|
|
|
MINUTES OF THE APRIL 13, 2009 MEETING OF BOROUGH COUNCIL The seventh regular meeting of the Hamburg Borough Council for 2009 was held this evening at the Hamburg Municipal Center with Vice-President Elaine Swavely presiding. The meeting was opened with Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and a Prayer. Members Present –, Elaine Swavely, Heather Berger, Roger Stetzler, Jeff Adam, Dale Schlenker, Jeanette Heckman Members Absent – Martha Bertolet Also Present –Solicitor Zubey, Solicitor Antanavage, Kim Y. Berger, Office Manager/Recording Secretary, Manager Lynda G. Albright Visitors- Donna Landis, Deena Kershner A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Heather Berger to approve the amended agenda by adding a motion under new business regarding OTF. ROLL CALL: AYES –E. Swavely, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker
NAYES – None
COURTESY TO AUDIENCE None A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Jeff Adam to approve the minutes of the of March 23, 2009 meeting ROLL CALL: AYES –, E. Swavely, H. Berger, J. Heckman,D. Schlenker, R. Stetzler, J. Adam NAYES – None A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Roger Stetzler 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, Code Enforcement report, Recreation Directors Report, Safety Committee Report and the Road Committee Report. ROLL CALL: AYES –E. Swavely, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker
NAYES – None BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT The Borough Manager’s report for the month of MARCH, 2009 included the following Normal day-to-day activities included (AS ALWAYS)
The month started with another snow storm; I called a snow emergency due to an accident and back- up of vehicles on I-78. It was determined there was a need to get the tractor trailers and other traffic, including borough residents, through town safely. John Leonforte and I met with representatives of EPA and Exide to discuss the possible future use of the Exide property. Was on-site at the Frey Building with members of Council, Recreation Director and Code Official to determine the feasibility of moving food stand freezers to this facility so that more room would be available in the food stand. It was suggested instead to move the freezers to the building along Park Road, where electricity was already available. It now appears the freezers will be moved to the centerfield food stand.Dale Schlenker and I attended the DCNR grant writing seminar to obtain the new rules and regulations for submitting park grants. Met with representatives of council, Ken Pick of County Planning, representatives of Olson Design Group and Stackhouse Bensinger to review the redevelopment plan and to provide guidance to the architects/engineers on what the borough is attempting to accomplish in the first phase of the project. Paperwork for the lease of the new police car was completed and submitted to Real Lease. Delivery of the car is expected in the beginning of April. All full time borough employees covered by Blue Cross attended a meeting in the senior center for a presentation on an added benefit that is available to them which works in addition to the Blue Cross benefit. There is no additional charge to the Borough for this benefit. Greg Unger, SDE, Keith Brobst and I met with Dave Rader of PennDOT and Joe O’Neil, P.E. of WBCM to discuss utility issues with regard to the State Street Bridge project. We have now been informed that the work will not be complete until 2011. Keep tuned…..I am sure the date will change again. John Leonforte and I met with Deena Kershner to go over the list of needs for the park to be included in the DCNR grant submittal. Because of time constraints, it has been decided that we will work on obtaining all necessary information and submit the grant in 2010. Attended two Council meetings, Finance, Personnel, Property, Safety, and Public Relations/W/S 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 March, 2009. Lynda G. Albright, Borough Manager PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT MARCH 2009 Installed a new sign at Port Clinton Avenue and N. 3rd Street. Apparently another tractor trailer took out the sign and the pole. The culprit was not found. In the beginning of the month we had to plow snow, clean sidewalks and clear the intersections. On warmer days, cold patching was done around the borough. A lot of time was spent working on the evidence room of the police department. The trees were trimmed at the pool. Topsoil was put inside the pool fence. Installed new electric lines at the pool for the baby pool filter room and light poles. Installed new basketball backboards and nets. Started to install the stone walls at the swimming pool. Installed new sidewalk and railing at the pool. Installed a handicap sign at 158 N. 3rd Street. Installed 40 feet of 15 inch storm drain pipe on Mountain Avenue. Installed storm drain pipe across Port Clinton Avenue. The crew repaired the yards from the storm drain projects on Port Clinton Avenue, Mountain Avenue and Franklin Street. Painted the curb on N. 5th Street. Helped the fire company remove the Christmas lights. Dug the trench for the new street light on South 6th Street Court. Respectfully submitted,
