Trappe Borough Council Discusses Roadways and Parks

Trappe Borough Council President Fred Schuetz opened the August Council meeting with a moment of silence to remember . Details of a memorial service are expected to be available later today.

In other borough news, Borough Manager Jacqui Guenther requested approval from council to appoint Code Inspections, Inc. as the provider of Trappe's code inspections. The company will be paid at a rate of $60 per hour and will provide the borough with a free software program allowing Trappe to track past and future code permits.

Guenther also updated council on an informal complaint she registered with the PUC (Public Utility Commission) regarding the installation of an 85-foot PECO utility pole. The borough wants the pole installed in another location and will continue to work with PECO to the satisfaction of both parties.

At Mayor Connie Peck's request, the borough manager checked into pricing of swing mats to be placed under the swings at and Borough Hall playgrounds. The cost for six mats, plus shipping and handling would exceed $2,200.

Discussion ensued over the necessity of the mats. Solicitor Dave Onorato suggested that council put a playground maintenance program in place. Council requested that the borough manager check with other local municipalities to see how they handle playground materials under swings.

Trappe Borough offers discounted tickets to area attractions. Sales of tickets for July exceeded $1,300. Discounted tickets to the will soon be available to the community, as well.

Mayor Connie Peck reported that the July 9 "Movie in the Park" was well received. Approximately 150 people attended the event. Trappe Today and Tomorrow (TTT) handed out glow lights, and the Trappe Fire Company was thanked for providing lights at the end of the movie for cleanup.

Corporate sponsors are being sought for Trappe Community Day, taking place Sept. 10. Anyone interested should contact Borough Hall at 610-489-7181.

Borough Engineer John Sartor reported on two projects—the West Fifth Avenue sidewalk and a walking path from Main Street to Rambo Park. Approval was granted to prepare bid packages on the sidewalk project with funding to come out of the Open Space West fund.

Council made a motion for the engineer firm to proceed with easement requirements for the Rambo Park walkway project. There is $10,000 in grant money available to use for the project. The grant money must be used by June 30, 2012.

"We are on schedule with our pavement evaluations of roadways," reported Sartor. He hopes to have preliminary "road scores" available for council at the September meeting.

Council members Nevin Scholl and Marshall Stomell attended a planning commission meeting this month that focused on the 422 corridor. Watch for more information about public forums planned in September to allow the community the opportunity to comment on the problems of Route 422, possible tolls, and the idea of a rail line to run the length of the corridor.

Under new business, Guenther brought up two items. The first centered on water runoff from Greenwood Road (Upper Providence) onto the properties of three Trappe residences along Linfield-Trappe Road. Council approved working with Upper Providence to fix this problem for the residents.

Trappe Borough also plans to work with Upper Providence Township on Borough Line Road, another roadway project that affects both communities.

The second new business item was to seek removal of "an improperly placed stop sign." Council approved the measure, which would remove the stop sign on Borough Line Road at Meadowview Drive.

The next Trappe Borough monthly meeting takes place Sept. 7 at Trappe Borough Hall.