The twenty-first regular meeting of the Hamburg Borough Council for 2003 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, Leon Balthaser, Charles Figard, Jeanette Heckman, Roy Heffner, Scott Kreider, Dale Schlenker

Members Absent – None

Also Present – Lynda G. Albright, Borough Manager, Kim Y. Berger, Recording Secretary, Solicitor Shollenberger

Visitors- Ed Moll, Garnetta Heckman, Donna Smith, Norma Berger, Clara Moyer, Heather Breininger, Brad Breininger, Alean Tray, Margaret Bender, Johanna Bender, Moises Arce, John Timtishin, Pauline Binner, Carl Binner, Adam Dries, Dolores Painter, Dean Kauffman, Tim Neufeld, Peggy Sterner, John Sterner, Nikki Murry (Hamburg Item), Tammy Wilkinson, Tina Yoder, Martha Bertolet, Lori Guldin, Kimm Montone (Pottsville Republican), Chief Zelinsky

A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Charles Figard to approve the amended agenda.

(Councilman Kreider questioned the billboard ordinance. He would like the opportunity to review the document prior to approving it.)

ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker,

NAYES – L. Balthaser, S. Kreider

COURTESY TO AUDIENCE

Moises Arce questioned if there was an Accident Review Board this evening. It was stated that there was. Mr. Arce questioned why it was held if the Mayor was not in attendance. President Boyd stated that the Mayor was informed as to when the meeting was going to be held. President Boyd stated that the Board will meet even if the Mayor does not attend. Mr. Arce questioned the outcome of the meeting. President Boyd stated that the Board accepted the outcome of PSP’s report. Mr. Arce questioned why the Chief was allowed to attend church during working hours when he was to be patrolling. President Boyd stated that he was taking a few minutes to attend a church service. Mr. Arce stated that if he wasn’t at that church to attend a service, we wouldn’t have had an accident with a deductible.

Mr. Arce stated that at the last meeting Councilman Schlenker had stated that when the borough applied for a loan to renovate the building the District Justice side of the building was not included. Councilman Schlenker stated that was correct. Mr. Arce stated that he researched the minutes and discovered that the room was included in the loan and now the taxpayers are paying twice to have that room renovated. Councilman Schlenker stated that when we first started renovating, we did not know that the District Justice was going to be moving into the building. Mr. Arce stated that we didn’t at the time, but if the building was being remodeled we should have done it then. Mr. Arce stated that the room wasn’t touched. Councilmen Schlenker stated that he was correct because we didn’t know what was going in there. Manager Albright stated that the windows, HVAC and blinds were the only things done in those rooms. Mr. Arce questioned the ground, grass, trees and wall that had to be removed in such a hurry to put up a garage for the police department, that still isn’t done and he understood that there was $50,000 set aside for that. President Boyd stated that this became less of a priority when other things such as a lining for the chimney and supports for the floor became more of a priority.

Mr. Arce stated that this is what scares him and a lot of other people. The $2 million "credit card". The misspending of the borough. President Boyd stated that the new council will determine when and if and for what the money will be spent on. This council acted in a responsible way to attain the money for the new council to use as they see fit. President Boyd stated that no action will be taken on major projects, major new initiatives by this council. If the new council decides to take major new initiatives it will be their prerogative.

Mr. Arce questioned how much it cost in legal fees for Sgt. Painter? President Boyd stated that he did not know that number. Mr. Arce stated that he knows it was above $50,000. President Boyd stated that he cannot refute the numbers because he doesn’t have the facts in front of him.

Mr. Arce questioned again what is going to be done with Chief Zelinsky and the smashed police car. President Boyd stated that there will be nothing done, it was found to be merely an accident. President Boyd stated that he was not at church the day of the accident.

Mr. Arce questioned Manager Albright if we have the Nextel from the Chief’s wife. Manager Albright stated that we did. Mr. Arce questioned why the Nextel bill for the borough still reflects his wife’s name for the Nextel she handed in? Manager Albright stated that the name just wasn’t changed, that’s all.