Water/Wastewater Superintendent’s Report March 2009 Water Most of the water for the month came from the surface source; however we are back on the wells since the 26th. The pressure reducing valve required some cleaning and maintenance. We are researching parts and hope to be back on surface water shortly. We have bought parts to do a test for an upgrade to the well level testing procedure. While we had hoped to be able to collect data through data loggers, there are physical limitations in the construction of the wells that preclude that and we will have to continue to collect the information manually. We will be installing the equipment and testing the system in the next few weeks. The water system staff met with SDE and PaDEP to conduct a sanitary survey of the areas surrounding the 2 proposed new well sites. We don’t see any major roadblocks in proceeding with the project. I met with Lynda Albright, Greg Unger and representatives of PaDOT in regard to the State St. bridge project. There is minimal conflict with the water system and none with wastewater. Wastewater The plant continues to easily meet all effluent permit parameters. We discovered a leaking pipe in the activated sludge system. The leak has been repaired with virtually no down time. The equipment the Authority authorized for the pick-up has been delivered and installed. The annual calibration of the balance and weights has been done. Greg and I met with a representative of Crowder Jr. and have received a quote from them for the blower VFDs. We are proceeding with their purchase and installation. Heavy rain on the 23rd nearly flooded the Ridge Lawn Pumping Station illustrating the need to continue to search for sources of I&I in that area. The staff has been walking the trunk lines checking manholes and traps whenever there is a heavy rain event. Property owners who have water running through their traps or who have broken vents or clean outs and notified by mail to make repairs. Annual maintenance of the emergency generators has been started.
The Edenburg and Ridge Lawn units are starting to take a little extra TLC due to
their age. Water/wastewater Superintendent OFFICE MANAGER’S REPORT On March 2, we received what I hope to be the last winter weather for the 2008/2009 season. A lot of phone calls came into the office regarding the snow and snow emergency. At 3:30 p.m. we were asked to open a reception shelter at the middle school for all the stranded motorists on I-78. We were up and running prior to 4 p.m. when once again it was not needed. We were instructed to close at 6 p.m. Due to litigation regarding the HVAC system, invoices for the last eight years had to be researched, located and copied. A lot of time was spent on this project. At the beginning of the month there were some accounting and utility billing issues that had to be resolved. A lot of time was spent on an utility billing issue that affected the general ledger, this issue has been resolved. The web page and municipal access channel continue to be updated on a regular basis. The first quarter grease trap letters were mailed. Season ticket applications were prepared and labels were made for those individuals or families who had season tickets last year. These applications will be mailed April 1, 2009. The payroll quarterly reports were completed. Letters of various issues were completed: dog complaints, trash complaints, junk cars, debris letters etc. The park and pool employment letters were mailed. The monthly planning and authority packets were emailed to all members or mailed if they don’t have email. A meeting was held with Lynda, Keith and Rick regarding the new rate schedule for work performed by the borough for the authority. Due to the new rates established and approved by the Authority all purchased service job worksheets were revised to reflect the changes. Payroll training continues. Was informed by the Recreation Director that two pieces of park equipment, a bubble and a small crawl tube, were damaged and needed to be replaced. I went to the park to obtain photos and then researched what parts we needed. One part has been ordered, the second part is being researched by the company. Met with a representative from Stratix Company, our copy machine service company, regarding the performance of our copier and some advanced options he wanted to sell to us. We have nothing in our budget for these types of options at this time. On March 24, 2009, as you are all well aware, there was another devastating fire, this time it started at 16 N. 3rd Street. This fire took out about 13 structures, including two-thirds of the Windsor Press. Throughout the afternoon, assisted the fire company, police, EMS and County representatives as well as the victims of the fire. No injuries were reported and at this time we only have one individual who is still displaced from her home. On March 25, 2009, I arrived a little before 7:30 a.m. to find the building was showing a temperature of 93 degrees. I immediately researched the HVAC system and contacted our contractor to repair. Windows and doors were opened to help alleviate some of the heat. The contractor arrived and repaired the switch in the boiler room. Apparently when the electric was turned off due to the fire it affected our system. The ads for the season ticket and weed notice were typed and sent to the newspaper for advertising. Attended two Council meetings, staff meetings as necessary. Minutes were prepared for meetings as deemed necessary.
