Feb 1 2024 – Narberth Council Workshop

AI meeting summary:

• The transcript discusses the technical limitations and possible location options for an electric charger in a residential area. It highlights that there are nine electric poles on the 100 block, but only one is suitable for accommodating homeowners to park in front of their homes while people are charging. The speaker acknowledges staff efforts in selecting this logical location and expresses regret over not notifying new neighbors. The conversation then transitions to online public comments, where individuals voice support for the EV charger installation on Marion Avenue, emphasizing its accessibility and potential benefits for EV adoption and reducing air pollution. They also address concerns about safety, parking availability, and equity. Some residents urge prompt activation of the charger due to its convenience and encouragement towards purchasing EVs.
• Lauren Scholberg raises concerns about the cost of the EV charger installation and requests information on the total project cost. She also asks for transparency regarding legal costs and rates based on district electricity costs.
• The bridge update reveals that there have been delays in the schedule, mainly due to Pico’s design not being completed. The speaker expresses optimism about receiving Pico’s design soon and mentions ongoing coordination with Amtrak and Norfolk Southern.
• The council members inquire about advocacy efforts to push forward with Pico, potential construction start dates, and how Amtrak’s capacity for bridge replacements may impact the project. They discuss the possibility of political action if necessary.
• Overall, Panoni is commended for their proactive approach in following up with utilities, holding regular meetings, and addressing concerns promptly.
• The borough is frustrated with the slow progress and lack of communication from bureaucratic entities involved in a complicated infrastructure project. They are constantly waiting for responses and review of submitted materials, which further delays the project. The borough is concerned about the financing aspect, particularly a 30% down payment requirement that would strain their budget. They are seeking answers to several outstanding questions to help alleviate these concerns. Despite the challenges, they acknowledge that progress has been made and appreciate the support of their engineer and representatives from PennDOT. In addition to this project, there is discussion about hiring a CPA firm for financial audit support and monthly accounting services to ensure good financial controls are in place. The council approves this contract unanimously. Another topic discussed is an ongoing reinforcement project at 80 Windsor Avenue due to roof failure. There are options presented including repairing or rebuilding the roof, with option B being favored due to cost savings and shorter construction time. The council ultimately votes in favor of awarding option B for the reinforcement project while not awarding options C or D (repair of existing cracks and repainting).
• The library is supportive of awarding option B for the project, as it allows them to continue operations and minimize costs. The project will extend the useful life of the building but won’t address normal maintenance issues. The contractor has experience and qualifications for this type of work. Another approach to fixing the building’s worst parts first was discussed but deemed not favorable due to higher costs and disruption. It is recommended to proceed with the project despite high bids. Grant funding is available but applying would cause significant delays. Deferred maintenance on the building is a concern, and it’s important to address structural stability now rather than later when costs can multiply. There are plans for other maintenance work on the library, which may be eligible for grants in the future. Financially, it will be tight, but there are sources of grant funding that should help cover some expenses. During construction, there shouldn’t be any operational costs or access issues for patrons at the library since they’ll be working out of a separate area.
• Regarding EV charging stations, there has been a focus on green initiatives by the council over several years with various projects supported by grants and changes in code regulations. The borough aims to transition to renewable electricity by 2030 and renewable energy for heating and transportation by 2040 through community choice aggregation projects and encouraging all-electric heating in new constructions.
• The transcript discusses the implementation of electric vehicle charging stations in a borough. The borough has been working on plans and proposals to address range anxiety associated with electric vehicles. They have acquired chargers for their own fleet of vehicles and have seen increasing use. The borough is also considering installing residential chargers, particularly for residents who don’t have access to driveways or off-street parking. They are analyzing data from existing chargers and developing criteria to evaluate the program’s success. The borough is also exploring other municipalities’ experiences with charger installations and considering policy options. Additionally, they are establishing a process for citing infrastructure projects that involve the public right-of-way, such as stormwater bump outs. Council approval will be required for final site selection based on predetermined parameters set by staff and committees.

Action items:

• Responsible person: Borough Council

1. Award the personal services contract with Barbican Thornton company to provide financial audit support and monthly accounting services.

2. Approve the bid for the 80 Windsor Avenue roof reinforcement project, specifically option B, and not award options C and D.

3. Pursue additional opportunities to install charging stations in Norboth, including supporting businesses that want to install their own charging stations and providing ways for residents without off-street parking to install chargers at their homes.

4. Continue monitoring the usage of existing residential chargers and consider activating the charger in front of 125 Marion Avenue based on usage trends.