Ms. Guldin, being upset by Mr. Arce’s comments, proceeded to get up from her seat, walking out of the council chambers and stated several things before leaving, including the following. Ms. Guldin questioned why Mr. Arce was suing the borough for $60,000 when he doesn’t have a salver’s license. Mr. Arce stated that he does. Other questions were raised before the discussion was terminated by President Boyd.

Margie Bender was present to address council regarding King Frost and the situation with the chairs people put out to reserve spaces on the sidewalk. It gets earlier and earlier every year. One day someone is going to fall and get hurt by stumbling over these chairs that are put out. In front of the Municipal Center from Island Street to the telephone pole in the handicap zone there was a string of chairs put down. Can’t something be done about this? President Boyd stated that he believes that council concurs with her and that this will have to be addressed with the incoming council.

Councilman Kreider suggested that Ms. Bender attend the Jaycee King Frost meeting on November 18, 2003 at 7 p.m. in the Senior Center.

Pauline Binner, resident of 3^rd and Grand Street, addressed council on what to do as far as tractor trailers continually driving over her sidewalk. She lives on the southwest corner. A tractor trailer hit the telephone pole and has done some damage to her sidewalk. It was a hit and run and the driver was not caught. Ms. Albright and Mr. Leonforte have been contacted, however, she wants something done about the trucks driving over her sidewalk. Ms. Binner stated that there is a pipe under the sidewalk and she is not fixing it. Manager Albright stated that Mr. Leonforte has given Ms. Binner some suggestions to fix the curb and sidewalk.

Ms. Binner stated that the day of the King Frost Parade, the Jaycees blocked her alley with a barricade. They didn’t block the street, but blocked access for her.

Mr. Arce questioned if the council has ever thought about a truck route through the borough. Council has not discussed this. President Boyd stated that the "common route" for trucks is straight down Grand Street. That is why the intersection is set up the way it is. Truck routes and trucks in alleys will be put on the Safety Committee’s agenda.

Mr. Arce stated that council might also like to take a look at 3^rd and Port Clinton Avenue. Trailers are tearing up the street and the telephone pole making the turn.

Heather Breininger spoke regarding the billboard ordinance. Ms. Breininger had a question regarding the council supporting Historic Hamburg image. The Council is in support of everything that is trying to be done downtown, façade improvements, cleanups, etc. Ms. Breininger has a problem with the billboard that was put up blocking Windsor Distributing’s sign. Ms. Breininger stated that she wouldn’t have thought that the regular zoning ordinance would have allowed for a sign to be placed blocking another business owner’s sign. How is this billboard that was placed there being received with Historic Hamburg? It was placed at one of the two main entrances to Hamburg and it looks horrible. President Boyd stated that the billboard ordinance that council will be adopting is an attempt to address this issue. President Boyd stated that we can’t go back to those individuals and have them amend their billboards after the fact. President Boyd stated that we missed the opportunity before these billboards went up and we trying to get this adopted so as to prevent this type of thing in the future. Ms. Breininger stated that it is the only one that is in the main thoroughfare and not along the highway. Ms. Breininger stated that our town is starting to look like downtown Wilmington, Delaware with all the billboards. President Boyd stated that when the Building Inspector brought it to the Council’s attention, council started to work on preparing the ordinance for adoption. Ms. Breininger stated that it was in poor taste for a leader of the community and a leader of the businesses to perpetuate this and a bad neighborly thing to do.

Brad Breininger stated that since Cabela’s is here Weaknecht’s is going to have a hard enough time staying in business and with that billboard placed where it is, no one can see their sign, he thinks it was a nasty thing to do.

A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Roy Heffner to approve the minutes of the October 22, 2003 meeting.

(Councilman Kreider stated that there needs to be a correction on page 429 under the 5 year plan prioritizations – Costs: needs to go under Item #7)

NAYES – None

A motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Charles Figard to approve the following reports: Borough Manager’s Report, Public Works Supt. Report, Water/Sewer Supt. Report, Office Manager’s Report, Treasurer’s Report, Police Report and Safety Committee Report.

(Councilman Kreider questioned the Office Manager’s Report and if the newsletters went out bulk mail. Kim Berger stated that they did go out under the borough’s bulk permit mail stamp.)

ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider

NAYES – None

The Borough Manager’s activities for the month of October, 2003 included the following:

Continue spending time and working with John Leonforte regarding code enforcement issues, as well as work on the proposed new zoning ordinance. Copy of proposed zoning has been submitted to Systems Design for their review, suggestions and to put in "final" form.

Handled utility billing issues as well as various complaints regarding weeds, trash, zoning issues.

Made contact to PennDOT and Barta regarding one-way streets and bus routes in the Borough.

Again, time has been spent on preparation of the 2004 budget. A preliminary budget will be presented to Finance Committee at their next meeting.

Attended a meeting with Benecon (medical insurance representative) to discuss the impact of Blue Cross rates for 2004. We can expect a substantial increase, however, the actual cost increase has not been determined. The group is looking at the possibility of moving to Blue Shield if Blue Cross is not more competitive. Another meeting is scheduled the first week in November and I will be reporting the outcome to Finance Committee.

Keith Brobst and I attended a meeting at Systems Design with Greg Unger, Engineer and a representative of the Governor’s Action Team regarding the sewer moratorium that has been imposed against the Hamburg Municipal Authority. Their purpose is to provide grant money to make improvements to the system as required by DEP. It was a very positive meeting and appears that the Authority may qualify for some of this grant money.

Approximately two years ago, Chief Zelinsky applied for and received a COPS in School grant. I am happy to report that Kim Berger has submitted the necessary paperwork for the portion of the grant covering 2002 and 2003 and the Borough has received $102,000 of this funding. We can anticipate additional monies in 2004.

Spent time taking care of and following up on issues at various committee and board meetings.

Met with Doug Kramer of Synergetics to discuss and be updated regarding the progress of the District Justice Office, as well the Feasibility Study being done for the Hamburg Library. I am happy to report work on the District Justice Office is ahead of schedule. At this time, work is scheduled for completion by the end of the year.

In addition to the two regular council meetings, attended Authority, Planning, Recreation, Personnel, Finance, Safety, and Property committee meetings.

If anyone has any questions regarding my report, please feel free to ask.

Attached with my report are the activities of my staff for the month of October, 2003.

Lynda G. Albright, Borough Manager

Morgan Rail was contacted to repair the guard rail along Port Clinton Avenue where a tree had fallen onto it.

E. M. Kutz was contacted to confirm the price for the salt spreader, which will replace the spreader, which is no longer serviceable.

Met with a representative from Reading Kubota to obtain prices on Bobcat skid loaders.

The picnic tables at the park were in desperate need of repainting (again!) due to the vandalism. The borough crew painted them again.

The autumn job of clearing the leaves from the park has begun. This will be done on a twice weekly basis (as weather permits).

Two speed bumps were installed in Peach Alley, near Walnut Street. These speed bumps are 18" wide by 9’ long.

The crew sprayed weeds along curbs on 4th Street, 3rd Street and State Street.

Walnut Street, 6th and Maple Streets, Grand Street, Front Street and Peach Street were patched with hot patch.

In addition to hot patching, the crew spent time utilizing tar to seal along the curbs and seal the cracks around the borough.

We have begun our autumn project of running the sweeper once a week to clean up leaves in the street.

As mandated by the State and as a bi-yearly project, the crew spent a total of 37 hours cutting brush and grass at the flood control dams.

After the King Frost Parade on October 25, on Sunday, October 26, the street sweeper was run for five hours to clean up the borough and assist the Jaycees.

Due to the clock being placed on the southwest corner of 4th and Pine Streets, the pole with the directional sign had to be removed. We placed this sign on the traffic light pole. On October 20 and again on October 22 the sign was struck and knocked off and before these two incidents, the sign was struck twice. We need to come up with a different location for this direction sign. Once again the sign was replaced.

In order to accommodate the bus traffic that is anticipated to travel through the borough, the handicap sign was removed at 3rd and State Streets. In addition, to accommodate the bus stops and bus traffic the yellow lines were extended at 3rd and State Streets, 3rd and Pine Streets and 4th and Pine Streets.

For the authority, the crew repaired a ½" water line at 254 Washington Street with 30" of ½" copper and two ½" unions. This was repaired in less than a half a day.

