MINUTES 10/25/04

MINUTES FROM THE OCTOBER 25, 2004 MEETING OF BOROUGH COUNCIL

The twentieth regular meeting of the Hamburg Borough Council for 2004 was held this evening at the Hamburg Municipal Center with President Adam Dries presiding. The meeting was opened with Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and a Prayer.

Members Present – Adam Dries, Tina Yoder, Tammy Wilkinson, Charles Figard, Jeanette Heckman, Martha Bertolet, Dale Schlenker

Members Absent – None

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

Visitors- Deena Kershner, Moises Arce, Marissa Arce, Neven Dries, Nikki Murry (Item), Mike Trask (Reading Eagle), Buck Holtzman, Norma Berger, Melanie Geiger, Lori Guldin, Chief Michael Painter.

A motion was made by Tammy Wilkinson and seconded by Dale Schlenker to approve the amended agenda by adding an executive session to discuss police personnel issues.

ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, T. Yoder, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

NAYES – None

COURTESY TO AUDIENCE

Deena Kershner was present to have council consider adopting an ordinance prohibiting the backlit signs on 3^rd and 4^th Street from Maple to Franklin and on State Street from 2^nd Street to Franklin Street. Ms. Kershner stated that information had been sent to each council member with his or her packet. The Our Town Foundation is trying to promote Hamburg as nostalgic. She stated that the Foundation would like to retain the character of business and the businesses that use neon signs are not thriving.

Ms. Kershner stated that if Council passes such an ordinance this would be a big step towards historic preservation of the community.

Ms. Kershner stated that the Foundation is looking to start an Elm Street program as well.

Buck Holtzman stated that a group of residents spent a morning cleaning up the canal area and it has improved greatly. Mr. Holtzman stated that more screenings are needed for the area.

Moises Arce stated the parking lot looks very nice and there has been a lot of improvement in the Borough in the last 10 months.

Mr. Arce questioned why a police car must patrol the water shed.

Councilwoman Heckman stated that it is our water supply.

Mr. Arce stated that yes, it is a good idea, however, when the police make patrols, shouldn’t they be checking on individuals who are there. There was a 68-year-old gentleman who locked his keys in the car and when the officer came by they did not stop and see if he was okay or check on him in anyway. Chief Painter stated that since the individual did not flag down the officer he didn’t stop. Chief Painter stated there are a lot of individuals who walk the mountain and they cannot check on everyone and ask if they are okay. Chief Painter stated that there are at times 100 cars there and the officers record the license numbers in case there is a problem. Chief Painter stated that if the gentleman would have flagged down the officer, the officer would have assisted him.

On another matter, Mr. Arce stated that he has been "beat up" for the last 10 months by the people of this borough. They went after him, his daughter and now his wife. Mr. Arce stated that a patrolman who was off duty stopped his wife on Third Street and his story has changed 3 times. A complaint has been filed. Will Borough Council hear it? President Dries said it would be.

Lori Guldin wanted to thank the Borough for the extension of the flashers on State Street.

Norma Berger stated that she wanted to thank the Safety Committee for getting the bushes cut at Primrose and Island Street. They are not great but a lot better than it had been. Councilman Figard will take another look at the situation.

A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Martha Bertolet to approve the minutes of the October 11, 2004 meeting.

ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, T. Yoder, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

NAYES – None

A motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Tammy Wilkinson to approve the following reports: Engineer’s Report and Safety Committee Report.

ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, T. Yoder, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

NAYES – None

HAMBURG MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY
ENGINEER'S REPORT
October 20, 2004

SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM

SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT ISSUES

Flows at the plant are normal for this time of year with the exception of the spikes occurring due to the hurricanes. All three pump stations had bypass events during the past storm event. Treatment is within normal parameters.

Systems Design Engineering, Inc. continues to work on a preliminary design for the expansion of the wastewater plant. Planning modules are progressing for an expansion of the WWTP to 1.5 MGD. A verbal report will be presented to the Board.

CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN

Systems Design Engineering, Inc. is continuing dialog with DEP on the Connection Management Plan. The semi-annual report was submitted by Systems Design Engineering, Inc. this month. A bid document is being worked on for repairs found to date.

The amendment for the Ridge Lawn Pump station is being processed by DEP. The Station was repaired by Eastern Environmental Contractors and has much improved the output.

