation.

At the meeting, it was also announced that Trappe Borough is set to receive several awards at the upcoming PSAB conference. Peck will be honored with the 2010 Distinguished Service Award. Trappe Borough will be awarded second place for its website and second place for the borough newsletter.

Diane DeCurtis presented an update on Trappe Today and Tomorrow (TTT).

"The website is up and running," DeCurtis reported.

She credited Scott Haas for his work in creating the site and Molly Haas for taking the photographs.

TTT hosted a continental breakfast for Trappe businesses Wednesday, April 6. Businesses learned more about TTT and dicussed the idea of a "Business Association."

Borough Council praised TTT for the progress the group has made in the three months of its existence.

In other business, Council approved the retiming of three traffic lights along Main Street, which PennDOT says will ease traffic congestion. Council also approved the replacement of a rotting storm drain pipe on the DeMutis property.

Guenther gave an update on storm drains issues in the area.

"The storm drain near the Getty station is sinking into the ground," Guenther said.

She contacted Montgomery County Public Works, who will fix it at their cost.

A storm drain on Joan Drive required emergency repairs. C/T Public Works was able to repair it, but there is some additional work required in the coming weeks.

In response to repeated calls from a resident on Clayhor Avenue about a sunken storm drain in front of his house, council approved payment on a bid of $3,929 to repair the drain.

"This has caused a great deal of damage to my property," reported the homeowner. "I've replaced two sump pumps in the past five years. I've probably spent over $10,000 due to water damage."

Engineer John Sartor said that these drain pipes have a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years. He warned council that there may be more repairs needed to the Clayhor drain, which won't be known until the work begins.

Guenther gave a report on pothole repairs in Trappe. She drove every street in the borough and documented each pothole. The holes will be repaired throughout the next few weeks; larger holes may require an outside contractor.

Councilman Paul Edwards asked if Trappe should consider a road survey. He acknowledged Guenther's efforts to survey the roads, but suggested that an engineering study on the condition of the roads, to include storm drains, may help the borough plan be proactive in dealing with old roads and deteriorating systems. Council approved a study by the borough engineer at a cost not to exceed $1,200.

Peck gave an update on plans for the Muhlenberg 300 Memorial Day Parade to take place May 30 along Main Street. Council approved requests to cover the costs of auxiliary fire police on the day of the parade and the replacement of poles needed for parking at Water Works Park.

Fire Chief Brian Long confirmed that the Trappe Fire Company responded to 17 fire calls last month. He also reported that the fourth annual Comedy Show will take p lace April 16 at the Limerick Fire Hall. Tickets are available now, and proceeds will support the Trappe Fire Company building fund.

Councilwoman Cathy Johnson reported on the resignation of Trappe Borough's administrative assistant. Guenther is interviewing potential replacements.

President Fred Schuetz suggested the timing may be right for a Parks and Recreation Board for the borough. This group would report vandalism, safety issues and maintenance concerns of the parks.

Schuetz also discussed the future Main Street Park location adjacent to the Community Music School. There have been suggestions for a disc golf course to be installed there. Council suggested a bocce court.

Resident Diane DeCurtis asked if Council would consider putting a survey or question on the website to see what residents would like to see installed in that location. She wondered if there might be interest in a community garden where residents lease plots. Access to the property continues to be an issue.

Following the public meeting, Council members went in to executive session.