• Note: The responsible person for these action items is not explicitly mentioned in the transcript, but based on context it can be inferred that they fall under the purview of Borough Council.
• Responsible Person: Planning Commission
• Discuss the conditional use application with a focus on green building provisions and multiple buildings on the lot.
• Consider a range of sustainable construction techniques and incorporate them into the project if feasible.
• Recommend conditions related to building design, such as constructing the building as designed and approved, and considering renewable energy generation options.
• Address issues related to stormwater calculations, lighting plans, open space dedication mechanism, bicycle improvements, traffic impact study waiver request.

Outline:

• Chapter 1: Introduction to the Meeting
• 02:21 – Let’s now move on to online public comment.
• 02:43 – Meanwhile, since the recording started a little late, I will note that there have been no action taken except for public comment at the meeting.
• Chapter 2: Online Public Comment
• 02:59 – So if you are online and you wish to make a public comment, please.
• 03:08 – Okay.
• 03:17 – Okay.
• 03:25 – Okay.
• 03:38 – I just want to make note that the recording did not start until after public comment, and Amy and Kevin’s comments were not now on the public record.
• 04:01 – Station, Carol Marie, we’ll note it in the minutes, and we apologize for the public.
• 04:12 – The key record for the state is the minutes, and everybody’s public comment will be reflected in the minutes.
• Chapter 3: Presentation on the Bridge
• 17:52 – Hello.
• 18:20 – We met Tuesday this week, and included is the schedule.
• 19:10 – On schedule for the latest.
• 21:59 – Big picture.
• 23:05 – Okay.
• 24:04 – Of the schedule that’s in the agenda.
• 26:12 – Where are we at?
• 27:41 – So.
• 27:43 – Okay.
• 31:32 – Hey, have you had a chance to review this?
• 31:33 – Hey, have you had a chance to review this?
• 31:35 – Hey, have you had a chance to review this?
• 34:39 – Further questions?
• 34:41 – Well, I mean, does Jesse know the schedule that the project duration or is.
• 34:50 – Jesse maintains the construction schedule.
• 34:55 – Oh, the construction schedule.
• 34:57 – Well, Jesse, do you know that construction schedule offhand for duration?
• 35:25 – I have several documents open.
• 36:29 – Okay.
• 36:36 – President.
• 38:22 – And so this is just a continuation.
• 38:30 – Okay.
• 39:27 – Okay.
• Chapter 4: Discussion on Project Details
• 41:08 – Option also to a tou services omission for option b.
• 41:14 – Okay.
• 41:56 – Okay.
• 42:02 – Okay.
• 42:14 – Okay.
• 42:15 – So this is one of these projects that I came in three quarters of the way through.
• 44:49 – The project.
• 45:19 – So Jonathan broke the design down into what I’m going to call the east wing, the center, or the library and the west wing.
• 47:48 – Okay.
• 47:50 – And I also did include the plan set in the meeting packet this evening.
• 48:23 – Okay.
• Chapter 5: Process and Procedures
• 58:15 – All right.
• 58:55 – If you all indulge me for a few minutes and I’ll talk a little about the process that got us here.
• 59:07 – Let’s talk a little bit about sort of the process that got us here and moving forward.
• 1:12:56 – So really kind of mapping that out and developing a workable process.
• 1:16:45 – That’s my proposed process for this going forward.
• 1:22:06 – This is a pilot project.
• 1:23:59 – And it handles a lot of these discussions up front, I think.
• 1:25:52 – Let’s look at the data.
• 1:27:33 – Okay.
• 1:27:49 – Okay.
• 1:27:50 – All right.
• 1:27:52 – I declare will of council.
• 1:27:56 – Now, let’s talk about the process for a bit.
• 1:28:10 – We don’t want these meetings to be 3 hours long.
• 1:35:52 – And I hope that this clean process now does make meetings shorter, Fred, ultimately, because everyone knows what to expect.
• 1:36:45 – My first visit to you all, I was asked to come and just give you an update tonight primarily in 230 habits.
• 1:36:59 – First thing I’d like to say about this project is that working very closely with Matt west on the scheduling, keep a rigorous schedule where we, as with the bridge, are keeping all of our commitments, and changes in schedule are pretty much due to the applicant being certain requirements for submission.
• 1:37:24 – So an overview of the schedule at this point is that the planning commission was discussed.
• 1:39:09 – That is the schedule that’s laid out.
• 1:39:14 – And again, the only competitive encyclopedia is that the applicant needs more time to prepare the required documentation for these reviews.
• 1:40:25 – Agenda and they need to do that before you can approve the preliminary final plan or before we approve.
• 1:43:43 – The african speaking.
• 1:44:54 – We will discuss it and we’ll report to you what we think.
• 1:46:15 – Okay.
• 1:48:41 – And so those will be things we will discuss.
• 1:49:41 – We have some queries.
• 1:49:50 – These will be the things that will come up initially appearance, and these are narrowly related to the language of the code that you conditionally use.
• 1:57:45 – I just think it would be good for him to document it fully and clearly.
• 1:58:22 – So many of these things, there were significant findings from the engineer that they will be addressing many of those things, and my take is that they will be addressing many of the things that Todd has discussed also.
• 1:58:51 – I have a few comments.
• 1:59:09 – Okay.
• 2:00:01 – Okay.
• 2:00:57 – President, at some point to produce what you’re requesting okay.
• 2:03:35 – That I think answers the rest of the questions about the architecture of the layout.
• 2:03:56 – I would like to respond to Fred’s question.
• 2:05:46 – Anybody else have any questions from.
• 2:09:43 – So this kind of works out a protocol.
• 2:10:

