Trappe Council Meeting Opens with a Hearing on Open Space Funds

Trappe Borough Council opened their monthly meeting on May 1 with a hearing on proposed Ordinance 417 involving open space funds. Currently in the borough, funds provided by developers for open space is designated to an “East Trappe Fund” and a “West Trappe Fund.” The funds in each account can only be used in the area they are designated. The proposed ordinance was introduced to the Planning Commission in March. It would create a single fund so that monies can be used anywhere in the borough for open space. After some discussion by Council, with an opportunity for public input, Trappe Council unanimously approved the ordinance. The two accounts will be maintained as separate entities until the balances reach zero. From this date forward, a single fund will be utilized for the purposes of open space dollars.

During the public forum, three community members spoke. First, Aileen Johnson of the Perkiomen Valley Library thanked Trappe Council members for their past support of library programs. Johnson introduced Dave Douglass, a Trappe resident on the library board. She said that plans are under way for summer programs available to the community and noted that registration began May 1 for the popular Science in the Summer program.

A Laurel Drive resident discussed his concerns about the article, "Trappe Road Program Funding” published in the spring 2012 Trappe Borough Post. The resident questioned the truthfulness of the article and asked for references to back up some of the comments related to the prevailing wage tax and the estimated cost savings. Council said that the information came directly from the PA State Association of Boroughs (PSAB). Councilman Nevin Scholl will follow-up with the PSAB and report back on his findings to ensure accuracy of the information provided.

Trappe Today and Tomorrow (TTT) representative Diane DeCurtis provided an update to Council on the recent activity of several committees. The Trappe Historical Partnership, under the direction of Chairperson Lisa Minardi, is working on making the Sept. 22 History Fair at Augustus Lutheran Church a community-wide history event. The group is looking to run shuttle buses between several historic sites that day. They are also working on a walking tour brochure to be ready for distribution at Trappe Community Day on Sept. 15. The Events committee of TTT is chaired by Beth DiPrete. They are planning a family movie night at Waterworks Park on June 23 (rain date June 24), a Bingo fundraiser in the fall and the 2^nd annual Christmas tree lighting. The design committee, under the direction of Molly Haas, met with John Sartor of Gilmore and Associates to better understand the design and planning process as they look ahead toward projects to beautify Main Street in Trappe.

In the borough manager's report, Jacqui Guenther asked Council for $1632 to repair a malfunctioning signal light at the intersection of Main Street and 113. Approval was granted. Insurance policy renewals were also discussed, noting an increase in the premium primarily due to a new fire truck and a new vehicle used by the fire company.

Bid packages have been assembled by Gilmore and Associates for the sidewalk project of West 5^th Avenue and Borough Hall. The borough hopes to begin construction in August. When asked about road projects for this year, engineer John Sartor said that the plans to fix East and West College Avenues and East 1^st Main Street is still on schedule. Some curbs and sidewalks along those roads need to be repaired at the homeowner’s expense. Solicitor Dave Onorato said that most municipalities inform homeowners of the repairs needed, allowing them to get their own estimates for repair work. He went on to say that generally, if the homeowner does not do the repairs before the deadline, the municipality gets the work done and assesses the homeowner for the funds.

Councilwoman Cathy Johnson expressed concern about the borough’s timeline saying, “You’re going to ask people to shell out $3000-$4000 worth of unplanned curb work this year?”

Councilman Paul Edwards responded that people are ultimately responsible for their curbs and sidewalks and noted that Council will work with residents to come up with a payment plan if needed. Council then asked Sartor to work with the borough manager on specific letters to homeowners in an effort to ensure that residents understand the road program and homeowner responsibilities related to it.

During his committee report, Councilman Marshall Stomel discussed a “memorandum of understanding” submitted by TTT and asked for council’s approval and support of the all-volunteer group’s efforts. Council approved the memorandum, with Councilwoman Cathy Johnson abstaining from the vote for personal reasons. Councilman Edwards noted two more recent car accidents at the intersection of Boro Line Road and 7^th Avenue. He asked if the Streets Committee would look into this again to see if something can be done. Jacqui Guenther went back through the history of trying to come up with a solution for this intersection.

“They have done studies in the past and say this intersection does not warrant a four-way stop or a traffic light.  Maybe citizens of Trappe should go to their legislators to put some pressure to get something done there,” Guenther said.

Johnson reported that new carpeting has been installed in borough hall and the windows have been repaired and painted. Work will begin later this month to install the new security system. Guenther said that the Borough secretary’s last day was Friday, April 27. She is reviewing resumes for the open position and plans to hire someone temporarily to answer phones and handle light office work.

Resident Lynn Fleisher announced that the Memorial Day Parade is scheduled for 10 am on Monday, May 28. Groups participating in the parade will be asked to assemble at 9 a.m. at Water Works Park.

The next Trappe Borough meeting will be held at 7 p.m.on Tuesday, June 5 at Trappe Borough Hall. The public is invited to attend.