SPECIAL BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING
February 27, 2019 MINUTES
On February 27, 2019, the Milford Borough Council held a Special Meeting in the Borough Hall in order to discuss the submission of a grant for improvements to Barckley Park.
PRESIDENT TARQUINIO CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AT 7:02 PM. PRESENT: TARQUINIO, COUNCIL MEMBERS ROB CIERVO, ANNETTE HAAR, KATRINA FOSTER, & NANCY SCHOENLEBER, CONSTITUTING A QUORUM. ALSO PRESENT WAS TREASURER GREG MYER.
Ahlstrand noted that all Council members were given 24 hours notice, as required, and that the meeting was advertised in the Pocono Record and posted on the website and on the door of the Borough Hall.
Tarquinio said the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the submission of a grant for improvements to Barckley Park, which was due on February 28, 2019. He asked Haar to explain the details.
Haar explained that they are planning to apply for a matching grant. Defined – effective means of funding small projects, especially those with community support. Concept- State or local governments designate funds to go to specific types of projects. Community can then develop project proposals and apply for the grant. If accepted, the local government would match the contribution to the project at a 1:1 ratio. Important to note that community labor and materials, not just financial contributions, can count toward donations. So neighborhood groups that have time, but not money to donate, can still apply for grants. Effective way to fund local improvement projects.
Sent all material out to Council in advance. Met with Treasurer Myer prior to meeting to go over budget in packet. Asked for questions from Council.
Foster had a question- encroachment issue with regard to property owner? Haar has addressed with Adrianne Wesol, adjacent property owner. Sending letter. No objection to project.
Other neighbor is collaborating with project (Lynne Ann Walsh), has made donation.
Foster asked about what Borough contribution would be? $22K? Myer went through worksheet; explained “in kind” material, etc. Actual financial out of pocket to Borough $7552, cash for materials (soil, fencing, etc.). Labor costs by Borough employees; some being paid for by Milford Garden Club. Contribution of $4000 from Recreation, so out of pocket would be $3500. Tarquinio asked why additional $3500 wouldn’t also come from Recreation budget. Haar said designated from other funds.
Foster noted already overspent and its only February. Also concerned about maintenance. Haar said if funds come from Recreation will not be able to go forward with plans for Biddis Park, etc. Tarquinio said tax collected for recreation fund; Tarquinio said Borough does not have additional money to spend this year. Ciervo proposed they do some fund raising to raise $3500, and Ciervo & Sons will donate the difference. Tarquinio asked if grant approved for less money than requested? Haar said they will deal with less money- will adjust it then. Tarquinio acknowledged work of Linda Pinto (Garden Club) preparing grant.
BY MOTION OF CIERVO/HAAR, COUNCIL APPROVED SUBMISSION OF GRANT.
BY MOTION OF CIERVO, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:20 PM