MID-ATLANTIC CANNERS

Systems Design Engineering, Inc. continues to talk with MACA on future needs

Several events in the past month have require the Pretreatment Coordinator to have

discussion with Don Seibert. Some accidental drops of soda and some pH problems

have caused some minor problems.

PROJECTS

WETT/NPDES Permit Renewal--A second draft permit was received and reviewed. No major changes have been proposed. The final permit has been received.

Plant Expansion Study--preliminary design and planning modules are progressing. Meetings are continuing to obtain state grants for the economic development portion of the wastewater expansion. Cost estimates are currently being prepared to assist in the funding process.

Dissolved oxygen/Blower automation--The equipment has been purchased for installation as authorized at the July meeting. The equipment has arrived and is being scheduled for installation.

WATER SYSTEM

WATER PRODUCTION

The impoundment dam remains full. Water production was mainly from the surface water/filter system.

Systems Design Engineering, Inc. continues to work with Plant Personnel on new and proposed regulations that may effect the System in future.

WATER PROJECTS

Systems Design Engineering, Inc. is progressing with a bid document to construct new meters correcting the flow and numerical issues previously discussed. Bids will be received at the November meeting.

Construction of the 3 well houses has started. To date, the foundations and floors are in place. A grant for $10,000 for construction of the well houses, submitted to Senator Rhoads’ office by Systems Design Engineering, Inc. was secured and approved. Documentation to proceed with the grant is being processed.

SAFETY COMMITTEE
19 OCTOBER, 2004

The committee met at 3:30 on the above date, with the following persons present; Lynda Albright, Dale Schlenker, Tammy Wilkinson, Martha Bertolet, Chief Painter and Charles Figard.

Third Street Municipal Lot

Lynda Albright expressed a need for an ordinance regulating parking on the 3^rd Street lot. The committee agreed, the Borough Manager will draft the ordinance for committee approval.

Police Communications

Chief Painter explained weaknesses in the present system used by Hamburg Police. A new frequency can be obtained for $200.00 that would provide greater separation from frequencies presently in use. This would reduce or eliminate garbled transmissions. The committee agreed to the request.

Temporary Closures of Pine Street Lot

The Historic Hamburg Holiday Extravaganza Committee has requested blocking off portions of the Pine St. lot for specific events during the period 28 November to 17 December. The Borough Manager will determine exactly what is to be blocked off, and check safety requirements. The committee agreed to the request on that basis.

Outdoor Night-Time Emergency Phone

When a duty officer is on patrol he cannot be easily contacted by someone in need of police assistance. Chief Painter requested permission to place a standard phone at the police station rear entrance. The phone would be an extension of the present hard-wired phone in the police department and capable of contacting only 911. This would provide a connection with Berks Communications which would contact the patrolling officer. No expense is expected. The committee approved the request.

The Cody System

The Cody Communications System was explained by Chief Painter. It would provide detailed information concerning persons and events on a unified county-wide network. Although a much improved system, the $24,000.00 cost is prohibitive unless grants can be obtained.

The committee adjourned at 4:35.

Chuck R Figard

OLD BUSINESS

Due to the Mayor’s absence, Manager Albright read the following proclamation for parking during King Frost.

Under Section 3, Chapter XV as amended by ordinance number 430 dated July 10, 1973, the following parking restrictions will be in effect from 4:00 P.M. on Saturday October 30, 2004 to 12:00 P.M. on Sunday, October 31, 2004.

NO PARKING

     On North 5^th St. between Franklin and State Sts.

     On North 5^th St. between Franklin St. and Confer Ave.

     On Franklin St. between Church and North 4^th Sts.

     On Northmont Ave. between Port Clinton Ave. and North 4^th St.

     On Maple St. between South 3^rd St. and South 5^th St.

     On 3^rd St. between Maple St. and Port Clinton Ave.

     On 4^th St. between Maple St. and Interstate 78.

     On Port Clinton Ave. between North 4^th St. and Mountain Ave.

     On both sides of William St.

On Confer Ave. between North 4^th St. and North 5^th St.

On both sides of Chestnut St. between William and North 5^th.

On the Northeast side of Island St. at 4^Th St.