Notes:

• Online public comment: Raise hand to make a comment
• Fred had a whiteboard issue
• Public comments will be noted in the minutes
• Agenda will reflect public comments
• Ms. Gam made a comment
• Discussion of schedule and checking boxes with pendot
• Big picture discussion
• Several documents open
• Questions and answers
• Review requested
• Need better answers to lower the temperature
• More questions
• President’s approval
• Recommendation and additional points
• Three data points
• Unanimous information items
• Proposed process going forward
• Update on 230 habits
• Applicant needs more time for documentation
• Focus on the schedule
• African speaker
• Discussions and reports
• Calculations and queries
• Incorporating suggestions into the project
• Future meetings to address findings
• Comments from Todd
• Responding to questions
• Appropriateness discussion
• Mr. Russian’s report
• Committee reports
• Recording meetings
• Setting expectations for meetings
• Rules of council
• Goals and priorities reviewed
• Survey and feedback requested
• Point of contact for the school
• Start time and responses
• Announcement
• Circulate information via email
• Thank you point
• Motion approved

1. Award the personal services contract with Barbican Thornton company to provide financial audit support and monthly accounting services.
2. Approve the bid for the 80 Windsor Avenue roof reinforcement project, specifically option B, and not award options C and D.
3. Pursue additional opportunities to install charging stations in Norboth, including supporting businesses that want to install their own charging stations and providing ways for residents without off-street parking to install chargers at their homes.
4. Continue monitoring the usage of existing residential chargers and consider activating the charger in front of 125 Marion Avenue based on usage trends.