HAMBURG BOROUGH POLICE DEPARTMENT MARCH 2009 ACTIVITY REPORT
Building, Zoning and Codes Report MARCH 2009Five (5) construction permits and four (4) zoning permits and three (3) paving/sidewalk permits were issued in March. Major projects ongoing or proposed are as follows: Grand Street extension Our permit application is stalled with Penn Dot. We have asked for a meeting with Penn Dot to discuss the best way to get the project moving. We have requested an HOP to allow emergency access to route 61 during emergencies. We propose to build the Grand Street extension without acceleration and deceleration lanes THIS SUMMER. Hopefully, prior to the State Street Bridge closure. We intend to complete phase one as soon as Penn Dot permits. Ken Pick from the county reported that he is optimistic funding will be available when we are ready to begin construction in 2009. NOTE: Penn Dot has said they will approve an emergency access to route 61 via Grand Street. Our engineer is preparing the required application and bid package for construction.Hawk ridge and South 4th Street HAHS field house and bleachers One issue with L&I accessibility remains to be resolved. Fire Tree Rehab center Fire tree, now Orange Stones, appeal of the third zoning permit denial to the ZHB has been denied by the ZHB. Fire tree has appealed to the appeals court the ZHB decision to uphold denial of zoning permit application #2. Orange stones has appealed denial of the construction permit application to the County construction appeals board. This appeal is pending. residential and light commercial Inspections were completed for residential and light commercial previously permitted, work in the borough. Property Maintenance complaints of rubbish and cats and junk vehicles continue to be addressed. Note: Twenty seven (27) calls were answered regarding Property Maintenance complaints. Four 4 issues remain pending. Fire Safety Inspections Five (5) fire safety Inspections were done this month. Property Transfer Inspections Five Property Transfer Inspections were done with Compliance Certificates issued this month. John Leonforte
RECREATION DIRECTORS REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH 2009 The month of March continued with meetings with Lynda Albright, Bill Nabozny, Dale Schlenker, John Leonforte, Ricky Pickel, Barry Quigley and a meeting with property. Barry Quigley and the Little League Association have completed the building of the new dugouts, the replacement of the backstop fence, added batter’s boxes for safety, and moved the warm up mound behind the fence. Most of the expense was paid for by the Little League Association. Their efforts have enhanced the appearance, made the fields safer and more functional. I met with Dale Schlenker, John Leonforte, Lynda Albright and Jeff Adam for a second assessment of the Fry building. We need further discussion. Bill and I have decided to move the freezers to the centerfield refreshment stand to avoid any additional costs for the 2009 season. Pool and park projects completed for 2009:
Bill Nabozny, Bethany Emes and I attended a seminar in Hershey for Parks and Recreation. Bill and Bethany took the test for pool certification. Results to follow. We are moving towards the pool opening for the Summer of 2009. Guy R. Ketch, Jr. Recreation Director SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING March 17, 2009 6:00 PM Borough Manager’s office Attendees: Jeff Adam, Lynda Albright, Heather Berger, Dale Schlenker, Roger Stetzler , Elaine Swavely Absent: Martha Bertolet, Mayor Roy DelRosario, Chief Michael Painter Visitor: Troy Hatt
Respectfully submitted, Heather Berger Safety Committee Chairperson
ROAD COMMITTEE REPORT 4-7-09 Council members attending were Elaine Swavely, Jeanette Heckman, Dale Schlenker, and Roger Stetzler. Also attending Borough Manager Lynda Albright, Zoning Officer John Leonforte, and Rick Pickel Street Department Supervisor.
