MINUTES FROM THE AUGUST 11, 2008 COUNCIL MEETING

The fourteenth regular meeting of the Hamburg Borough Council for 2008 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, Elaine Swavely, Dale Schlenker, Heather Berger, Jeanette Heckman

Members Absent – Roger Stetzler

Also Present –Solicitor Mike Zubey, Kim Y. Berger, Office Manager/ Recording Secretary, Manager Lynda G. Albright, Mayor Del Rosario

Visitors- Chief Painter, Penny Hummel (Item), Jeff Adam, Kim Emes, Maria Herne (Pottsville Republican)

A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Heather Berger to approve the amended agenda, adding a motion regarding eminent domain for the Grand Street Extension project.

ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, E. Swavely, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker

R. Stetzler, H. Berger

NAYES – None

COURTESY TO AUDIENCE

Kim Emes was present and asked if the Council had any questions for him. It was suggested that he come to the next Property Committee meeting.

A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Jeanette Heckman to approve the minutes of the July 28, 2008 meeting.

ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, E. Swavely, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker

R. Stetzler, H. Berger

NAYES – None

A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Heather Berger 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, Road Committee Report and Personnel Committee Report.

ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, E. Swavely, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker

R. Stetzler, H. Berger

The Borough Manager’s report for the month of JULY, 2008 included the following:

Normal day-to-day activities included

Holding staff meetings with supervisors to discuss, provide and receive updates on various projects and issues taking place.

Addressing complaints and other correspondence as needed.

Meeting with John Leonforte, Codes Officer to review and discuss major projects being planned or worked on presently.

Started work on revamping and reformatting the job descriptions. As the solicitor and personnel committee are favorable to this new format, I will begin the process of redoing all non-uniform job descriptions.

Met with representatives of Met-Ed to discuss their new tree-trimming policy, as well as meeting with their new street light support person.

Met with Allen Schaeffer regarding replacement of the boiler in the pool concession stand. The cost for replacement will be substantial and I will be requesting a meeting with Allen, Guy Ketch and Property Committee Chairman for a recommendation.

Met with Allen Englebert of Smith Barney to review and discuss the quarterly pension reports for the uniform and non-uniformed employees.

Kim Berer, Office Manager and I met with Joe Kretulski of PennDOT to do the close-out of the street work on Catherine, Arthur, Grandview Terrace and Clover Alley.

Submitted a grant application to the County for a Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $50,000 for on-going storm drain work.

Worked with PennDOT in obtaining the Hold Harmless Agreements and Certificate of Insurances for the Sidewalk Sale and Hamburger Day. PennDOT now has new requirements dealing with the closing of State owned roads, which requires the organization wishing to close the streets more responsible for any type of incidents that may occur.

Handled all paperwork involved with the Lease of the new skid loader for the Borough Crew.

Started gathering information for close-out of the pool grant. Once this has been done, we will receive the balance of monies from the grant.

Still working with Solicitor on finalizing the policy manual changes.

Have met with Kim Emes on a few occasions to discuss a couple of incidents at the park. All has been documented and will be reviewed with the Property Committee.

Attended two Council meetings, Authority meeting and work session, Finance, Safety, Personnel, Property Committee, Street Committee and Public Relations/W/S 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, 2008.

Lynda G. Albright, Borough Manager

Weed cutting and weed spraying along the curbs continues.

The oil was changed in the 1997, 2001 and 2004 police cars.

Signs continue to be repaired. This month the following were repaired 4^th and Windsor, Apple and Maple, and Maple and 4^th Street.

The weeds and grass was cut around the dam at the reservoir.

The crew prepared the park for Community Days on July 4 and 5^th. This included getting the benches, tables and trash cans out.

The fence at the park had to be repaired.

The crew installed the sign stands for the OTF.

The fence posts were painted at the park.

The diving board was removed from the platform because it was cracked.

The brush around the park and tot lot was cut and the grass was cut and trimmed at all the parks; main park, tot lot, Hawk Ridge Drive tot lot, Municipal Center, Library, etc.

The road shoulders were repaired again.

The handicap ramp at the municipal center was repainted.

The Municipal Center parking lot was re-stenciled.

The flood control dams were cut.

The inlet at Fawn and Chestnut Street was rebuilt.

