The Borough of Youngsville has a new borough manager.
Following a personnel-based executive session, council announced the appointment of Borough Secretary Lisa Hagberg as new Youngsville Borough Manager and Treasurer. The action follows the recent dismissal of previous manager Terry Williams. The appointment of a borough manager is listed as a required duty of the council in the Youngsville Borough Charter.
Council also discussed upcoming project funding, heard a festival proposal and swore in a new junior council member.
The council's first order of business Monday was to swear in Elise Dunn as a new borough council member before opening the floor to visitors. The junior council member will serve as a youth voice on the council and act in an advisory capacity.
Upon opening the floor, the council heard a presentation proposing the borough give permission for a "brewfest" to be held. The festival, as currently envisioned, would present two, three-hour sessions during which area breweries and microbreweries would showcase their wares. In addition to beer tasting, the event would feature food vendors and live music. The proposed plan would be held in a fenced-in area with an ID check at the gate and would involve local constables in maintaining the event. The event would be held in September in conjunction with local business Huey's Place. The council tabled the issue until more information could be provided.
Lee Bryan presented information to council on necessary work needed at the community pool to maintain compliance with changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act. According to Bryan, new rules which go into effect in May require that the pool offer two means of entry at least one of which must be a slope entrance or chairlift. Bryan stated that installing a slope would cost approximately $14,000 while the cost of a chairlift was quoted just under $4000 by two companies, one of which supplies the pool with chemicals throughout the year.. Labor on the project may be additional depending on which company is chosen. Council gave permission for Bryan to attempt to secure outside funding for the project using his best judgment, but approved usage of money from the pool's operating budget to fund the project failing the acquisition of outside funds. The council has approximately $20,000 allocated for pool operating expenses in 2012.
Council approved moving forward on planned streetscape work despite currently not having enough funding available. Under the proposed plan, lateral sewage hook-ups would be put in place and capped until a later date when a new sewer line could be put into place to replace the aging current system. This would allow the hook-ups to be implemented while sidewalk work was being done anyway. A new water line would be put into place during the project to replace the current clay-pipe lines which would likely be damaged during work. The total costs for streetscape improvements with the additional work are approximately $137,000. The borough currently has approximately $86,000 worth of grant funding leaving a deficit of approximately $51,000.
Hagberg raised concerns that continuing delays and inaction on the project by the council would lead to the elimination of some grant funding and make agencies reluctant to provide future grants.
The council approved moving forward, noting bidding on the project would not take place until at least July or Aug. of 2012 and work would not begin in earnest until 2013. The council noted it will look into additional funding.
The council approved an agreement with Insight Technology to maintain the company on retainer for computer maintenance and repairs. Under the agreement, the council will pay the company $2,400-per-year for services. As a result of the decision, the council will have to draw funds budgeted for items as the borough only has $1,000 allocated for computer technical services.
The council approved donating $100 to the Youngsville Golf Scramble. The event, scheduled for May 19, has been co-sponsored by the borough for 19 years and helps fund youth scholarships.
The council approved the use of line-item funding from remaining lifeguard training funds to send Hagberg to a coarse on zoning administration. The coarse, being provided in Harborcreek, is $95
The council was informed that Hagberg attended a Warren County Redevelopment Authority meeting approving designation of the areas of Youngsville in which streetscape work is planned as slum and blight-based redevelopment areas. The designation would provide new avenues of grant funding for the area. A public hearing on the matter will be held in April to allow resident comment and open discussion of the matter. Following the hearing the council will vote on whether to accept the designation.
Total borough funds were reported at approximately $505,000.
It was reported to council that U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey signed a letter supporting Youngsville's application for U.S. Dept. of Transportation TIGER grant funding. Funds would be used to support the streetscape project.
Council heard options on available funding for a new police car. Funding for the vehicle would be drawn from the borough's general fund budget.
Council is planning a spring clean-up from 8 a.m. to noon on April 14. Cost to accept items will be $10 per-car and $20 per-truck. Batteries, paint, tires and chemicals will not be accepted.