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MINUTES FROM THE FEBRUARY 11, 2008 MEETING OF BOROUGH COUNCIL The third regular meeting of the Hamburg Borough Council for 2008 was held this evening at the Hamburg Municipal Center with President Tammy Wilkinson presiding. The meeting was opened with Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and a Prayer. Members Present – Tammy Wilkinson, Martha Bertolet, Elaine Swavely, Dale Schlenker, Jeanette Heckman Members Absent – Heather Berger, Roger Stetzler Also Present –Solicitor Mike Zubey, Kim Y. Berger, Office Manager/ Recording Secretary, Manager Lynda G. Albright Visitors- Chief Painter, Penny Hummel (Item) A motion was made by Martha Bertolet and seconded by Dale Schlenker to approve the amended agenda including a motion under New Business of a recommendation from Finance regarding purchase of a police vehicle. ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, E. Swavely, D. Schlenker,T. Wilkinson NAYES – None COURTESY TO AUDIENCE Nothing A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Elaine Swavely to approve the minutes of the January 28, 2008 meeting.ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, E. Swavely, T. Wilkinson
Abstained - D. Schlenker (didn’t receive his packet and review them) A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Martha Bertolet 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 and Road Committee ReportROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, E. Swavely, T. Wilkinson
Abstained - D. Schlenker (didn’t receive his packet and review them) BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT The Borough Manager’s report for the month of JANUARY, 2008 included the following: Held staff meetings with supervisors to discuss, provide and receive updates on various projects and issues taking place. John Leonforte, Bldg./Zoning/Codes Officer has become part of the staff meetings. This will enable the group to also discuss issues relative to this newly formed department. Addressed complaints and other correspondence as needed. Started closing out many of my 2007 files, to make room for 2008. Donna is helping in this process. Working with the solicitors in the preparation of proposed ordinances dealing with noise, curfew and license transfer fees. It is anticipated draft copies will be forwarded in time for discussion at the appropriate committee meetings in February. Met with Greg Unger, Keith Brobst to review Authority revenues and expenses to finalize the Authority budgets for 2008. The budgets have finally been completed and were adopted by the Authority at their January, 2008 meeting. Also met with Chairman Steve Smith and Vice Chairman David Fink to discuss some areas of concern dealing with the utility billing and financial statements needed by the engineer. We also discussed the possibility of meeting mid-month in an effort to maximize the communication on activities as they relate to authority operations. Also, participated in a conference call with a representative from Munis, Greg Unger, SDE, Utility Billing Clerk and Kim Berger relative to the present utility billing programming and the need for other types of reports for the engineer. They will be providing additional training and doing an analysis of the present system in an effort to accommodate our requests. Balfour Beatty has agreed to sign over the E & O permit they had obtained for work done at the Dolly Haupt property. This will allow the Borough to continue any type of earth-moving activity that might be needed until the expiration of the permit. The papers have been signed and I am awaiting the revised permit from Soil Conservation. Met with Deena Kershner, OTF Manager, to discuss the on-going projects and to finalize any work yet required in the streetscape area. Also discussed having a joint meeting of the OTF Board, Borough Council and the Pennsylvania Downtown Center to review the streetscape program operation and how it relates in moving towards the start of the Elm Street program. This will hopefully take place during the month of February. It is also meant to familiarize current Council and OTF representatives as well as any new representatives of OTF or Borough Council. Held quarterly Pension meeting for both the Non-Uniform and Uniformed Pension plans. I am happy to report that both plans continue to make money. Scheduled the work for redoing the floors in the main hallway (1st floor) for the weekend of May 16 and the main floor of the Senior Center for the weekend of April 18th. We will also be considering replacement of the floor in the kitchen area of the Senior Center. There are a few obstacles that must first be overcome and this will be discussed with the Property Committee. Spoke to Brad Knittle regarding sandblasting the curbs at 4th and State Street. He has indicated he expects to perform the work in the early part of March. Guy Ketch and I interviewed an applicant for a Senior Aquatics program at the pool for 2008. She is being recommended to Personnel to hire this summer. Attended two Council meetings, Authority