The water patches were dug out and then repaired with hot blacktop.

Started preparing for the storm drain project on the Service Road, Pine Street and Mountain Avenue.

Met with Joe Kretulskie to review the street work project for 2008 and make sure that everything was in order.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard L. Pickel Public Works Supt.

Water

We have, so far, been able to continue to use our surface water source. The dam level is dropping quickly but is still viable.

We are still fine tuning the new control system and there have been a few problems where we have experienced periods of instability. Tony has been working with OCC to fine tune the system and seems to have made significant progress.

New rinse, waste, and influent valves have been installed on #1 filter and it should be back in service within a few days. There is a new rinse valve waiting to be installed on #2 filter as soon as #1 is on line.

Meters at the water plant have been calibrated and certified.

July 22 started with a dirty water complaint on S. 6^th St. After flushing the main there, we received reports of no or low water pressure in the higher elevations and started searching for the cause. We found a major leak on S. 4^th St near SR 61. Repairs were made by replacing over 6 feet of 8 inch main. There was also extensive damage to the roadway which we will be repairing shortly. Due to the loss of pressure and dirty water we issued a system wide boil water notice. This is purely precautionary and there was no reason to believe there was any contamination.

The 2^nd and Walnut Sts. water line replacement project is progressing nicely. The mains have been installed and tested for bacteria. Services will be connected and the old main will be capped as soon as the new main is pressure tested.

Wastewater

The wastewater treatment plant continues to run very well. CBOD and ammonia levels remain close to non-detectable. TSS and fecal coliforms also are very low. Flows are down, averaging less than .4 MGD. This would be typical for this time of year. We are still fighting a ph problem and are adding soda ash to remain in compliance.

Respectfully submitted

Keith L. Brobst

Water/Wastewater Superintendent

Throughout the month, more season tickets came in. The total count thusfar is 1,122, which is thirty tickets less than last year. Once the season is over, I will give a breakdown of how many of those tickets were residents, non-residents, adults and children.

There have been a lot of complaints coming in regarding, weeds, junk vehicles, debris, too much trash out at different properties, trash being put out too early, debris, etc. All of these were handled through the Code Enforcement office and letters were mailed or contacts were made to rectify these complaints. The goal of getting these properties cleaned up or the items removed is challenging at times, however, we are making great progress.

The second quarter budget reports were prepared on July 7^th, 2008.

The second quarter grease trap letters were sent and I am happy to report that most of the business establishments are in compliance.

A lot of time was spent on computer issues once again this month. The new server has been installed and is working nicely. We have upgraded the office software to Microsoft Office 2007. This software is a little different from what we have been using and as such the staff is working on getting the kinks out.

I hope that this is the last month we will have so many hours invested in computer and server issues. Everything so far seems to be working very well and except for a few minor issues we hope to be back to 100%.

The Borough crew’s Nextels were outdated with some of the information stored on them. I revamped the three Nextels that were not synchronized with the rest of the boroughs.

Another worker’s comp claim has been received. The paperwork was submitted to the insurance company.

Attended a meeting for the Non-uniform pension board with Allen Englebert of Smith Barney.

Guy and Bill were out of town the week of July 21 and in their absence assisted the park and pool personnel on various issues.

On July 22, 2008 a water leak occurred at 4^th and 61, resulting in loss of water, brown water and low pressure throughout the Borough and Windsor Township water customers. This, in turn, created a Boil Water Advisory for all Hamburg Municipal Authority Water customers. The office fielded a tremendous amount of calls from Tuesday, July 22, 2008 through Monday, July 28, 2008. Thankfully the tests came back negative and the boil water advisory was lifted as of 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2008.

The water meter readers have been reporting a lot of issues regarding the inability to read meters where bushes are covering the meter, or other obstacles. All of these property owners were sent letters to rectify the situation.

Due to a cracked diving board, it was removed from the platform. On various occasions pictures were taken of the board as well as the platform so we could find out what happened to the brand new board. These pictures were emailed to RJ R Engineering who we purchased the board from. He, in turn, forwarded them to the company who manufactured the board. After the pictures were received, measurements had to be taken of the bolt holes, fulcrum, stand, etc. These measurements were taken and more pictures taken and submitted to the manufacturer. We are awaiting word from the manufacturer.

