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MINUTES FROM THE FEBRUARY 28, 2001 MEETING The fourth regular meeting of the Hamburg Borough Council for 2001 was held this evening at the Hamburg Municipal Center with President Richard Boyd presiding. The meeting was opened with Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and a Prayer. Members Present - Richard Boyd, Roy Heffner, Charles Figard, Leon Balthaser, Diana Edwards, Jeanette Heckman, Scott Kreider Members Absent – None Also Present – Lynda G. Albright, Borough Manager, Solicitor John Speicher, Kim Y. Berger, Recording Secretary Visitors –Chief Thomas Zelinsky, Jr., Nikkie Murry (Item), Harold Holtzman, Tony Donatelli, Mickey Donatelli, Randy Pyles, Dean Hamm, Charles Henn, Norma Berger, Heather Breininger, Fred Sheeler, Alex Rodriguez (Eagle/Times) A motion was made by Scott Kreider and seconded by Charles Figard to approve the amended agenda. (Councilman Balthaser stated that he would like to add to the agenda by recommending that Dale Schlenker be appointed to the Planning Commission. Councilwoman Heckman requested that we wait to interview him at the next Personnel Committee. This was agreed to.) ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider NAYES - None COURTESY TO AUDIENCE Charles Henn, Hamburg Moose representative, stated that he would like to give to the Chief of Police a donation of $1,000 to help the community, by donating to the Borough of Hamburg Police Fund. Chief Zelinsky received the donation and stated that it would go towards the purchase of a base station. Harold (Buck) Holtzman stated that he was at the Borough Office to pick up the committee reports and wanted to thank the chairmans for being very detailed. He was a little upset that he had to pay $1.25 for the copies. Mr. Holtzman stated that he lives on a snow emergency route and wanted to know why a snow emergency was not called when there was 8 inches of snow that fell this past storm. However, a snow emergency had been called a few weeks ago and no snow had fallen. Manager Albright stated that in the past, we have called snow emergencies in anticipation of a major storm. In the first storm of the season, the forecasters were predicting 16 inches. We, along with most other municipalities, called the snow emergency in anticipation of the storm. President Boyd stated that there was no need to call a snow emergency, while we received the snow, the temperatures rose very quickly and most residents moved their vehicles anyway, even though there was no snow emergency called. Buck questioned why, during the first snow emergency, when we received no snow, were the people ticketed. He had heard that it was to "teach the residents a lesson". Chief Zelinsky stated that he was the one who decided to ticket the 26 vehicles that were left on the snow emergency routes and not to void them so that the residents understood that this was very important. He stated it would be better for a $10 ticket rather than a $75 towing bill had we received the amount of snow that was predicted. President Boyd stated that the Borough Manager was the one who calls the snow emergency. Buck asked if there could be a set amount of snow – say 4" – when a snow emergency would be called. President Boyd stated that we would continue to call snow emergencies on an as needed basis. A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Diana Edwards to approve the minutes of February 12, 2001 meeting with the following corrections. (two corrections – under the approval of the bills there was no person listed who made the motion and no one listed as a second to the motion and also on that same page, page 432, "Roll call on the original motion" should state ‘roll call on the original motion as amended". ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider NAYES - None A motion was made by Diana Edwards and seconded by Charles Figard to approve the following reports: Engineer’s Report, Personnel Committee Report, Road Committee Report, Safety Committee Report and Finance Committee Report (Question: Councilman Kreider questioned the Engineer’s report and the installation of lighting at the Water Filtration Plant. He wanted to know if the Lehigh Valley Astronomical Society was receptive to the idea – Manager Albright stated that the LVAA had a plan and the engineer was working out the details with them.) ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider NAYES - None SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM
Flows at the plant are normal for this time of year. Treatment is within normal parameters.
No issues this month.
Systems Design Engineering, Inc. is completing the local limits revisions as requested by EPA. The limits for copper and zinc have are judged to be too stringent based on past plant performance. Discussions with EPA are being held to keep them at the existing levels since not plant problems are attributed to these metals.
