|
|
|
|
MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 13, 2001 MEETING OF BOROUGH COUNCIL The fifteenth regular meeting of the Hamburg Borough Council for 2001 of the Hamburg Borough Council 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 W. Boyd, Leon Balthaser, Scott Kreider, Charles Figard, Jeanette Heckman Members Absent – Roy Heffner, Diana Edwards Also Present – Lynda G. Albright, Borough Manager, Kim Y. Berger, Recording Secretary, Mayor Del Rosario Visitors - Nikki Murry (Item), Joseph Martin, Dean Dalious, Troy Hatt, Glenn Becker, Dennis Degler, Attorney Doug Rauch, Harold Holtzman, Julia Nazimov (Reading Eagle-Times) A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Scott Kreider to approve the amended agenda. ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider NAYES – None COURTESY TO AUDIENCE Attorney Doug Rauch, representing the Hamburg Fire Company was present to discuss a Resolution that Council must approve regarding the financing by the Fire Company for their new truck. The fire company needs to refinance an interim note obtained to finance a portion of the cost of the truck. The public hearing was opened and since there were no comments from the public, the public hearing was closed. Solicitor Speicher did review the resolution and therefore Council is being asked to adopt it. This is just a formality and there will be no effect or liability on the Borough for repayment of this note, should the Fire Company fail to make payments. A motion was made by Leon Balthaser and seconded by Charles Figard to adopt the resolution as presented. ( Councilman Kreider did comment that he wished there was more time to review the resolution before it was adopted.)ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider NAYES – None A motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Jeanette Heckman to approve the minutes of the July 25, 2001 meeting as submitted. (Question: Councilman Balthaser stated that at the last Council meeting, he questioned how much it cost to have the Solicitor draw up the agreement with the High School. Manager Albright stated that she would gather the information by next week.) ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider NAYES – None A motion was made by Leon Balthaser and seconded by Scott Kreider to approve the following reports: Borough Manager's Report, Public Works Supt. Report, Water/Sewer Supt. Report, Office Manager's Report, Treasurer's Report, Recreation Director’s Report and Police/ Mayor Report. (Councilman Kreider questioned if the 31 "the assist other department" category on the police/mayor report is average or higher or lower than normal. Mayor Del Rosario stated that it was average. Councilman Kreider would also like to see on the monthly report the number of miles driven on the motorcycle, since the report does reflect the number of miles on the police cars. In addition, there should be a report of how many hours are spent on foot patrol. Mayor Del Rosario will see that this is reported from now on.) ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider NAYES – None BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT The Borough Manager's activities during the month of JULY, 2001 included the following: On Tuesday, July 3, held bi-monthly staff meeting to discuss issues at hand. On this same day, Keith Brobst, W/S Supt. and I held interviews for the position at the Sewage Treatment Plant. On Thursday, July 5, met with a representative to AFLAC, concerning the purchase of additional benefits for employees, at no cost to the borough. On Thursday, July 5 and Friday, July 6, state auditor completed the liquid fuels audit for 1999 and 2000. There were no irregularities found and everything appeared to be in order. On Tuesday, July 10 and Wednesday, July 11, Kim Berger, Office Manager and I interviewed candidates for the open Accounting position in the office. On Monday, July 16 at 3:00 p.m., Rick Boyd, Council President, Councilmen Chuck Figard and Scott Kreider and myself met with representatives from EPA to discuss and review the upcoming work being scheduled at the park for removal of battery casings. On Tuesday, July 24 at 4:30 p.m., met with Jeff Werley regarding the property at South 6th and Maple Streets. We have had complaints from area neighbors concerning trash being put out ahead of schedule, cars being worked on and oil be spilled in the gutters, the