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MINUTES FROM THE AUGUST 10, 2009 COUNCIL MEETING The fifteenth regular meeting of the Hamburg Borough Council for 2009 was held this evening at the Hamburg Municipal Center with President Martha Bertolet presiding. The meeting was opened with Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and a Prayer. Members Present Martha Bertolet, Jeanette Heckman, Elaine Swavely, Roger Stetzler, Jeff Adam, Dale Schlenker, Heather Berger Members Absent – None Also Present –Solicitor Gombar, Solicitor Antanavage, Kim Y. Berger, Office Manager/Recording Secretary, Lynda Albright, Borough Manager Visitors- Chief Painter A motion was made by Roger Stetzler and seconded by Heather Berger to approve the amended agenda. ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, E. Swavely, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker
NAYES – None COURTESY TO AUDIENCE Nothing A motion was made by Jeff Adam and seconded by Jeanette Heckman to approve the minutes of the July 27, 2009 meeting. ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, E. Swavely, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker
NAYES – None A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Heather Berger to approve the following reports: Borough Managers Report, Public Works Supt. Report, Water/Sewer Supt. Report, Office Manager’s Report, Treasurer’s Report, Police Report, Code Enforcement report, Recreation Directors Report, Road Committee Report ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, E. Swavely, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker NAYES – None BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT - JULY, 2009 The Borough Manager’s report for the month of JULY, 2009 included the following: Having just returned from medical leave, there was an abundance of correspondence and other information to read and catch up on. Kim did a great job with getting things accomplished and up to date, which made my return much easier. In addition to reviewing mail and other items of interest, spent the better part of the week meeting with each of the supervisors and discussing issues and concerns in their individual departments, as well as being brought up to date on important issues. Normal day-to-day activities included (AS ALWAYS)
Prepared and submitted quarterly status reports to the county with regard to the grants for the Grand Street Extension and the Storm Drain Project. In addition, our 2009 request for CDBG FUNDs was approved in the amount of $50,000 and Ricky is currently working on the possibility of installing new storm drain in Grape Alley and Peach Alley.Held quarterly pension meetings for updated information on the financial status of both the Police and Non-Uniform plans. While there was still not a significant financial gain, there was movement in a positive direction. Hopefully, things will continue to progress. It is anticipated, however, that the FRP/MMO to the pension plans will be significantly higher in 2010 because of the loss of revenues. More information to follow. Held meeting with Recreation Director regarding personnel issues with one of his staff. Roger Stetzler and Dale Schlenker, Councilmen, John Leonforte and I attended a pre-construction meeting of the State Street Bridge in PennDOT’s Allentown office. The Bridge is scheduled to close and work to commence starting August 17, 2009. Completion date is set for November 10, 2010. Kim Berger, Office Manager and I met with one of the Auditor’s to review the monthly Trustee reports prepared for the Hamburg Municipal Authority. Several members of Council and I attended a breakfast meeting at Cabela’s with the County Commissioners to identify and discuss issues of concern in the Northern Berks County area. 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 July, 2009. Lynda G. Albright, Borough Manager PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT JULY 2009 The street sign at William Street and Port Clinton Avenue was repaired. Grass cutting and weed spraying continues around the borough. Due to a deteriorated door and frame the senior center kitchen door to the dock area was replaced. Park benches were once again repaired. The pool backwashes continue. The fence at the basketball court was repaired. Due to a severe storm, the walkway was repaired again. After the contractor cut down some trees, the crew cleaned up the debris that was left over. A tree had fallen in the canal, this was cleaned out. A lot of time was spent digging out water patches and replacing the blacktop and sealing the patches. Roof vents were installed in the storage trailers. Work was completed on closing off Franklin Street with concrete blocks. The weeds/grass around the flood control dams were cut. The weeds/grass around the reservoir and impounding dam were cut. A 36" storm drain at Port Clinton Avenue and Mountain Avenue was repaired. The bridge railing on Franklin Street was painted. Bike racks were assembled and installed along the walkway. Hot patching of the storm drain projects were started.