At the water filtration plant, a 6’ X 29’ sidewalk was installed around the building. All was installed by the borough crew.

The borough crew worked on repairing the "track" loader.

During the month I attended staff meetings and the Road Committee meeting as required.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard L. Pickel
Public Works Supt.

Water

The dam is full, however most of the production for the month was from the wells. Due to malfunctions in the PLC program Tony shut down the water plant. Robert’s Filter was

contacted and repairs and modifications have been made. There may still be some issues to resolve but the plant is being put back on line, at least during the hours the plant is manned.

Fire hydrants have been flushed and are showing some evidence of manganese in the system. We are evaluating a treatment modification to deal with it.

Wastewater

Basement inspections and reinspections are proceeding. The recent rains have shown some improvement in the I&I in Edenburg, however Ridge Lawn is, if anything, worse. Any significant rainfall causes the pumping station to surcharge. Flows at the Pine Street Pumping Station exceed 2000 gpm for a period of time but we did not have to by-pass.

We are experiencing our annual fall bout with filimentous bacteria. We are meeting our permit parameters, but with some difficulty.

Tony and I attended a school on setting up a quality manual and writing SOP’s, in anticipation of the coming laboratory certification rules. The "final draft" of these rules is now open for public comment and implementation is expected within the next two years. This will change, somewhat, the way we operate our laboratory and may cause more testing to be done by a contract lab.

Respectfully Submitted

Keith L. Brobst
Water/Wastewater Superintendent

Assisted with filing, revamping files, reorganizing and organizing a system for maintaining certain key elements of the office. Reorganized personnel files.

Compiled the quarterly budget report for council.

Spent time assisting the wastewater superintendent in regards to second step regarding Windsor Township follow up notices. Spent a lot of time assisting the residents who called in with questions, fielding complaints, concerns or taking information so that they could receive a return phone call.

Received police applications, sent notices of receipts to the applicants. After deadline, requested the total number of tests required for the written exam.

The municipal access channel and web page are updated on a regular basis.

Various letters, memos and routine correspondence were completed.

Completed workman’s compensation calculations to bill the other municipalities. These letters have been mailed.

Assisted Pat Grob on numerous occasions with information regarding King Frost. During the last two weeks prior to King Frost we spoke every day making sure the last minute details were ironed out.

Initiated a checklist for office personnel to utilize whenever an individual or group calls in to park at the reservoir for overnight parking. This has been reviewed with the game commission for their input and have agreed that it is a good idea.

After receipt of the newsletter created by President Boyd and printed by

Windsor Press, the office staff worked together to fold, tape, label and sort them for the post office. These were mailed by the post office on October 31, 2003.

Attended two council meetings, EMA meeting and staff meetings as necessary.

Respectfully submitted,

Kim Y. Berger, Office Manager

 

 

The following are my activities as the School Resource Officer for Oct. 2003.

Student Conferences

High School – 20

Middle School – 2

Parent Conferences

High School – 3

Middle School – 1

Incidences Investigated

High School – Drug Offenses – 1

Thefts – 4

Vehicle Lock-out – 1

Disorderly Conduct – 2

Harassment – 3

Assault – 1

Crossing Guard Complaints – 1

Elementary School – Suspicious Package/Odor – 1

Citations Filed- (7)

Attendance- 4

Tobacco Violation – 1

Disorderly Conduct - 1

Harassment – 1

(8) Miscellaneous Meetings - 7

JPO – Travis Johnson – 2

Parent Advisory Mtg.

M.S. HEAT Team Mtg. – 3

Crossing Guard Mtg.

Miscellaneous Activities

Bus Evacuation Drill

Fire Drill / Show Time Drill

Exploratory Classes – Middle School – Days 1 & 4

6^th Grade Camp – Three days and two nights

Training Attended

Conflict Management Training

Extra Activities – Accumulated and Used Bank Time

Carry over from September = + 33.25 hrs.