lack of parking provided to tenants as agreed upon by variance back in 1970. Mr. Werley will take care of the problems to the best of his ability. On Wednesday, July 25, attended both the Uniform and Non-Uniformed Pension meetings with Allen Englebert of Smith Barney to review the prior quarters’ financial status. Was on vacation from July 30 through August 7. During month, handled various citizen complaints, did on-site inspections as necessary, met with John Leonforte, Bldg./Zoning officer on several occasions to review and discuss problems and issues he is currently working on. Also spoke with Gary Reeser, Commercial Bldg. Inspector relative to some outstanding issues at the High School. A letter has been sent to the High School advising them of matters that need to be taken care of prior to opening at the end of August. Have been working with the prospective new owners of the Wyndcliffe Residential II subdivision to be located off of William Street. Things are moving along quite nicely. Am waiting for receipt of the amended Improvements Agreement which will need council approval. I expect to receive this from Attorney Fitzpatrick in the next week or so. Have met several times with Tonya Gerner, Recreation Director to discuss progress on Community Day, as well as other events, issues and problems at the Park and Pool. Things have been very busy at the pool. Hopefully, we will have a profitable season. Also working between Doug Kramer of Synergetics and the Hamburg Library Board regarding the library restoration project. The Board is hoping to start the bidding process for the cupola in the very near future. Hamburg, Pa August 13, 2001 7:30 p.m. In addition to the two regular meetings of Borough Council, I attended Authority Meeting, Planning Commission, special Library Board meetings Finance Committee, Property Committee. Also attended Civil Service and Police Negotiating meeting. If anyone has any questions concerning my report, please feel free to ask. Following are the reports of my staff for the month of July. LYNDA G. ALBRIGHT
During the month of July, the Borough Crew completed the following: AUTHORITY PROJECTS Various meter checks and installation of meters were performed. Tim was spent working on the roads at the reservoir to the dam. GENERAL WORK Performed maintenance on the vehicles and equipment. Installed a new starter on the 1992 Ford Pickup and a new muffler system on the 1989 Dump truck. There has been a need to repair more street signs around the Borough. Cold patching continues throughout the borough. There are many alleys which need attention. It is very difficult to continue patching them. There are even a few that will need reconstruction. Sprayed and cut weeds along the streets and alleys. Mowed the grass at the park, tot lot, monument, municipal building, Library and park at the Hawk Ridge Development. A lot of time was dedicated to painting the curbs around the Borough. Repaired the inlet at 4th and Hawk Ridge Drive and then black topped around the inlet. PARK/POOL The wall behind the filter house at the swimming pool was repaired. The baby pool was once again painted. Sand was added to the special paint to help and prevent the pool from becoming slippery. Vandals once again are destroying park property. The crew had to repair the water fountain at the park once again. Richard L. Pickel Public Works Superintendent Water & Wastewater Superintendent’s Report July 2001 Wastewater The month started off with a roar. Violent storms and the power problems in their aftermath kept alarm bells ringing at the pumping stations. Fluctuating line voltage kept blowing fuses in the control circuits at the main pumping station and we required a service call from the maintainence contractor. We started the new sludge pump and mixing system. After experiencing initial "growing pains" things are starting to work better. Because we used meters on the system that we already had we ended up with the larger meter on the pump that will have the lowest flow. This will need to be changed and will be handled in house. Greg and I held a pretreatment inspection and meeting with Mid-Atlantic canners and there was a subsequent pretreatment inspection of the wastewater treatment plant and the pretreatment program. This also included a visit to MACA. Greg again asked that we be allowed to drop the program and the inspector agreed to check into it. I have been working