Water/Wastewater Superintendent’s Report July, 2009 Water While most of the water came from the dam this month, there was also a significant contribution from the wells. We continue to fight with the pressure reducing valve and there was a leak in the transmission line between the PRV vault and the plant which required several days to repair. We are working with PRV vendor and manufacturer to resolve the pressure control issues. PaDEP has done their annual inspection of the dam with the usual comments regarding cutting brush, which we will do in the fall. They also mention some seeping in the dam breast. The staff at this point has not seen any seeping but will be alert to any unusual conditions. Advanced H2O has been working their way to full capacity. They have been drawing about 100,000 gallons per day and should be at their full 125,000 gallon draw in the near future. So far the lines of communication have been good and we have been kept in the loop on their operation. We have continued to work on fire hydrant maintenance, including painting. We have also installed some physical protection devices on 2 hydrants that have been hit by vehicles in the past. Wastewater The plant continues to do a very good job of meeting the permit parameters. That is not to say there are no operational problems but the staff has done an excellent job of working around those issues. The storms throughout the month exacted a heavy toll on the plant. The weekend of the 11th the in-line dissolved oxygen meter took a hit, lightening I would guess, and the following week we lost a variable frequency drive on an aerator in the oxygen ditch. The meter is being sent to the supplier for repairs or replacement and we have called in the manufacturer’s rep on the VFD. So it’s back to manual control on the D.O. and a little more work for the remaining aerators. July’s storms also reminded us that there are still huge inflow and infiltration problems in the system. Flows peaked at more than 3 million gallons per day while normal flows are around 4 million. Making sure vents and clean out are in good repair is a start in keeping unwanted water from entering the system and is a big help in controlling costs. PaDEP conducted a compliance inspection. All went well and the inspector found no issues. He did, however, mention that there are new rules being proposed that will require more documentation in the way the plant is operated. We are looking at the proposed rules to try to stay ahead of any changes. Respectfully Submitted
OFFICE MANAGER’S REPORT Throughout the month weed notices, junk car and debris letters were mailed to violators. At the very beginning of the month the quarterly budget report was prepared. In preparation of an audit that was scheduled, time was spent reviewing information on the recycling grant that was submitted for the 2007 year. On July 16, 2009, DEP performed an audit of our weight slips, documentation and reporting procedures for the recycling grant that was submitted for 2007. I had anticipated an extended stay by the staff, however, I am happy to report that it took the auditors less than 45 minutes to complete the audit in its entirety. We came through it with flying colors.Also on July 16, 2009, attended the non-uniform pension meeting with Smith Barney. The June statements of the Authority trust accounts were reviewed and the reports were revamped to include more detail to make it easier to understand how the money flows into and out of each account. Bid sheets for the curbing projects were completed. The sewer revenue requisition and Bond Redemption & Improvement requisition were submitted to the bank. Time was spent organizing files and filing. In preparation for the meeting with the representative from the auditing firm, I reviewed the trust accounts portion of the audit and tracked the receipts and the disbursements. A representative from our auditing firm was present to provide a new format for an excel spreadsheet that the Authority requested. Work has started on the 2008 Recycling performance grant. This needs to be submitted by September 30, 2009. A Red Cross representative had contacted me to see if there were any pictures I had of the fires, floods, etc. that have occurred. The Red Cross is putting together a preparedness brochure for both local chapters and national chapters and wanted some "real pictures" of local emergencies. I submitted some of my pictures as examples and they were really impressed. In fact, the Reading Hospital is also in the process of preparing brochures for preparedness for local, national and international facilities asking people to be prepared for disasters. The Hospital will also be utilizing these pictures for their booklets. Attended two Council meetings and Road Committee. Minutes were prepared for meetings where necessary.
HAMBURG BOROUGH POLICE DEPARTMENT JULY 2009 ACTIVITY REPORT
Building, Zoning and Codes Report JULY 2009 Nine (9) construction permits and eight (8) zoning permits and one (1) paving/sidewalk permit eight (8) property transfer inspections certificates were issued in July. Major projects ongoing or proposed are as follows: Grand Street extension Construction of the emergency access has begun. LSR construction was the successful bidder. Good progress has been made. We anticipate completion of this phase by Sept 15, 2009. Our HOP permit application for north bound access to and from route 61 is under review by Penn Dot. Improvements (street reconstruction, curb, wtr line, fire hydrant) to Grand Street between 2nd St and Front Street are being studied. Hawk ridge and South 4th Street Review of our submission by Penn Dot for our HOP is pending approval of construction easements. Easements should be given to property owners by August 10th.Geary Drive & St John’s curbing Work has started. We expect work to be completed by Sept 1, 2009. Orange Stones Rehab center zoning permit application #2. Orange stones has appealed the common courts’ decision to the state court of appeals. zoning permit application #3. Orange Stones has appealed to the common appeals court the ZHB decision to uphold denial of zoning permit application #3. construction permit application Orange Stones has appealed to the common appeals ,the County construction appeals board decision in favor of the Borough. zoning permit application #4. Orange Stones has appealed Zoning permit #4 denial to the ZHB. residential and light commercial Inspections were completed for residential and light commercial
previously permitted, work in the borough. Fire Safety Inspections / Property transfer inspections Two (2) fire safety Inspections and eight (8) Property transfer inspections were done this month. John Leonforte RECREATION DIRECTORS REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF JULY 2009The month of July continued with meetings with Bill Nabozny, Rick Pickel, Lynda Albright, Lamar Honberger, Pastor Josh of the Bridge Church, Terry’s Tree Experts, Mike Kershner, and Allen Schaeffer. July 10, 2009, the Department of Health performed its’ annual Public Bathing place inspection. We were in compliance in all categories. "Everything looks excellent!" Repairs and operation:
Several incidents of vandalism have occurred:
Pool and Park Activities:
Respectfully submitted, Guy R. Ketch, Jr., Recreation Director ROAD COMMITTEE REPORT Council members attending were Martha Bertolet, Elaine Swavely, Jeanette Heckman, and Roger Stetzler. Borough Manager Lynda Albright, Road Supervisor Rick Pickel, and Zoning Officer John Leonforte. VISITORS: Jared Yetzer, Gerard Yetzer, Jean Reppert, Lori Elhajj, Dennis Degler, Bob Mazaika for St. Mary’s Cemetery, and Steve MacBeth.