meeting, Finance, Safety, Personnel and Property 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 JANUARY, 2008. Lynda G. Albright Borough Manager PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Due to the mild winter thus far, the crew cut brush along William Street, Port Clinton Avenue, Mountain Avenue, Pine Street and the service road. A few times we did have to cinder streets and salt the sidewalks. Cold patching continues during this mild winter. During the rainy days, crew spent some time painting in the municipal building and erected shelves in the Borough office. We washed and waxed trucks. Painted and installed the hood on the backhoe. Lights were installed in the new salt shed. Meetings were held regarding the canoe launch. The gate was built and installed for the dead end off of North Crescent Avenue. Various Christmas trees were picked up and all Christmas trees collected were chipped. Brush at the reservoir and the dam were cut. A tree had fallen in the canal – this was removed. The Leaf Vac was in need of repair and parts were obtained. The John Deere tractors were prepped for spring. We are currently working on erecting the benches and tables for the OTF. Respectfully submitted, Richard L. Pickel Public Works Supt. Water/Wastewater Superintendent’s Report January 2008 Water All water for the month came from the surface source. Consumption is down from the last several months when we fixed several leaks. We feel that the system is, at least for the moment, pretty tight. We have started to change and update some of the larger meters in the system. There were several that were more than 25 years old and the installations were not the best situations. Putting in meters that are better suited for the situation should give us more accurate numbers for both reporting and billing. We will be taking a look at all our large users over the next several months and replacing meters as necessary. The contractor for the water plant control system has been back and worked on a few issues that were making life difficult. The plant is working much better now but there are still a few things that need attention. We would hope that they will be addressed in the very near future. The long term2 surface water rule has taken effect and we have started sampling our source water in accordance with that rule. The rule is designed to protect our customers from e-coli and cryptosporidium. Wastewater We have received the O & M manuals from DESSCO and J B Electric. DESSCO has finished the few items they had remaining. There are still a few outstanding issues with J B Electric but nothing that will affect the operation of the plant. We are running the thickener every day, and at times over night to keep up with the sludge production. It does not take a lot of watching but we do have to dismantle the polymer pump regularly to clean it. The effluent is still well within permit parameters but we need to cut tank capacity for the near term. The cold weather has made this impractical for now but we will get it done as soon as possible. Respectfully submittedKeith L. Brobst Water/Wastewater SuperintendentOFFICE MANAGER’S REPORT During the month of January, the majority of time was spent working on closing out December and then closing out 2007. The last week of January was spent working on finalizing issues relative to January’s opening for 2008. The January minutes have not been posted on the website at the time of this writing due to the web site files not being updated for 2008. This will be completed by the first week of February. We are still working out the kinks in reference to the utility billing part of the software upgrade. Things are going much better considering all the changes that have taken place. The year-end Liquid Fuels report was finalized and sent to PA DOT for their approval. Various letters and mailings were completed. Reviewed the Civil Service requirements for promotions. Copies were made and highlighted with the necessary information needed for members so that they have them for ready reference during the reorganization meeting. I am happy to report that our printer room has been organized by installing two high shelving units to accommodate our growing paper and water meter supply needs. The back up printer has been ordered and we will be setting this up in this room as well. This process will prove to be much more efficient in the coming months. The street sweeping schedule for 2008 has been developed and copies are available for the public. The police have been given copies for their needs. Participated in a conference call with the Authority engineer, Utility Billing clerk, Borough Manager and a representative from our software company to discuss the needs of the Authority and reporting issues. Two days have been set up for analysis and training in February. Unfortunately my computer was down for a while due to the need to replace another motherboard and USB port. As inconvenient as it was thankfully it was a non-billable experience. Attended two Council meetings and staff meetings as necessary. Minutes were prepared for all the meetings.