The intent to award for the project has been issued. Contracts are being compiled. We have been advised that shop drawings are progressing to expedite this project. WATER SYSTEM (COUNCIL: FOR INFORMATION ONLY) WATER PRODUCTION The impoundment dam is currently full, but with minimal flow over the spillway. Inflow is just matching the water production. Plant personnel are also working with Dave Bonkovich to determine the loss of water in the system. The filter plant is running normally. Both radon strippers are being cleaned as part of normal maintenance. Staff will install the blow-off and strainer for well 2, 3, & 4 shortly.
Lynda Albright has forwarded all the agreements that could be located on the flood control dams and water rights to Systems Design Engineering, Inc. for review. It appears that the Grantors have the right to the water for irrigation purposes. Investigation of the water main and stand tower is progressing along with the booster pump estimate.
The existing lights have been repaired and/or replaced. Evaluation of the lighting around the site is being performed. Adding more light toward the filter building will not eliminate the "blind area" behind the building. More lighting around the reservoir is being evaluated along with recommendations for the type of fixtures and poles required.
The following items are currently being worked on:
Present: Jeanette Heckman, Chuck Figard, Diana Edwards, Manager Lynda Albright Business Conducted Included: Recommend Buck Holtzman be named to the North Berks Recreation Board Recommend Diana Edwards be named to the Planning Commission Recommend Jeff Metz be named to the Planning Commission Recommend the following be hired to work at the park and pool this summer: (see Lynda’s list) Respectfully submitted, Jeanette Heckman, Chairperson ROAD COMMITTEE REPORT Attendance: Diana Edwards, Leon Balthaser, Lynda Albright, Borough Manager, Richard Pickel, Public Works Supervisor for the Borough of Hamburg and residents of Grandview Terrace. The residents of Grandview Terrace expressed their continued concern on road conditions at Grandview Terrace, Catherine Street and Arthur Street. As requested in the meeting of November 8, 2000, Richard Pickel got an estimate of costs for this three street improvement project. The estimate came in at $62,000.00. There is no immediate funding available for this project. The Community Development Block Grant will not be available until the year 2004. The Liquid Fuel Fund for the years 2001 and 2002 has been designated for the traffic light at 4th Street and Hawk Ridge Drive. This fund will not be available again to the borough until 2003. Lynda Albright will be looking into funding from the Department of Economic Development for the needed road improvements. A letter from a concerned motorist was read. The letter stated that the motorist has problems viewing the traffic light when traveling on Route 61 North due to the bright lighting at Schlenker Motors. The borough will respond by notifying Mr. Schlenker and the Borough Police. Drainage off of Geary Drive remains an erosion problem. Richard Pickel will be determining if this project can be completed by the borough crew. If the borough crew can do the work, the project can be funded from the borough budget. The stop sign at Food Lion, which is located on the strip mall's property, has been knocked down again. Food Lion patrons have complained to Food Lion Staff and the Borough. The borough will attempt to notify the developer to replace the sign. Respectfully submitted, Diana L. Edwards Chairman
SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT Safety Committee met on 20 Feb 2001 at 4:00. The following items were discussed: Vehicle accident involving marked police vehicle and a drunk driver. Damage to police vehicle was approx. $1700.00, considerable damage to the offending vehicle.