OLD BUSINESS On the recommendation of the Property Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Jeff Adam to adopt Ordinance #768-09 dealing with weeds in the stream beds. ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, E. Swavely, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker
NAYES – None NEW BUSINESS On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Roger Stetzler authorizing the appropriate officials to execute the contract between the County of Berks and the Borough of Hamburg for a $550,000 grant to be used for the Grand Street Extension. This is in addition to the original $250,000 grant.ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, E. Swavely, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker
NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Roger Stetzler to approve the Identity Theft Prevention program as prepared by the Solicitor. ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, E. Swavely, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker
NAYES – None Manager Albright stated there was an additional Proclamation for King Frost. Mayor Del Rosario proclaimed one way west bound on Port Clinton
Avenue between 3rd and 4th Street from 4:00 p.m. to 10
p.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2009 or rain date November 7, 2009. ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, E. Swavely, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker
NAYES – None ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, E. Swavely, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker
NAYES – None A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Heather Berger to approve payment of invoices totaling $333,352.27 ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, E. Swavely, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker
NAYES – None (D. Schlenker abstained from Schlenker Motors invoice). Allied Waste Mgt. 20,664.00 ARM Group, Inc. 2,727.00 AT & T 94.61 Barley Synder 340.00 County of Berks – MCT 386.20 Berks Co. Communications 180.00 Berks –Mont Newspaper 747.50 Blue Marsh Engineering Survey 5,980.00 Blue Mountain Computer Service 50.00 Burkhardt Mechanical 1,498.75 Clover Farms Dairy 100.20 E-Mac Dairy Brush 44.50 Edenburg Welding Co. 8.00 EPWPCOA 270.00 First Precinct Uniform & Equip 22.00 Fort Dearborn Life Insurance 303.43 Hamburg Area School District 967.21 Henn’s Garage 172.63 Hepner’s Glass Shop 25.00 Hershey Creamery Company 960.64 International Institute 125.00 Jack Rich, Inc. 614.55 Kantner’s Tire Service 15.00 Mike Kershner 1,249.75 Kuzan’s True Value 87.40 Lebanon United Jobbers 1,264.67 Lowe’s Business Account 65.88 M & T Bank 951.00 Met-Ed 5,571.10 Miller Municipal Division 310.00 Mountain View Supply 205.96 Municipal Employers Ins. Trust 150.50 Outten Buick Pontiac 153.39 Penn Pride, Inc. 1,966.85 Pepsi Bottling Group 278.25 Reading Eagle Co 1,049.45 M J Reider Associates, Inc 240.00 Richard M. Schaeffer 240.00 Schlenker Motor, Inc. 700.45 Seal Master / Allentown 1,080.00 Thren’s Auto Parts 41.96 Triangle Communications 161.50 Tyler Technologies, inc. 4,541.35 UniFirst 344.36 Van Bennett Food Co Inc 687.55 Verizon 447.13 North Berks Recreation 1,000.00 TOTAL $59,084.72
BILLS PAID DURING THE MONTH KRE Security 4,864.00 Gehring Rodger 750.00 Kramer, William 362.33 Leymeister, Rich 250.00 Lantek 494.74 Borough of Hamburg 90,000.00 Borough/Payroll 169,977.83 Nabozny, William 15.25 Best Buy 249.43 Painter, Michael 500.00 Prothonotary of Berks 498.40 Sam’s Club 1,296.34 Terry’s Tree Exp 4,000.00 Batteries Warehouse 351.90 Berks Co. Treasurer 101.00 HMA 512.50 Petty Cash 43.83 TOTAL 274,267.55 GRAND TOTAL 333,352.27 SOLICITOR’S REPORT Nothing to report INFORMATION ITEMS AUGUST 11, 2009 @ 3 p.m. – Property Committee meeting AUGUST 11, 2009 @ 6 p.m. – Library Board Meeting – Library AUGUST 19, 2009 @ 7 p.m. – Authority AUGUST 18, 2009 @ 6 P.M. – Safety Committee meeting AUGUST 18, 2009 @ 7 p.m. – Planning Commission
Chief Painter stated that Center Township approached him to discuss police services. He will be meeting with one of the supervisors in the near future. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. on the motion of Jeff Adam and seconded by Heather Berger. Kim Y. Berger Recording Secretary/Office Manager | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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