Attended two Council meetings, staff meetings as necessary. Minutes were prepared for meetings as deemed necessary.

Respectfully submitted,

Kim Y. Berger

Office Manager

HAMBURG BOROUGH POLICE DEPARTMENT

JULY 2008 ACTIVITY REPORT

Three (3) construction permits and one (1) zoning permit and two(2) paving/sidewalk permits and two (2) occupancy permits were issued in July.

Major projects ongoing or proposed are as follows:

Penn Dot returned our HOP application with 37 comments. The comments will need to be addressed by our engineer and plans resubmitted. Soonest approval seems unlikely before December.

We hope to have the HOP in August.

Work continues on schedule. Completion of project by Fall 2008.

Work on the Peach Alley Apartments project (former Wrights Building, at 239 Pine) is progressing. Finish is expected in August

A zoning permit application was submitted and consequently denied. A second application was submitted and denied. This denial is currently pending appeal. A construction permit application has been submitted and is currently being reviewed for completeness, consistency and compliance.

Inspections were completed for residential and light commercial previously permitted, work in the borough.

Property Maintenance complaints of rubbish, weed/ high grass and Occupancy inspections continue to be addressed. Note: new Property Maintenance complaints were filed with 14 resolved and 8 still pending.

Two (2) fire safety Inspection were done this month.

John Leonforte
Codes Administrator

We have been into the summer for two months. Bill and I have been spending long days at the park. As usual the month of July continued with various meetings.

Repairs and operation:

RJR ordered a new diving board, however, the new board cracked and we are currently waiting for a resolution as to the replacement of the board.

JL Honberger Co. relocated and replaced the acid pump that Aquaserve failed to correct, thus creating an acid back feed problem. The repair has corrected one issue in the wading pool pump house.

The fire company and police were called to the pool on July 18 for an excessive chemical smell. A drum containing a small amount of acid was removed from the wading pool pump house. At the instructions of the county agency, the contents of the drum were poured into the pool. JL Honberger was also called the same night. After the Fire Company and police left the pool, the palm tree and mushroom and pumps to the wading pool were started, resulting in an orange/amber color chemical release into the pool. JL Honberger reported to the pool on July 19 and made further repairs. They replaced Aquaserve’s faulty chlorine pump and cleaned the wading pool. Their promptness in repairing our system enabled us to reopen the wading pool on July 19^th.

Chemical supplies for the pool are now being supplied by JL Honberger

Mike Kershner purchased and installed new brighter, longer lasting light bulbs.

Bolts and nuts to the light standards have been tightened by the borough workers avoiding a potential catastrophe. I recommend that these standards be checked regularly.

Damage to the north side "no trespassing sign" and fence were repaired by the borough crew. The south side fence had been repaired earlier.

A buffer was established between the wading pool pump house and the pool population.

Future repairs:

Large pump house filters need repair

Heating system for showers and concession stand has to be replaced

Bolts and nuts to big slide have to be fixed. I recommend that these nuts be checked regularly.

Drains need to be cleaned and a pressure reducing valve needs to be installed to the wading pool by Allen Schaeffer.

Ventilation of wading pool pump house has been recommended by JL Honberger

Aquaserve’s chem. Controls may need to be replaced

Paint for big slide needs to be touched up

The shower exterior and interior walls need to be repainted and crack repaired

Programs:

The cleaning crew is working well

The lap swim for season ticket holders is improving – hope to build numbers

Swim lessons for season ticket holders were well attended and several semi-private and private lessons were also given

The bingo program was a success even in the rain

Christmas in July went well and will probably be repeated next year

Chuck Barr played at the pool from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. People in attendance seem to enjoy his brand of music. No fee was paid.

A community service program is now in progress. We have five local teenagers scraping and painting the arts and crafts building.

On August 14^th, the pool will hold its summer Olympics.

On August 22, the pool will have a midnight bash to conclude the season.

The Bridge Church will be doing volunteer work in the park

There is a possibility that two other bands from teenage pool members may play at the pool

Another bingo event is in the planning, time permitting for the month of August

Various pool parties are scheduled for August.

Conclusion:

Thanks to Chuck Barr for volunteering to play at the pool

Jasten Prutzman did an excellent job taking over the direction of the pool and park for Bill and myself

The wading pool is now functioning well

Damage to the picnic tables has stopped for now, as has the damage to the garage doors. I hope it stays that way.