for copies of future accident reports, due to the new forms. Borough solicitor will review recommended charges prior to council action. Application will be made for funds from COPSMORE. Dept of Justice application forms require 26 hours to complete. Chief reviewed Civil Service requirements for hiring add'l police officers. Recommend council approve installation of pay phone at back entrance to police department, at no cost to the borough. Cost information will be verified. Police dept now has a dedicated phone line for Internet access. Discussed new lease- purchase arrangement available for purchasing new Borough police cars. Prices would be lower than those encountered in previous purchases for Borough cars. Purchase to be delayed until mid-year. Discussed complaint involving borough employee. Situation may require a hearing and possible suspension. Discussed county-wide area network which would enable police to obtain info from Internet which would assist in criminal investigations. No cost to borough. Informed committee that seven new bullet-proof vests had been ordered, and will be required wear for duty officers. Charles Figard Finance Committee Report Attending: Scott Kreider, Jeanette Heckman, Roy Heffner, Chuck Figard, Rick Boyd, Dianna Edwards, John Speicher, Tom Zelinsky, Leon Balthaser and Lynda Albright. Police Pension Fund (’98 Funding Deficiency) John Speicher, Solicitor, updated us on the $50,000+ that is due according to the Auditor General’s Office. It is now in the hands of the Public Employees Retirement Commission. We received a letter on 2/5/01 stating that we have 45 days in which to comply with the order to pay in the amount of $52,339.00. It is John’s opinion that we have no discretion and must pay according to the court order. The performance of the stockmarket in 2000 may result in another similar situation. John will consult with Lawyers Lightman & McIhananey to see if the funding deficiency payment is proper under PA State Law. Tax collector commission Recommend to set the tax collectors commission rate @ 2% per year for the next 4 years, for real estate taxes collected. Berks County Community Development Block Grant Lynda Albright informed us that we will be receiving a $50,000 grant from 1999 for storm drain work and other related street work for Peach Alley (see Lynda for other areas that will be covered). Recommend to execute Agreement. Respectfully submitted, Scott Kreider, Chairman OLD BUSINESS On the recommendation of Solicitor Speicher, a motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Scott Kreider to approve and execute the License Agreement with the Hamburg Municipal Authority . ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Scott Kreider and seconded by Jeanette Heckman to hire the following as park/pool employees for the 2001 summer season: Susan Behm, Shara Kershner, Christopher Rodenroth, Rebecca Harrison, Jacey Brobst, Raynore Clark, Joshua Grover, Lyndsey Mazaika, Joseph Pugliese, Sara Strahn, Jeff Delussey and Jarrod Emes. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard , L. Balthaser, S. KreiderNAYES – None On the recommendation of the Safety Committee, a motion was made by Scott Kreider and seconded by Leon Balthaser to approve placement of a pay phone on the southeast corner of the building out side of the police department, at no cost to the Borough .ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider NAYES – None NEW BUSINESS On the recommendation of the Planning Commission, a motion was made by Leon Balthaser and seconded by Roy Heffner to approve the Reppert Subdivision, contingent upon all modifications are made as required by the Planning Commission and Hamburg Municipal Authority. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Scott Kreider and seconded by Charles Figard to appoint Diana Edwards and Jeff Metz as members of the Hamburg Planning Commission to fill current vacancies, with terms ending 12/31/01. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Leon Balthaser and seconded by Jeanette Heckman to appoint Harold (Buck) Holtzman as a member of the North Berks Recreation Board. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Borough Manger, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Charles Figard to exonerate the Tax Collector for the following per capita taxes in the amount of $1,560.00: Deceased - $60.00; Disability - $50.00; Does not Exist - $10.00; Duplicate - $20.00; Paid Elsewhere - $40.00; Military - $100.00; Moved - $1,280.00. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider NAYES – None A motion was made by Scott Kreider and seconded by Roy Heffner to approve payment of invoices totaling $55,162.10 ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, D. Edwards, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider NAYES – None LIST OF BILLS
SOLICITOR’S REPORT Solicitor Speicher stated that Chief Zelinsky would like to increase the police accident report fees, from $15.00 to $125.00. The purpose of the increase is because the accident report forms have changed from 2 pages to 8 pages and it will take a police officer probably 2 to 2 ½ hours to complete. The process takes more processing time as well as more copies etc. Solicitor Speicher asked what other municipalities were doing. Chief stated that everyone was undecided at this point. Solicitor Speicher suggested that he check with the other municipalities again and report it back to the Safety Committee and they will go from there. An Executive Session was called at 8:02 p.m. to discuss potential police pension litigation. Meeting reconvened at 8:17 p.m. UPCOMING MEETINGS/INFORMATION
March 5, 2001 – Rec Board meeting – 7 p.m. March 6, 2001 – PROPERTY COMMITTEE – 7 P.M. March 12, 2001 - Finance Committee – 6:30 p.m. March 12, 2001 – Council meeting – 7:30 p.m. Councilwoman Edwards reported that there will be a meeting on Thursday, March 1, 2001 with the North Berks Regional Joint Comprehensive Committee. Everyone is welcome to attend. It starts at 7 p.m. at the Middle School. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. on motion of Roy Heffner and seconded by Jeanette Heckman. ATTEST: Kim Y. Berger Recording Secretary/Office Manager
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