|
|
|
|
MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 13, 2004 MEETING OF BOROUGH COUNCIL The twenty-third 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, Tammy Wilkinson, Charles Figard, Jeanette Heckman, Martha Bertolet, Dale Schlenker Members Absent – Tina Yoder Also Present – Lynda G. Albright, Borough Manager, Kim Y. Berger, Recording Secretary, Mayor Roy Del Rosario Visitors- Mr. & Mrs. Dean Kauffman, Nikki Murry (Hamburg Item), Kerry Delong, Pat Delong, Neven Dries, Alean Tray, Norma Berger, Chief Michael Painter, Lori Guldin, Boy Scouts, Clara Moyer, a representative from the Reading Eagle A motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Dale Schlenker to approve the amended agenda. ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. SchlenkerNAYES – None COURTESY TO AUDIENCE A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Tammy Wilkinson to approve the minutes of the November 22, 2004 meeting and the special meeting of November 29, 2004. ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker NAYES – None A motion was made by Dale Schlenker 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, Public Relations and Water/Sewer Committee Report and the Road Committee. ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. SchlenkerNAYES – None BOROUGH MANAGERS REPORT NOVEMBER, 2004 The Borough Manager’s activities for the month of NOVEMBER, 2004 included the following: Held Staff meetings to discuss various issues. Handled complaints as needed. Met various times during the month with John Leonforte, Code Enforcement Officer, for updates on projects he is working on. Spent much of my time on the budget process, making changes as needed, handling personnel requests, looking at various avenues to generate additional revenue without raising taxes. Budget has been prepared and revised without any tax increase. Also spent time preparing budgets for the Hamburg Municipal Authority. I am happy to report these budgets, too, have been prepared without any increase in water or sewer rates. Kim Berger, Office Manager and I attended a CDL workshop on Supervisory Personnel and Records Management. The Borough will be implementing a policy on this after the beginning of the new year. Kim and I also attended a meeting in Grantville regarding changes in the dental and vision benefits for 2005 and the availability online processing. Attended meeting of Our Town Foundation. Attended the 100th Anniversary of the Hamburg Public Library at the Blue Mountain Family Restaurant. Working on getting insurance quotes and updates for 2005. In addition to the two regular council meetings, Recreation Board, and Hamburg Municipal Authority, attended Property committee, Personnel Committee, Safety Committee, Finance and W/S/Public Relations. 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 November, 2004. Lynda G. Albright
PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT NOVEMBER 2004 The crew continued to cut the brush at the reservoir and around the impounding dam. Cold patching continues on a regular basis. This project consumes a lot of time due to the deteriorating road conditions. The crew spent a lot of time at the park collecting leaves, repairing rides at the tot lot and the park. Leaves were removed from the shoulders of Port Clinton Avenue, Mountain Avenue, Pine Street and the service road. The crew has begun rebuilding some of the fire hydrants. I met with the contractors who are performing the storm drain work on Turner Street. The crew painted the reserved spots on the parking lot and installed the new signs. Installed 125 tons of screenings on the walkway at the Greenway. Replaced streets signs on Washington Street, 4th and Grand Streets and 5th and Franklin. The crew spent a lot of time repairing the 1988 and 1989 dump trucks. It is that time of year when the trucks are prepared for the winter season, the salt spreaders are put on the trucks and the plows are mounted. This was done the last week of November. Attended staff meetings and Road Committee as requested as well as the Recreation Board meeting.