HAMBURG BOROUGH POLICE DEPARTMENT JANUARY 2008 ACTIVITY REPORT
Building, Zoning and Codes Report January 2008 Three (3) construction permits and one (1) zoning permit and 0ne (1) paving/sidewalk and three (3) occupancy permits were issued in January. Major projects ongoing or proposed are as follows: The Streetscape project. The Issue at Saint Mary’s sewer vent problem on State St remains to be resolved. The Street light at State St knocked down has not been replaced. Work is progressing to reconstruct some curbing, at Catherine, Grandview Terrace, and Arthur St. We have contacted Bob Mazaika contracting asking that curb and sidewalk repairs be made. All but one owner has responded to our notices. We hope to complete curb and sidewalk work by the end of March with paving work to be done this spring or summer. Geotechnical testing for phase one of the Grand Street extension has been started per DEP request. We should have results by the end of February. Additional bridge design work is being done per Penn Dot. We hope to get through the permitting process by spring 2008 and start construction after that, with a hoped for completion date of fall of 2008 or spring of 2009. Regarding the traffic light at Hawk ridge and South 4th Street, our engineer will submit a response to PennDot comments the first week in Feb. Penn Dot has 60 days to respond. Exide Corporation site .The demolition contractor and, EPA continue the clean up and demolition of the battery plant, with expected completion in February 08. At this point the complex has been demolished. Some rubble remains to be trucked to a safe landfill. Progress has been slowed due to concern over wind borne dust while loading. Watering has been implemented to reduce dust. Demolition of the Curves property has been completed. Completion of exterior finish to the Driscoll building is pending. Work on the Peach Alley Apartments project (former Wrights Building, at 239 Pine) is progressing. Inspections were completed for residential and light commercial previously permitted, work in the borough. Property Maintenance complaints of rubbish, snowy sidewalks and Occupancy inspections continue to be addressed. Note: From Jan 1 to date, approximately 9 new Property Maintenance complaints were filed with 8 resolved and 33 still pending. Fire Safety Inspections No new fire safety Inspections were done this month. John Leonforte Codes Administrator RECREATION DIRECTORS REPORT FOR THE MONTH The new year is here already. The month of January continued with staff meetings with Northern Berks Recreation, Blue Mountain Wild Life, Our Town Foundation, Lynda Albright and Bill Nabozny. Bill and I reviewed the lists of applications for employment at the pool. We decided to submit to Lynda, personnel and council to hire all of the applicants. Since many of the individuals will be new, we are going to create a list of concession stand operators, cleaning work crews and a substitute list. As time progresses and we review the work ethics, the lists will be redefined further, hopefully leading to an even better staff for ’08. Again we are fortunate to have professional, mature experienced lifeguard staff returning from previous seasons. Lynda and I met with Mrs. Cherie Dotterer to discuss her plan to provide a Senior Aquatics Program for this summer. Mrs. Dotterer submitted a detailed program and an impressive resume. The three of us discussed some issues regarding method of payment, liability, time schedule, etc. It is my recommendation that we give the program a try and re-evaluate it at the end of the summer. Additionally, the time for the program will give us the ability to open the pool to those who would also like to swim laps and take swim lessons; however, details still need to be worked out. Inspections of the park revealed that several lights have been damaged intentionally, the garage doors have sustained some additional damage and one of the basketball backboards is separating, which I reported to Ricky. Respectfully submitted, Guy Ketch William Nabozny ROAD COMMITTEE REPORT 2-04-08 In attendance: Council Members – Tammy Wilkinson, Martha Bertolet, Jeanette Heckman, Dale Schlenker, Roger Stetzler Rick Pickel – Road Supervisor, Lynda Albright – Borough Manager and John Leonforte, Zoning Officer
OLD BUSINESS Nothing NEW BUSINESS On the recommendation of the Road Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Jeanette Heckman to have the Borough Manager proceed with preparation and advertising the bids for street work on Catherine, Arthur and Grandview Terrace.ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, E. Swavely, D. Schlenker, T. Wilkinson NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, a motion was made by Elaine Swavely and seconded by Jeanette Heckman to hire the list of applicants submitted for the 2008 Park/Pool Season.LIFEGUARDS FOOD STAND Adams, Troy Belton, Lavell Becker, Emily Burkey, Kyle Becker, Kaitlin Galloway, Earl Berger, Brittney Herman, Jared Buono, Nicholas Kline, Nathan Ebeling, Brandon Kurtz, Arica Emes, Bethany Lugo, Joseph Epting, Kristen Matthews, Taylor Fritz, Kyle Nelson, Mackenzie Ketch, Michael Novotnak, Grant Kurtz, Adam Pierce, Jamie Miller, Michael Pugliese, Debra Prutzman, Jasten Riegel, Bethany Ruppert, Jared Ringler, Jeffrey Smith, Kyle Smith, Amanda Smith, Nadine Smith, Bradley Smith, Steven Smith, Jennifer Thomas, Denise Strauss, Stacy Thomas, Gregory Tracy, Zackary Wagaman, David Vaughn, Cassie Wohlrab, Leah FOOD STAND SUPERVISORS Clark, Raynore Grill, Gail Shuker, Vivian Zweizig- Stern, Teresa ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, E. Swavely, D. Schlenker, T. Wilkinson