with Greg on evaluating the Windsor assets in regard to any work that needs to be done to them. In that regard we had the injectors rebuilt and the injector pump replaced on the emergency generator at the Edenburg Pumping Station. The laboratory air conditioner developed a leak and has been replaced. Number 3 raw sewage pump had a leaking seal. The EPA has banned the material used in that type of seal so the pump was sent out for seal replacement. The folic acid trial we have been running is over. There was no noticeable improvement in the quality of the sludge. By making some process adjustments suggested by the contractor to help the nutrient work I feel the quality of our operation suffered. Everything is back on track and treatment is good. We have finally hired an operator. Kim Cherry, late of Bangor Maine and the City of Bangor Wastewater Treatment Plant started August 1. Water The level of the dam is falling rapidly. Heavy rains in the beginning of the month did little to help the situation. When the level of the dam becomes low enough we will complete some maintainence items required by the PaDEP. I expect we will be on well water before the end of August. We have completed our triennial copper and lead testing. I am still waiting for complete results but to this point I foresee no problems. We experienced some dirty water problems during the sampling period due to the need to start well 5. This changes the flow direction and any settled dirt is stirred up. On the whole the Water Treatment Plant is running well. Keith L. Brobst
OFFICE MANAGER’S REPORT In order to make the filing system more efficient and because we are running out of filing space, some older files were removed and stored in boxes. These boxes will remain in the storage area due to the fact we will be referring to them at a later time. The cabinets were reorganized and obsolete information was removed to be stored upstairs at a later time. I obtained a 2 drawer filing cabinet from the police department to store the Civil Service information. I prepared the minutes from the last meeting, created the reminder memo and completed the first set of rules and regulations which will be reviewed by the Civil Service solicitor when the whole project is complete. The pension auditor has completed his audit, so all the information which had been pulled for him has been refilled. A Liquid Fuels audit was completed after two days. I met with the auditors and there were no findings or problems. This year is a year for lead and copper testing. The various letters were typed and delivered by the Water/Sewer Personnel. These individuals were asked to call the Hamburg, Pa August 13, 2001 7:30 p.m. office and report when their sample would be ready for pick up. Once called in, the Water/Sewer Personnel collected the samples and sent them to the lab for testing. We are running out of recycling containers and as such, I have contacted the recycling coordinator and received an application for the 902 grant. I have completed this and has been turned over to Lynda for review. Various letters have been created and mailed, including, certified letters to individuals who needed to receive copies of the EAP for the flood control dams, closing of the campground at the reservoir, meter replacements, trash and recycling contractor letters, weed notices, dog complaints and King Frost. Interviews were held for the position of Accounting Clerk and as you know, the employee has started as of July 30, 2001. I had prepared a packet of information for this employee as well as the employee at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. I contacted the uniform company for the new operator at the Wastewater Treatment Plant and worked with the new operator to order the uniforms needed. I am working with our insurance company to expedite a payment from a truck driver’s insurance company for the damage which was done at 4th and Pine Streets. We should be receiving a check shortly. I have been in contact with Craig Long of Windsor Township on numerous occasions to try and receive documentation that they have adopted the local limits. He stated to me that this is in the hands of their attorney and there is no adoption at this point. I attended a pension meeting. I have been in contact with the software company to create a new user for the system for when the accounting clerk begins employment. I am happy to report that this has been taken care of with minimal problems. In order to provide a smooth transition for the Accounting Clerk, I have redefined the responsibilities of each individual and have moved some responsibilities around to create a more efficient office. I met with the existing office personnel to clarify these changes and we hope that this will create a harmonious working environment. Met with Lynda on several occasions to receive information to work on, filing or to discuss various topics. I am currently working on a budget report for Lynda to review. During the month, I attended 2 Council meetings, 2 staff meetings, 1 EMA meeting, and 1 Civil Service Commission meeting. The minutes have been prepared for all meetings. If you have any questions in reference to my report, please feel free to ask. Respectfully submitted, Kim Y. Berger
RECREATION DIRECTOR’S REPORT – JULY As Recreation Director, for the month of July I found the pool to have its busiest season. We were busy with private swim lessons in the morning, as well as keeping the pool safe for th4e numerous bathers in the afternoon. July was also a busy month with evening private parties. These parties would take place after the pool closed from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. I would have enough guards on to cover the amount of people in the water and have the food stand open as well. On hot days, we would also have some swim and dances. I hired a DJ and we would let the entire community in at $3 per person. This month we also had many meetings for Community Days. We went around to local businesses and asked them to sponsor entertainment or to see if they were interested in having a stand to raise money. We also publicized as much as possible by hanging posters all around town and by putting ads in the local newspapers. This event will take place on Saturday, August 18th starting at 8 a.m. with a number of different entertainers. TONYA GERNER, Recreation Director OLD BUSINESS Councilman Kreider stated that everything is coming together for community day. Councilman Kreider will be sure that there is a table for the Council to hand out their items. Mayor Del Rosario also stated he needed a table. Councilman Kreider will take care of this as well. NEW BUSINESS None A motion was made by Leon Balthaser and seconded by Charles Figard to approve payment of invoices totaling $108,212.79 ROLL CALL: AYES – R. Boyd, J. Heckman, C. Figard, L. Balthaser, S. Kreider NAYES – None
LIST OF BILLS AT & T 89.76 ALTHOUSE, ROD 137.50 AMES DEPT. STORE 32.67 BOC GASES 21.83 BARKO CLEANING SERVICE 866.00 COUNTY OF BERKS 1,670.36 BERKS MONT NEWSPAPERS 140.10 BLUE MOUNTAIN COMPUTER SERVICE 350.00 EJB PAVING 187.22 CFL MECHANICAL 939.13 DAVID DENGLER 100.00 ICI DULUX PAINT CENTERS 116.60 E-MAC DAIRY BRUSH 64.90 EVANS FOOD DISTRIBUTORS 116.28 GPU 643.06 GALLS, INC. 190.92 HAMBURG AUTOMOTIVE 41.57 HART, RICHARD I. 3,517.00 HENN’S GARAGE 252.66 HERSHEY CREAMERY 632.32 ICI DULUX PAINT 233.20 INTERSTATE SUPPLY 91.83 KERSCHNER’S GUN SHOP 25.00 MIKE KERSHNER 223.20 KIM CHERRY 34.97 KISTLER FARM MACHINERY 95.05 KUZAN’S HARDWARE 25.39 LEHIGH VALLEY PHYSICIAN GROUP 130.00 LOU EES 2,436.00 LOWE’S BUSINESS ACCOUNT 42.04 PAUL MELNICZEK 108.00 ROBERT MENGLE 15.18 MOUNTAIN VIEW SUPPLY 211.29 MEIT 105.50 NATL. UNIFORMS 170.80 NEXTEL COMMUNICATIONS 686.90 ORWIGSBURG RENTALS 47.00 PENN PRIDE 573.06 QUILL CORPORATION 444.77 READING EAGLE 451.90 REIDER ASSC. 80.00 RANDALL RENTSCHLER 83.05 SAVAGE, E.S. 26.00 SHIFFER’S CUSTOME RIFLES 55.00 SSI 93.08 SQUAD FITTERS 91.95 SYNERGETICS 2,829.47 TELCO 67.50 THYSSENKRUPP 139.05 TRIANGLE COMMUNICATIONS 477.00 VERIZON 416.29 WEIS MARKETS 73.32 WENGERTS AUTOMOTIVE 72.00 WESTERN AUTO 194.70 WIN OUTLET 543.55 WINDSOR DISTRIBUTING 1,007.52 WINDSOR PRESS 68.68 TOTAL $22,579.12 BILLS PAID DURING THE MONTH SAM’S CLUB 1,571.02 PETTY CASH 18.09 BOROUGH OF HAMBURG –GROSS PAYROLL 77,065.55 BOROUGH OF HAMBURG – EMP. SHARE SS 4,556.56 KEN TRAVAGLINI 25.00 AMANO CINCINNATI 20.00 NEXTEL COMMUNICATIONS 648.84 EHRLICH 906.56 NATL. EMBLEM, 25.36 BERKS CO. TREASURER 145.00 PLCM 70.00 POSTMASTER OF HAMBURG 213.82 HMA 367.87 TOTAL $85,633.67 GRAND TOTAL FOR APPROVAL $108,212.79 UPCOMING MEETINGS/INFORMATION
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m. on motion of Charles Figard and seconded by Leon Balthaser Attest:
Recording Secretary/Office Mgr. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