Mrs. Gassmann baton twirling classes went well.

Thanks to the Hamburg Middle School staff for their donation to the pool "Blue Jeans for a Cause"

All goes well as we head into our last month of the season

Respectfully submitted

Guy Ketch

William Nabozny

In Attendance: Martha Bertolet, Elaine Swavely, Roger Stetzler, Rick Pickel – Public Works Superintendent; Lynda Albright – Borough Manager; John Leonforte – Building Inspector

#1 – The storm drain and street issue for Fawn Court and Chestnut Street was discussed. The committee decided to put that on the agenda for 2010. Lynda will send a letter to the homeowners association informing them about the plan to have the parking areas paved before the street is paved.

#2 – Letter from Penn Dot on update for ADA issues. The present ramps do not meet the new specs. They only have to be replaced for new construction.

#3 – Hawk Ridge Drive – a question came up concerning the curbing on Met-Ed side. It seems it will be close to a vault that is underground. No decision was made to fill it in or remove it. Grand Street – since the property changed hands the paperwork is still being worked on. It shouldn’t delay the schedule for completion.

#4 – John Driscoll has requested a drive over curb on 4^th Street. He applied to Penn DOT for a permit. We have to wait for a response from them.

#5 – Franklin Street – between Apple and 3^rd Street – a retaining wall is falling apart. The owner blames it on truck traffic. Some heavy trucks do use it. One local company is E. S. Savage. Rick and Lynda will talk to them about using another road. It is in need of repair. One suggestion was made to close that portion. No decision was made.

Roger Stetzler, Road Committee Chairman

August 5, 2008

Personnel Committee Minutes

3:30 PM

Persons Attending: J. Heckman, M. Bertolet, E. Swavely, D. Schlenker, L. Albright, H. Berger

Items discussed:

Closure of the office to business one afternoon or morning a week was discussed. The office staff would like to try a new concept of having the office closed to the public one half-day to give time to attend to concentration on reports, work, and detail that is tough to get done when interrupted frequently. Lynda is going to check with Birdsboro and see how this concept is working out. Also think about which day would be best. This would be on a trial basis initially to see how it works.

New (revised) job descriptions were handed out in final format. The solicitor has reviewed them and made a few minor changes. This will be the new format and all job descriptions will be prepared accordingly.

Recommend hiring Christopher Schwinger as a lifeguard at the pool.

PMHIC is offering a new service providing health insurance to minimize costs. Lynda is researching this issue.

Interviews of perspective persons were held to fill the council seat vacated by Tammy Wilkinson. The following persons applied and were interviewed: Rick Boyd, Hettie Riegel, James Gilmartin, Edward VanWert, Kurt Neils, Jeffrey Bailey, and Jeffrey Adam.

The vacancy will be filled within the thirty day deadline.

Respectfully submitted,

Jeanette E. Heckman

On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Dale Schlenker to appoint Jeffrey Adam to fill the vacant Council seat, term to expire December 31, 2009.

ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, E. Swavely, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker

R. Stetzler, H. Berger

NAYES – None

At this time, Mayor Del Rosario swore in Mr. Adam and Mr. Adam joined the rest of Council at the table.

On the recommendation of the Property Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Heather Berger to adopt Ordinance #757-08 – Property Inspection Fees.

ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, E. Swavely, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker

R. Stetzler, H. Berger

NAYES – None

(J. Adam Abstained due to lack of knowledge about the motion.)

A motion was made by Heather Berger and seconded by Dale Schlenker to authorize the County to use eminent domain for the Grand Street Extension if no sales agreement is signed by August 29, 2008. This will be at no cost to the Borough.

ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, E. Swavely, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker

R. Stetzler, H. Berger, J. Adam

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Dale Schlenker to hire Christopher Schwinger as a lifeguard for the remainder of the pool season, as needed.

ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, E. Swavely, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker

R. Stetzler, H. Berger, J. Adam

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Heather Berger to hire Riley Nabozny as a cleaner/food stand helper for the remainder of the pool season, as needed.

ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, E. Swavely, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker

R. Stetzler, H. Berger, J. Adam

Manager Albright stated that there was a Proclamation signed by the Mayor regarding parking prohibitions for Hamburg-er Day on August 30, 2008 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Jeanette Heckman to approve payment of invoices totaling $242,871.56.

ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, E. Swavely, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker

R. Stetzler, H. Berger

NAYES – None

(J. Adam abstained)

AT & T 392.20

ALBERT’S WAREHOUSE 140.33

ALLIED WASTE 20,664.00

BARKO CLEANING 200.00

COUNTY OF BERKS 2,430.62

BLUE MT. COMPUTER 2,746.98

EMAC DAIRY BRUSH 39.00

EJB PAVING & MATERIALS 544.00

EDENBURG WELDING 100.00

EXETER SUPPLY 2,501.20

FISHER DAM AUTO 214.27

FORT DEARBORN 288.71

HAMBURG AUTO 21.98

HARTMAN JANITORIAL 1,100.00

HERSHEY CREAMERY 1,554.39

HESS EMBROIDERY 85.99

JL HONBERGER 2,080.00

KANTNER’S 15.00

MIKE KERSHNER 1,232.51

KUZANS 112.82

LANTEK 282.50

LEBANON UNITED JOBBERS 1,093.20

LOWES 415.14

MP UNIFORM 205.95

MAZAIKA CONCRETE 193.06

PAUL MELNICZEK 711.35

MET ED 5,781.99

MILLER MUNICIPAL DIVISION 148.20

MOUNTAIN VIEW SUPPLY 238.76

MEIT 145.50

NEXTEL 674.83

PPL GAS 918.69

PENN FUEL 67.08

PENN PRIDE 3,379.15

PEPSI BOTTLING GROUP 472.30

PF PETTIBONE & Co. 161.45

QUARTERMASTER 110.28

QUILL CORPORATION 118.05

MJ REIDER 250.00

ROGER STETZLER 95.00

THRENS AUTO PARTS 197.31

THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR 197.31

TRIANGLE COMMUNICATIONS 161.50

UNIFIRST 311.04

VAN BENNETT FOOD CO. 1,012.10

VERIZON 432.59

WEIS MARKETS 78.97

ZEE MEDICAL SERVICE 6.50

TOTAL 54,825.55

INVOICES PAID DURING THE MONTH

KRE SECURITY 4,590.00

BOROUGH OF HAMBURG –GROSS PAYROLL 152,384.36

BOROUGH OF HAMBURG – EMP SHARE SS 9,310.51

NORTH BERKS RECREATION 12,500.00

SAM’S CLUB 1,330.23

PAINTER, MICHAEL 500.00

BOROUGH OF HAMBURG –PR ACCOUNT 115.75

M & T BANK 285.72

M & T BANK 545.06

BERKS CO. TREASURERS 132.50

BLUE MT. COMPUTER 949.95

MET-ED 4,490.24

ROBERT MENGLE 323.50

WILLIAM NABOZNY 28.35

LYNDA ALBRIGHT 57.84

HMA 500.00

PETTY CASH 2.00

TOTAL 188,046.01

TOTAL FOR APPROVAL $242,871.56

Nothing to report

AUGUST 12, 2008 @ 3 p.m. – Property Committee

AUGUST 12, 2008 @ 6 p.m. – Library Board meeting

AUGUST 19, 2008 @ 6 p.m. – Safety Committee

AUGUST 19, 2008 @ 7 p.m. – Planning Commission

AUGUST 20, 2008 @ 7 p.m. – Authority

AUGUST 25, 2008 @ 6:30 p.m. – Water/Sewer & Public Relations

AUGUST 25, 2008 @ 7 p.m. – Council meeting

Manager Albright reported about water main break at 4^th and 61 approximately two weeks ago. Due to this break it damaged the roadway. PA DOT wants this repaired as soon as possible. We will be having a contractor starting work on it on Monday, August 18 and Tuesday, August 19. Due to this work, the 4^th Street will be closed to all southbound traffic for Route 61. Traffic will only be permitted to travel north on 4^th Street. This will be posted on the Municipal Access Channel and the website. Chief Painter will help to coordinate traffic control. PA DOT will be contacted and asked about having a sign board posted in the area to warn the residents of the impending work.

Attest:
Kim Y. Berger
Recording Secretary/Office Manager