Water/Wastewater Superintendent’s Report November 2004 Water All water for the month was from the surface source. We have started the annual meter replacement program, and are changing 2 to 3 meters a week. We continue to have issues with the filters getting clean following a backwash. This started with filter #2 but now #1 has started doing the same thing. We have consulted with the manufacturer and they are also at a loss as to why this happens. Work is proceeding on the new well houses and the project is winding down. There are a few issues that need to be addressed with the general contractor and they are in the hands of the engineer. Wastewater We are battling some settling problems as well as wild swings in BOD load and oxygen demand. This has necessitated increased testing and system monitoring and the staff has done a terrific job of keeping things under control. Sludge hauling was an issue over Thanksgiving. The holiday put the hauler behind and they could not get our sludge moved when we needed it to go. We had to haul several loads as liquid. On the 28th heavy rain caused both the Ridge Lawn and Edenburg pumping stations to overflow and a by-pass at the Pine Street Pumping Station. PaDEP was informed and the appropriate paperwork was filed. Keith L. Brobst Water/Wastewater Superintendent OFFICE MANAGER’S REPORTNOVEMBER 2004 During the month of November: Worked with a volunteer fire policeman on a workman’s compensation claim. Worked on budget projections for remainder of year as well as budget for 2005. Met with the Chief and King Frost chairwoman for the wrap up of the King Frost Parade. Various letters, memos, ordinances and other correspondence were completed. Attended CDL Supervisory Personnel and CDL Records Management training with Lynda. Researched information on forms that needed to be completed and mailed to the State Department regarding any employees hired after 1998. Attended the 100th Anniversary celebration of the Hamburg Public Library. The Municipal Access Channel and the web page were updated throughout the month. Met with the superintendents of the public works and the water/sewer department on a daily basis. Assisted the supervisors with various details. Completed various pie charts for the budget showing each department and their percentage of the budget. Received two certifications for training through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Worked with Lynda on various issues throughout the month. Attended two council meetings and staff meetings as necessary. Respectfully submitted, Kim Y. Berger
HAMBURG BOROUGH POLICE DEPARTMENT NOVEMBER 2004 ACTIVITY REPORT
None due to illness PUBLIC RELATIONS &WATER/SEWER COMMITTEE November 22, 2004 SDE had attended on the behalf of the Municipal Authority and the Baileys. An easement for use of the pathway that is currently being used by other residents and the Authority for access for private homes and wellhead number five. The Bailey’s have granted an easement of their property in exchanged for the easement to cross over the Authority’s land. The easements are beneficial to all parties. The wellhead requires a 200 foot diameter to secure the well. With the easement granted by the Baileys this will now be secure. In the exchange of these easements between the Municipal Authority and the Baileys, the Borough will also grant an easement for the use of the pathway that is currently being used as a road with the understanding that the Borough has no responsibility of maintaining or plowing the pathway since this is not a public roadway and is located in Windsor Township. Tammy Wilkinson ROAD COMMITTEE December 6, 2004 Updates were given on the current progress of N. 6th Street and Turner Street. N. Crescent Avenue, Grandview, Arthur and Catherine Street were also discussed and letters will be sent to the residents. A meeting date with the residents will be set and at that time they will be informed of these issues. Overall it was discussed that road work needs to have long term planning, that roads cannot be overlooked for several years at a time. Each year ideally should have scheduled projects as well as regular maintenance. Storm drains were also discussed. Rick Pickel and John Leonforte are in the process of prioritizing a list of work to be done. Tina Yoder OLD BUSINESS On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Martha Bertolet to inform the Civil Service Commission to terminate the interview/hiring process on formulating a list for new officers for the police department and that the Borough will refund the application fee to those applicants who were be considered for the position. (At the present time there is no intent or foreseeable plans to expand the department). ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker NAYES – None NEW BUSINESS On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Martha Bertolet and seconded by Charles Figard to appoint Harold (Buck) Holtzman as the Council’s representative to the North Berks Recreation Corp. for 2005. ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Property Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Charles Figard authorizing the Borough Manager to secure bids for Phase I (repairs/renovations) to the wading pool. ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Charles Figard to make application for a $95,000 grant to include administrative costs, façade improvement and planning on behalf of "Our Town Foundation". ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Martha Bertolet and seconded by Dale Schlenker to re-appoint the following to the Library Board: Jeanette Heckman, Norman Prutzman and Pat Adams – terms run until 12/31/07. ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Charles Figard to re-appoint Scott Kreider to the Recreation Board – term runs until 12/31/07. ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Dale Schlenker to re-appoint Steve Blefgen to the Municipal Authority – term runs until 12/31/09. ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Martha Bertolet and seconded by Jeanette Heckman appointing Eric Trubilla to the Civil Service Commission effective January 1, 2005, term running to 12/31/10. ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Dale Schlenker appointing Karen Fister and Shawn Lucas to the Library Board to fill vacant seats; Karen’s term will run until 12/31/05 and Shawn’s term will run until 12/31/06. ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Charles Figard appointing Lori Guldin as member of the Planning Commission; term runs until 12/31/08. ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Dale Schlenker appointing Richard Boyd as member of the Planning Commission; term runs until 12/31/08. ROLL CALL: AYES –, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker NAYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Jeanette Heckman to reimburse the general account in the amount of $40,978.17 out of the Line of Credit. ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker NAYES – T. Wilkinson On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Charles Figard reappointing Daryl Bohn, Mary Alice Wertz and Ray Dunkle as members of the Zoning Hearing Board terms expiring 12/31/07. ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker NAYES – None A motion was made by Charles Figard and seconded by Dale Schlenker to approve payment of invoices totaling $234,603.97. T. Wilkinson abstained from Reading Eagle (direct income) and Met-Ed (family member works for them) ROLL CALL: AYES – A. Dries, T. Wilkinson, M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, C. Figard, D. Schlenker NAYES – None
List of Bills For Approval AT&T 217.49 B.C.M.H.I.P.G. 18,966.63 Barko Cleaning Service, Inc. 806.00 BarleySnyder 400.00 Berks County Living 25.00 Berks Court Reporting Service 125.00 County of Berks 1,836.97 Berks Traffic Services, Inc. 100.00 Berks Mont Newspapers 61.92 Blue Marsh Surveyors 335.00 Blue Mountain Computer Service 175.00 Keith L. Brobst 300.00 Kim Cherry 159.22 Joyce Clay 200.00 Comm. Of PA 495.00 Craig Correll 100.00 Dept. of L & I 50.00 EPS 128.91 Ehrlich Co., Inc. 126.00 Lynn Ernst 200.00 Fort Dearborn Life Insurance 230.68 Four Star Electronics 44.50 Galls Inc. 117.05 Robert Grugan 200.00 Hamburg Auto Parts 95.66 Terry Heckman 200.00 Henn’s Garage 131.99 Kantner’s Tire Service 12.00 Mike Kershner 45.25 Kermit K Kistler, Inc. 80.71 Kistler O’Brien Fire Protection 85.00 Kuzan’s True Value 110.93 Anthony Lascala 200.00 Leisawitz, Heller, Abramowitch 761.08 Lowe’s Business Account 78.00 M & T Bank 21,230.04 Dave Mazaika 108.67 Met-Ed 5,326.47 Miller Municipal Division 808.45 Mountain View Supply 21.57 Municipal Employers Ins. Trust 188.50 Nextel Communications 683.74 PA Local Govt. Sec. Assn. 85.00 PA State Mayors Assoc. 50.00 Penn Fuel Propane 40.04 Penn Pride, Inc. 1,153.61 Pitney Bowes 188.70 Quill Corp. 199.15 Quill Corp. 35.99 Reading Eagle Co. 382.75 Reed Smith LLP 406.00 Reed Smith LLP 87.20 Reppert’s Auto Service 462.35 Sam’s Club 128.23 Schuylkill Paving Inc. 9,800.00 Roger Stetzler 144.00 Russell Stichter 200.00 Thren’s Auto Parts 31.18 ThyssenKrupp Elevator 160.37 Triangle Communications 170.50 Unifirst 251.70 Verizon 421.13 Windsor Press 472.00 TOTAL 70,438.33 Balance, Fire Co. Contribution 7,500.00 INVOICES PAID PREVIOUSLY 156,665.64 TOTAL FOR APPROVAL 234,603.97
BILLS PAID DURING THE MONTH Borough of Hamburg – Gross Payroll 80,422.32 Borough of Hamburg – Emp. Share S.S. 4,279.44 Kim Y Berger 115.38 Hamburg Youth Baseball Assoc. 250.00 PSATS 50.00 Berks Co. Assn. Boroughs 38.00 Our Town Foundation 70,000.00 John Bressler 1,250.00 Centre TWP 150.00 Petty Cash 79.00 Berks CO. Treasurer 31.50 SOLICITOR’S REPORT Solicitor Shollenberger discussed the Gehring Arbitration. The grievance filed against the Borough by Officer Rodger Gehring was dismissed. The arbitrator determined that Officer Gehring was an at-will probationary employee and lacked standing to file the grievance. INFORMATION ITEMS DECEMBER 20, 2004 – 7 P.M. – PLANNING COMMISSIONDECEMBER 21, 2004 – 3:30 P.M. – SAFETY COMMITTEE DECEMBER 15, 2004 – 7 P.M. – AUTHORITY MEETING DECEMBER 27, 2004 – 7:00 P.M. – WATER/SEWER COMMITTEE AND PUBLIC RELATIONS DECEMBER 29, 2004 – 7:30 P.M. – YEAR END COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 28, 2004 – 4 P.M. – PROPERTY COMMITTEE MEETING Mrs. Pat Delong questioned if there was going to be a meeting where line items could be discussed. Mrs. Delong was instructed to ask whatever questions she had.
Mr. Delong questioned the $20,000 item for Our Town Foundation. What is the money being used for. Councilman Schlenker stated that the money is put into a CD and stays there. The money will be used for anything that the grants don’t cover. Also after the five years, the OTF must have $60,000 on hand to move forward in the future. Mr. Delong stated that we keep borrowing from the line of Credit. When are we making provisions to pay back this money, is there a plan, a program? Manager Albright stated that we currently owe approximately $900,000 on the municipal center. That debt is to roll over into the line of credit at that point in time, the line item that says municipal center loan will be used to pay back some of the debt. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8 p.m. on the motion of Charles Figard and seconded by Tammy Wilkinson.
Attest:
Kim Y. Berger Recording Secretary/Office Manager | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