Accumulated Used

10/01/03 Training------------------------------------------------- - (8)

10/02/03 Soccer Game ---------- + 3.75

10/07/03 Parent Advisory Mtg. + .50

10/09/03 Soccer Game ---------- + 3.75

10/10/03 Early Dismissal ---------------------------------------- - (3)

10/10/03 Football Game -------- + 3.00

10/13/03 In-Service (No School) Did not have to attend ---- - (8)

10/17/03 Football Game -------- + 3.00

10/21/03 Girl’s Hockey Playoff + 1.50

10/22/03 6^th Grade Camp ------- + 8.00

10/23/03 6^th Grade Camp ------- + 8.00

10/28/03 Girls Hockey Playoff + .50

_______ _______

TOTALS + 32.00 hrs. – (19.00) hrs

Total Bank Hours carried over to November = + 46.25

Respectfully Submitted,

SRO Dennis R. Schwoyer

The committee met at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday October 28, with the following present: Mayor Del Rosario, Lynda Albright, Chief Zelinsky, Rick Boyd and Charles Figard. There were no visitors.

A request for handicap parking in the 100 block of North 3rd Street was delayed pending further information.

Penn Dot requires an extensive before and after review of the anticipated impact on the borough before any changes can be made in the present traffic pattern. Efforts will be made to obtain county assistance.

Stop lines and cost of relocating traffic sensors were discussed. Only one sensor located at 3rd and Pine needs to be moved. STOP HERE ON RED signs will be installed to ensure space is adequate for large vehicles to negotiate turns. Borough Manager will obtain cost for sensor relocation.

A request for no parking along certain areas of Fawn & Pheasant Court will be forwarded to council recommending approval.

Committee recommends that council aggressively move with plans to install a light at 4th & Windsor with cooperation desired from Hamburg Area School District.

Three bus stops were recommended for council approval – Northbound on State Street at Pine across from M &T Bank parking lot; Westbound on State at State and 4th Street intersection along American Hotel; Eastbound on Pine Street along Borough parking lot.

Chief Zelinsky will contact Penn Dot to determine specifications for the approved crosswalk midway between Pine and State Streets on South 4th Street.

The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

Charles Figard

A motion was made by Scott Kreider and seconded by Jeanette Heckman to table until the November 24, 2003 meeting the approval of the billboard ordinance as prepared and advertised by the solicitor. All changes have been made as requested. This will give the council members time to review the document.

(Manager Albright questioned that if anyone comes to apply for a billboard permit in the meantime must abide by this ordinance. Solicitor Shollenberger stated that she was correct, they must abide by the pending ordinance).

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Property Committee, a motion was made by Scott Kreider and seconded by Dale Schlenker approving the request of the Greater Hamburg Business Association to utilize the 4^th and Pine parking lot on Friday, November 28^th all day to decorate the Christmas tree during the day and hold their Candlelight Vigil Ceremony in the evening and on Saturday, November 29 until 1:00 p.m. for the end-of-parade activities.

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Safety Committee, a motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Charles Figard authorizing the Borough Manager to prepare and advertise an amendment to the Motor Vehicle Ordinance to include "no parking" along certain areas of Fawn and Pheasant Courts.

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Safety Committee, a motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Dale Schlenker to approve the Traffic Policy 2.4.3 of the Hamburg Police Department which deals with highway assistance, towing, impoundment, etc.

(Councilwoman Heckman asked if this would be distributed to all towing companies and President Boyd stated that it would be. Councilman Balthaser questioned why we needed this. Solicitor Shollenberger stated that we have a right to have a policy to protect the safety and welfare of the residents. Solicitor Shollenberger stated that these are the rules and regulations by which the police officers will follow. Mr. Arce questioned why the borough needs regulations if the state already has them?

Mr. Arce stated that Mr. Figard had asked the Chief, Mr. Figard and myself to sit down and come up with a policy that was fair to everyone. Councilwoman Heckman asked if the tow companies list the fee schedules. Mr. Arce stated that they do not, but if asked they will give it. If the council would like a copy of it, they may have a copy. )

ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, C. Figard, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider

NAYES – J. Heckman, L. Balthaser

A motion was made by Roy Heffner and seconded by Charles Figard to approve payment of invoices totaling $294,981.17

ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, R. Heffner, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, D. Schlenker, S. Kreider

NAYES – None

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m. on motion of Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Roy Heffner.

ATTEST: