Trappe Borough TV Channel Goes Live in July

Trappe Borough Council held its monthly meeting on Tuesday. Recognitions were handed out to several individuals.

The Memorial Day parade committee, consisting of Lynn Fleisher, Russ Henze, the Rev. Martha Kriebel and Paul and Sue Stevens, was recognized for its work in the May 30 parade held on Main Street. Next year’s Memorial Day parade will take place in Collegeville.

Jim Durrell was also formally recognized for his contributions to Trappe Borough’s award-winning website.

Borough Manager Jacqui Guenther announced that the Trappe TV channel should be available for Comcast subscribers in mid-July. The channel will be used to post important borough news and public service announcements. She suggested that Borough Council consider generating revenue by allowing local businesses to advertise on the channel. 

“As soon as Comcast has made the complete installation, I will petition Verizon to get on board,” Guenther said.

Trappe residents and nonresidents are invited to purchase discounted amusement park tickets to:

• Adventure Aquarium
• Dorney Park
• Dutch Wonderland
• Hershey Park  
• Knoebel’s
• Longwood Gardens
• Morey’s Piers
• PA Renaissance Faire
• Philadelphia Zoo
• Ride the Ducks
• Sesame Place
• Six Flags Great Adventure
• Splash Zone

Tickets can be purchased at Borough Hall, although it is recommended to call ahead for availability. Cash and checks are accepted as payment (no credit cards).

Guenther discussed security at Borough Hall after receiving instruction from council at the March meeting to seek out estimates from security companies. Council is looking into various security measures to ensure the safety of the employees and residents who use the building, as well as maintaining the security of personal and financial records housed in the building.

Bouncy mulch will be spread at the tot lot at Borough Hall and at Rambo Park June 18 and 19 by people needing to meet public service requirements through the Montgomery County DA’s office.

Guenther received council approval to purchase a new computer at a cost not to exceed $1,375. The old computer will be used for the live stream feed for the Comacast TV channel.

Engineer John Sartor presented plans for a gateway from Main Street to Rambo Park. Residents on both sides of the proposed gateway have granted permission to the borough for an easement on their properties. Council directed Gilmore and Associates to proceed with the design at a cost not to exceed $1,750.

Councilman Paul Edwards said that options for a fence around the compost site are being investigated. The fence is necessary due to trespassing on neighboring residents’ property as well trespassing on the compost property.

In other business, Edwards further reported that the fire company responded to 25 incidents in the past month. State police responded to 68 incidents, including three assaults. Two burning permits were issued this month. The public was reminded to obtain a permit for any open burning within the borough.

“A bluebird trail around Rambo Park has been completed by an area Boy Scout,” reported President Fred Schuetz. “Seeding and mulching has been completed around the butterfly garden, as well.”

The borough continues to seek out volunteers interested in maintaining parks by weeding, planting and reporting issues to Borough Hall. Anyone interested should contact the borough at 610-489-7181.

Guenther requested additional feedback from council members about the proposed sign ordinance. Only two council members have provided feedback on the ordinance, which addresses sizes of signs and the use of sandwich boards as temporary signs.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m., at which point council went into executive session.