OLD BUSINESS On the recommendation of the Safety Committee, a motion was made by Heather Berger and seconded by Dale Schlenker adopting the Handicapped Parking Ordinance #764-09. ROLL CALL: AYES – E. Swavely, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker
NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Property Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Jeanette Heckman adopting Ordinance #765-09 – Procedures governing applications for zoning, construction and occupancy permits. ROLL CALL: AYES – E. Swavely, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker
NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Heather Berger to approve the resolution for OTF for the promotion of historic preservation with changes made by Council and the committee. Ms. Kershner is in agreement with the changes. ROLL CALL: AYES – E. Swavely, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker
NAYES – None NEW BUSINESS Nothing A motion was made by Roger Stetzler and seconded by Dale Schlenker to approve payment of invoices totaling $184,729.22. ROLL CALL: AYES –, E. Swavely, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker
NAYES – None LIST OF BILLS A.R. Adams & Son, Inc. 1,179.75 AT & T 86.55 Albright College 75.00 Albright College 45.00 Allied Waste Mgt. 20,664.00 Barko Cleaning 160.00 Berks Co Building & Code Assn 70.00 Berks Products Corp 146.99 Blue Mountain Computer Service 500.00 Carleybrook Garden 3,500.00 Dynatech Controls, Inc 380.00 EMC Insurance Companies 3,155.00 Edenburg Welding Co. 45.00 Engle-Hambright & Davies, Inc. 118.00 J. E. Fink & Sons 42.45 Fort Dearborn Life Insurance 303.43 General Code Publishers Corp 1,744.20 Gorman & Associates P.C. 15,000.00 Hartman Janitorial 1,100.00 Hartz concrete 353.60 J/M Fence & Deck Co. 969.00 Kantner’s Tire Service 40.00 Mike Kershner 1,310.02 Kuzan’s True Value 409.95 Lowe’s Business Account 498.63 Manderbach Ford 50.00 Masano Bradley 8,989.68 Met-Ed 5,740.31 Miller Municipal Division 317.68 Modern Marketing, Inc. 309.84 Mountain View Supply 100.39 Municipal Employers Ins. Trust 150.50 Nat’l Assn. Chief of Police 125.00 Nextel Communications 600.88 Outten Buick Pontiac 751.53 Penn Pride, Inc. 1,378.65 Penna Recreation & Park Society 140.00 Pitney Bowes 207.00 Schlenker Motors, Inc. 32.90 Roger Stetzler 10.00 Telco, Inc. 120.00 Thren’s Auto Parts 46.66 ThyssenKrupp Elevator 208.75 Triangle Communications 161.50 UniFirst 430.45 Verizon 427.14 Weis Markets 49.00 Windsor Press 386.80 TOTAL $72,631.23
BILLS PAID DURING THE MONTH The Home Depot 797.64 Best Buy 266.98 Kershner, Mike 900.00 Yoder’s Heating 1,215.00 Borough/Payroll 98,325.35 Berks County Treasurer 356.00 Borough of Hamburg 10,000.00 PRWA 65.00 Our Town Foundation 74.05 Nabozny, William 75.00 Dept. Pub. Welfare 10.00 Petty Cash 12.97 TOTAL 112,097.99 72,631.23 GRAND TOTAL 184,729.22
An executive session was held from 7:10 p.m. to 7:52 p.m. to discuss personnel issues. INFORMATION ITEMS APRIL 14, 2009 @ 3 p.m. – Property Committee meeting APRIL 14, 2009 @ 6 p.m. – Library Board Meeting – Library APRIL 15, 2009 @ 7 p.m. – Authority APRIL 21, 2009 @ 6 P.M. – Safety Committee meeting APRIL 21, 2009 @ 7 p.m. – Planning Commission
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m. on the motion of Dale Schlenker and seconded by Heather Berger. Kim Y. Berger Recording Secretary/Office Manager | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