On Arch St. between Primrose and South 4^th Sts.

On the Northeast Side of State St. at 4^thSt.

On the Southwest, Northwest and Northeast corners of State and 3^rd Sts.

On the Northwest corner of Franklin St. at 3^rd St.

On the East side of South 4^th St. between Maple St. and Hawk Ridge Dr.

On the North and South Side of Arch St. between S. 4^th St. and Primrose Alley.

NEW BUSINESS

On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Dale Schlenker approving the resolution for application for a grant to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources retroactive to October 11, 2004. (grant for wading pool construction)

ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, T. Yoder, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Safety Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Tina Yoder authorizing the Borough Manager to draft a new ordinance regulating parking on the Third Street municipal lot.

ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, T. Yoder, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Safety Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Charles Figard approving the request of the holiday extravaganza committee for use of the 4^th and Pine municipal lot as presented.

ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, T. Yoder, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Safety Committee, a motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Tina Yoder to take action for the Borough of Hamburg to enter into an agreement (memo of understanding) with the Berks County Chiefs of Police in order to share data between police departments in an effort to coordinate investigations and solve crimes within Berks County.

ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, T. Yoder, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

NAYES – None

A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Jeanette Heckman to approve payment of invoices totaling $97,104.75

ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, M. Bertolet, T. Yoder, T. Wilkinson, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker

NAYES – None

T. Wilkinson abstained from the invoice for Met-Ed do to her father working for the company.

LIST OF BILLS

AT & T 24.54

AMERICAN ROCK SALT COMPANY 3,544.67

ARK RENTALS 26.75

BLUE MT. COMPUTER SERVICE 350.00

CENTRE TOWNSHIP 650.00

EXETER SUPPLY 76.80

GALLS INC. 238.92

GOOD YEAR TIRE CENTER 367.68

HAMBURG MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY 411.31

JP MASCARO 6,580.88

MET-ED 2,703.21

QUILL CORPORATION 134.62

RARITAN VALLEY DISPOSAL 13,305.21

REPPERT’S AUTO SERVICE 169.98

SAM’S CLUB 174.46

SOFTWARE SYSTEMS 6.53

SYNERGETICS 2,749.28

SYSTEMS DESIGN 1,381.23

US MUNICIPAL SUPPLY 361.65

WEIS MARKETS 34.16

YIS/COWDEN GROUP 13.45

TOTAL 33,305.33

PA UC FUND 331.99

SMITH BARNEY 55,967.43

UNION FIRE CO. #1 7,500.00

TOTAL FOR APPROVAL 97,104.75

An executive session was called at 7:50 p.m. to discuss police personnel issues.

Meeting reconvened at 8:15 p.m.

President Dries stated that Council had received a complaint about a police officer and as per our Internal Affairs Policy, this has been turned over to the Chief of Police to handle at this point.

SOLICITOR’S REPORT

Solicitor Speicher stated that there has been an issue with Officer Leymeister and taxes that were taken out of his pay due to the fact that the determination that he was eligible for heart and lung was not made until a later date. Letters have been sent to the IRS and PA Dept. of Revenue to no avail. The amounts are not very large, but they do need to be refunded to the officer. Solicitor Speicher stated that there are a few ways that this can be dealt with. 1) Drop the whole thing. 2) Make an adjustment on quarterly reports and give an explanation as to why it is being done.

Chief Painter suggested that if this should happen again with a police officer that the taxes be held in escrow until such time that the heart and lung is approved.

UPCOMING MEETINGS/INFORMATION

OCTOBER 26, 2004 – 4 P.M. – PROPERTY COMMITTEE

OCTOBER 26, 2004 – 6:30 PM – EPA BRIEFING FOR THE PUBLIC CONCERNING

THE PRICE BATTERY SITE – HAHS LGI ROOM

NOVEMBER 1, 2004 – 3:30 P.M. – STREETS COMMITTEE

NOVEMBER 2, 2004 – 4 P.M. – PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

NOVEMBER 8, 2004 – 6:30 P.M. – FINANCE COMMITTEE

NOVEMBER 8, 2004 – 7:30 P.M. – COUNCIL MEETING

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. on motion of Tina Yoder and seconded by Tammy Wilkinson.

ATTEST:

Kim Y. Berger
Recording Secretary/Office Manager