Collegeville Borough Council Notes

Collegeville Borough Council held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday evening. Among several items of regular borough business, the council heard that the Collegeville Economic Development Corporation has hired a replacement for former manager Linda Flederbach.

Brian Dubas, speaking for the CEDC, said that the corporation has hired Rachael Morrison, who was previously the executive director of revitalization in Sea Isle City, NJ. "Rachael has experience increasing volunteers and running profitable fundraisers," Dubas said.

There were 60 applicants for the Main Street manager position, and the search committee narrowed it down to six candidates.

Council President Arnold Mann said the council is "excited about what we're doing."

"The search committee was unanimous [in choosing Morrison]," Mann said.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, Collegeville resident John Zvarick spoke to the council regarding signage at his business location. Zvarick and his wife are the owners of Lily Laser & Beauty, a medical spa on Second Avenue in Collegeville.

Zvarick asked the council to consider their interpretation of the signage ordinance. His concern is that not having a sign for his business is causing it to miss out on the drive-by traffic on Second Avenue. Zvarick said 20,000 cars per day drive past the location. 

Mann said that the council has discussed the signage before and voted to uphold the ordinance, but he has talked to borough Manager Geoff Thompson about having the planning commission look at the ordinance again.

Zvarick's landlord, the Gambone Group, is already involved in litigation with the borough regarding signage.

Finally, among other new business, the council voted to have Thompson pursue a Community Block Development Grant to replace sidewalk ramps at Third Avenue and Park Avenue. The ramps are not currently ADA compliant, and would cost approximately $16,000 to bring up to code.

Council also voted to make Mann the borough's voting delegate at the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs conference in April, in Seven Springs, PA.