Note: The responsible person for these action items is not explicitly mentioned in the transcript, but based on context it can be inferred that they fall under the purview of Borough Council.
Responsible Person: Planning Commission
Discuss the conditional use application with a focus on green building provisions and multiple buildings on the lot.
Consider a range of sustainable construction techniques and incorporate them into the project if feasible.
Recommend conditions related to building design, such as constructing the building as designed and approved, and considering renewable energy generation options.
Address issues related to stormwater calculations, lighting plans, open space dedication mechanism, bicycle improvements, traffic impact study waiver request.
Outline:
Chapter 1: Introduction to the Meeting
02:21 – Let’s now move on to online public comment.
02:43 – Meanwhile, since the recording started a little late, I will note that there have been no action taken except for public comment at the meeting.
Chapter 2: Online Public Comment
02:59 – So if you are online and you wish to make a public comment, please.
03:08 – Okay.
03:17 – Okay.
03:25 – Okay.
03:38 – I just want to make note that the recording did not start until after public comment, and Amy and Kevin’s comments were not now on the public record.
04:01 – Station, Carol Marie, we’ll note it in the minutes, and we apologize for the public.
04:12 – The key record for the state is the minutes, and everybody’s public comment will be reflected in the minutes.
Chapter 3: Presentation on the Bridge
17:52 – Hello.
18:20 – We met Tuesday this week, and included is the schedule.
19:10 – On schedule for the latest.
21:59 – Big picture.
23:05 – Okay.
24:04 – Of the schedule that’s in the agenda.
26:12 – Where are we at?
27:41 – So.
27:43 – Okay.
31:32 – Hey, have you had a chance to review this?
31:33 – Hey, have you had a chance to review this?
31:35 – Hey, have you had a chance to review this?
34:39 – Further questions?
34:41 – Well, I mean, does Jesse know the schedule that the project duration or is.
34:50 – Jesse maintains the construction schedule.
34:55 – Oh, the construction schedule.
34:57 – Well, Jesse, do you know that construction schedule offhand for duration?
35:25 – I have several documents open.
36:29 – Okay.
36:36 – President.
38:22 – And so this is just a continuation.
38:30 – Okay.
39:27 – Okay.
Chapter 4: Discussion on Project Details
41:08 – Option also to a tou services omission for option b.
41:14 – Okay.
41:56 – Okay.
42:02 – Okay.
42:14 – Okay.
42:15 – So this is one of these projects that I came in three quarters of the way through.
44:49 – The project.
45:19 – So Jonathan broke the design down into what I’m going to call the east wing, the center, or the library and the west wing.
47:48 – Okay.
47:50 – And I also did include the plan set in the meeting packet this evening.
48:23 – Okay.
Chapter 5: Process and Procedures
58:15 – All right.
58:55 – If you all indulge me for a few minutes and I’ll talk a little about the process that got us here.
59:07 – Let’s talk a little bit about sort of the process that got us here and moving forward.
1:12:56 – So really kind of mapping that out and developing a workable process.
1:16:45 – That’s my proposed process for this going forward.
1:22:06 – This is a pilot project.
1:23:59 – And it handles a lot of these discussions up front, I think.
1:25:52 – Let’s look at the data.
1:27:33 – Okay.
1:27:49 – Okay.
1:27:50 – All right.
1:27:52 – I declare will of council.
1:27:56 – Now, let’s talk about the process for a bit.
1:28:10 – We don’t want these meetings to be 3 hours long.
1:35:52 – And I hope that this clean process now does make meetings shorter, Fred, ultimately, because everyone knows what to expect.
1:36:45 – My first visit to you all, I was asked to come and just give you an update tonight primarily in 230 habits.
1:36:59 – First thing I’d like to say about this project is that working very closely with Matt west on the scheduling, keep a rigorous schedule where we, as with the bridge, are keeping all of our commitments, and changes in schedule are pretty much due to the applicant being certain requirements for submission.
1:37:24 – So an overview of the schedule at this point is that the planning commission was discussed.
1:39:09 – That is the schedule that’s laid out.
1:39:14 – And again, the only competitive encyclopedia is that the applicant needs more time to prepare the required documentation for these reviews.
1:40:25 – Agenda and they need to do that before you can approve the preliminary final plan or before we approve.
1:43:43 – The african speaking.
1:44:54 – We will discuss it and we’ll report to you what we think.
1:46:15 – Okay.
1:48:41 – And so those will be things we will discuss.
1:49:41 – We have some queries.
1:49:50 – These will be the things that will come up initially appearance, and these are narrowly related to the language of the code that you conditionally use.
1:57:45 – I just think it would be good for him to document it fully and clearly.
1:58:22 – So many of these things, there were significant findings from the engineer that they will be addressing many of those things, and my take is that they will be addressing many of the things that Todd has discussed also.
1:58:51 – I have a few comments.
1:59:09 – Okay.
2:00:01 – Okay.
2:00:57 – President, at some point to produce what you’re requesting okay.
2:03:35 – That I think answers the rest of the questions about the architecture of the layout.
2:03:56 – I would like to respond to Fred’s question.
2:05:46 – Anybody else have any questions from.
2:09:43 – So this kind of works out a protocol.
2:10:
Notes:
Online public comment: Raise hand to make a comment
Fred had a whiteboard issue
Public comments will be noted in the minutes
Agenda will reflect public comments
Ms. Gam made a comment
Discussion of schedule and checking boxes with pendot
Big picture discussion
Several documents open
Questions and answers
Review requested
Need better answers to lower the temperature
More questions
President’s approval
Recommendation and additional points
Three data points
Unanimous information items
Proposed process going forward
Update on 230 habits
Applicant needs more time for documentation
Focus on the schedule
African speaker
Discussions and reports
Calculations and queries
Incorporating suggestions into the project
Future meetings to address findings
Comments from Todd
Responding to questions
Appropriateness discussion
Mr. Russian’s report
Committee reports
Recording meetings
Setting expectations for meetings
Rules of council
Goals and priorities reviewed
Survey and feedback requested
Point of contact for the school
Start time and responses
Announcement
Circulate information via email
Thank you point
Motion approved