Resignation Leaves a Vacancy on Trappe Borough Council

"Due to increased responsibilities and growth in my business, I find it hard at this time to devote the effort needed to serve the residents of Trappe Borough in the manner in which they deserve."

Those were the words of Trappe Councilman Matt Watson as read in a letter by Borough Council President Fred Schuetz at the Feb. 7 Trappe Council meeting.

Watson has served in this elected position since January 2004. After formally accepting the resignation, several council members acknowledged their appreciation of Watson's service to the community. The borough has 30 days to fill the vacant seat. Interested candidates must be registered as a voter and must have lived in Trappe Borough for at least one year. Resumes will be accepted at Borough Hall through Feb. 24. Candidates will be publicly interviewed at the next Trappe Borough meeting on Tuesday, March 6, at 7 pm.

During the meeting's public forum, Trappe resident Jake Stankunas spoke to council about his family's nonprofit organization, Miracle in Motion, which raises funds for babies with brain injuries. The group wishes to partner with Trappe Borough Council in a 5K run and Family Fun Walk to be held Saturday, April 14. The Bunny Hop 5K will begin at the and proceed along designated roadways through the borough. Proceeds from the event will go toward the purchase of Jenn swings for Trappe parks. These are playground swings specially designed for children with physical and mental challenges.

Borough manager Jacqui Guenther announced a community shredding event to be held at Trappe Borough Hall on April 28. Trappe Business Association representative, Lynn Fleisher, will talk to area businesses in an effort to partner with the borough in the shredding day.

Council approved several expenditures for Borough Hall, including a new computer to replace the 9-year-old model currently used, and a new hot water heater to replace the broken unit. Railings will be replaced around the exterior of the building to address current rotting rails and to ensure ADA compliance.

While Collegeville-Trappe Public Works has been doing repair work on area storm inlets, it has been determined that 12 of them need "major work." Council authorized $5000 to prepare bids for this project.

Council decided to table decisions on directional signs for borough parks, the purchase of a salt storage facility and the replacement of the sidewalk in front of, and around, Borough Hall. Additional information will be gathered on each of these projects for further discussion in the coming months. Council also approved an addendum to the current fee schedule to include a $30 fee for residential electrical work.

has been in touch with the borough about their plans to hold a carnival Aug. 20-25 to raise funds for an elevator for their building. They are working with Trappe Borough to ensure compliance with all rules and regulations.

Mayor Peck announced that the 2012 Trappe Day is set for Sept. 8. The first planning meeting will be held in March.

The public is invited to attend the next Council meeting at Borough Hall on March 6, 2012, where there will be an opportunity to ask questions of candidates interested in filling the now vacant Council seat.