On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Jeanette Heckman granting permission to hold the annual "Dress your Dog" Parade on Sunday, April 13, 2008, rain date, Sunday, April 20, 2008, also to use the municipal lot at 4th and Pine and to close Pine Street between 3rd and 4th Streets noon to 3 p.m.ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, E. Swavely, D. Schlenker, T. WilkinsonNAYES – None On the recommendation of the Finance Committee, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Martha Bertolet to purchase a 2001 Chevy Blazer in the amount of $5,500 from Schlenker Motors. This will be paid out of the operating budget. We had received three quotes.ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, E. Swavely, T. Wilkinson
Abstained - D. Schlenker A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Jeanette Heckman to approve payment of invoices totaling $194,069.06. ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, J. Heckman, E. Swavely, T. Wilkinson
Abstained - D. Schlenker (from Schlenker Motors invoice) LIST OF BILLS AT & T 362.75 Barko Cleaning Service, Inc 200.00 Berks Co. Public Works Assn. 75.00 County of Berks 2,430.62 Berks Products Corp 232.68 Berks-Mont Newspapers, Inc. 256.46 Blue Mountain Computer Service 1,037.50 Burkhardt Mechanical 264.00 Competition Electronics 140.45 Creative Product Sourcing – DARE 1,240.20 E-Mac Dairy Brush Co. 104.40 Fisher Dam Auto 2,090.62 Fort Dearborn Life Insurance Co. 312.27 Great Valley Consultants 111.00 Hamburg Auto Parts 10.35 Hartman Janitorial 975.00 Jeffco Inc. 34.73 Mike Kershner 232.65 Kuzan’s True Value 318.07 Lowe’s Business Account 90.48 Masano Bradley 5,013.55 Met-Ed 5,703.78 Miller’s 5 & 10 28.94 Mountain View Supply 96.60 Municipal Employers Ins. Trust 145.50 Nextel Communications 789.11 PPL Gas Utilities 2,451.78 Penn Pride, Inc. 1,905.80 Radio Maintenance Inc. 259.80 Sam’s Club 37.71 Schlenker Motors, Inc. 363.52 Systems Design Engineering 1,557.95 Thren’s Auto Parts 137.75 ThyssenKrupp Elevator 197.31 UniFirst 369.43 Verizon 422.24 Weis Markets 37.00 Windsor Press 292.63 Zee Medical Service Company 20.35 TOTAL $30,724.98 BILLS PAID DURING THE MONTH Borough/Payroll 131,369.02 Albright, Lynda 55.93 Berks Co. Treasu. 1,057.50 Met-Ed 1,912.45 Municipal Employ 174.00 North Berks Recr 1,000.00 Sam’s Club 376.04 Tyler Technological 14,017.98 UniFirst 383.80 Nextel Communication 849.98 Albright College 85.00 Leone, Victoria 52.00 Childs, Henry A 52.00 Schneider, Josef 52.00 Sweigart, Reuben 35.00 Maberry, Kathy 35.00 Fernandes, Julie 35.00 Smith, John 35.00 Rahn, Jeanette 70.00 Adams, Michael D. 70.00 Holtzman, Harold 35.00 McGowan, Steven 35.00 Kramer, Ken 35.00 Cesarz, Stephen 35.00 Henn, Marcia 35.00 Hower, Stewart W. 70.00 Kistler, Donald 100.00 Budden, Clarence 35.00 Rothermel, Joan 35.00 Adam Construction 8,500.00 Berks Co. Conser. 315.00 HMA 134.29 Petty Cash 17.25 Kissinger, Brean 52.00 Strouse, Brent L. 52.00 Aqua Serve Corp. 2,140.84 TOTAL 163,344.08 30,724.98 GRAND TOTAL 194,069.06 SOLICITOR’S REPORT An executive session took place immediately following the regular meeting regarding personnel issues, however, no action was taken. INFORMATION ITEMS
Chief Painter briefly explained the following commendation. Letter of Commendation 02/06/2008 This letter is in response to actions taken by Officers Travis Fritz & Officer Rodger Gehring. On the 4th of Feb, 2008. Officer Travis Fritz, in the development of a C.I. (confidential informant) exchanged information with Officer Rodger Gehring. With the information obtained and the cooperation of there C.I. they conducted a controlled transaction in which Cocaine was purchased from a suspect. A search warrant was drafted and signed by a judge and served on an apartment located behind Pizza Como, 5th & State St. This search was conducted with the assistance of uniform officers William Kramer & Cpl. Robert Mengle. With no answer at the door upon a Knock & Announce, Officer Kramer opened the door by way of a Ram. 3 occupants were secured and in searching the apartment officers recovered the marked buy money and more cocaine. Suspect was arrested and arraigned and placed in Berks County Prison. It was also discovered that the occupants are illegals and INS was notified. This was a by the book investigation and arrest and the officers are to be commended for there actions. Chief Michael Painter There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:13 p.m. on the motion of Dale Schlenker and seconded by Elaine Swavely . Attest: Kim Y. Berger,Recording Secretary/Office Manager
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