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MINUTES FROM THE NOVEMBER 10, 2008 COUNCIL MEETING The twentieth 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, Roger Stetzler, Jeff Adam Members Absent – None Also Present –Solicitor Mike Zubey, Solicitor Antanavage, Kim Y. Berger, Office Manager/ Recording Secretary, Manager Lynda G. Albright, Mayor Del Rosario Visitors- Chief Painter, Deena Kershner, Leah Del Rosario, Maria Herne (Pottsville Republican) A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Elaine Swavely to approve the amended agenda by adding two motions under New Business. ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, E. Swavely, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker, H. Berger, R. Stetzler, J. Adam NAYES – None COURTESY TO AUDIENCE Deena Kershner asked if anyone had any questions regarding the packet of information she handed out at the last Council meeting. She also asked if everyone was in favor of moving forward with the concepts that were presented. Ms. Kershner stated that the grant had to be submitted by the end of the year. A motion was made by Jeff Adam and seconded by Heather Berger to approve the minutes of the of October 27, 2008 meeting ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, E. Swavely, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker H. Berger, R. Stetzler, J. Adam NAYES – None A motion was made by Roger Stetzler 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 ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, E. Swavely, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker
NAYES – None BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT OCTOBER, 2008
The Borough Manager’s report for the month of OCTOBER, 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, more specifically zoning amendment and Firetree issues. Spoke several times during the month to the engineer involved with the State Street Bridge project. New utility plans have been received and turned over to the Authority engineer for review. A copy has also been provided to John Leonforte. It appears work will commence in the spring of 2009. Kim and I attended a workshop sponsored by the Center for Local Government at the Reading Motor Inn titled "Managing Your Municipality: Helpful Checklists for Secretaries, Managers and Elected Officials" Workshop." This workshop was quite informative. Spent quite a lot of time on both the water and sewer budgets for the Authority and the general budget for Council. Things are progressing, but slowly. I do not anticipate a tax increase for next year, but we may possibly have to increase the trash rates a minimal amount. Water rates will most likely be increasing, however, an exact amount is not yet known. There has been no water rate increases since 2002. Met with Allen Englebert of Smith Barney with regard to the police pension and non-uniform pension plans. Both plans have lost money, but not as much as originally thought. Met with members of the Authority, Keith Brobst, and Greg Unger to review current water rates and calculations as they will relate to the budget. Started the application process for pool/park personnel for the 2009 summer season. Also met with Guy several times during the month to discuss various problems at the pool that must be rectified. In addition, we discussed new state rules and regulations concerning the operations of the pool. We will now be required to have personnel that are certified in the handling of the chemicals and equipment. Reviewed the applicants for the office position and interviews are being held the first week in November. A recommendation will soon be made to the Personnel Committee for hiring one of these applicants. Working with the solicitor on an amendment to the tenant form ordinance and also on the Cable Franchise Agreement that is up for renewal at the end of the year. I will be presenting the changes to the Finance Committee at the next regular meeting. Attended two Council meetings, Authority meeting and work session, Finance, Personnel, Property 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 October, 2008. Lynda G. Albright, Borough Manager PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT During the first week of October, assisted the Water Department with flushing hydrants. The backhoe safety alarm needed some work done on it. Unknown individual(s) took the street sign and brackets for 4th and State Streets. This was replaced. There were two water leaks in October. The repair on Arthur Street was done by LSR. The second leak on Center Avenue was a 4" water main. This was repaired using 43" of pipe. The pool cover was finally installed. The grass and weeds on the bank were cut and the leaves started to be collected. Work commenced in regards to removing the fence at the pool, so that the new fence can be erected. Hot patching of Apple Street was completed. The guide rail along Port Clinton Avenue was repaired. The weeds around the flood control dams were cut. Installed 280 feet of 24" storm drain pipe from North Crescent to Mountain Avenue and installed a new inlet. Removed fencing from the Authority property originally belong to EPA that has now become our property. Preparations are under way for the storm drain project on Port Clinton Avenue and on Franklin Street. Respectfully submitted,
Water/Wastewater Superintendent’s Report October 2008 Water Hydrant flushing showed the system to be in pretty good shape. We have a few hydrants that need some maintenance but over all they are in good working order. The contractor has finished making the changes to the measuring weir in Furnace Creek and replaced the v-notch weir on the clarifier, as well as some miscellaneous small jobs around the compound. DESCCO has again done a very nice job for us. We had two leaks this month. There was a broken service line on Arthur Street and a series of holes in the main on Center Street. The rains near the end of the month have raised the level in the impounding dam several feet, however the in-stream flow has not picked up and it still looks like we will be on well water for the foreseeable future. I attended a seminar on the new EPA groundwater rule. This needs to be implemented by December of 2009. I will be reviewing what we need to do and when, with the Engineer. Wastewater The plant continues to produce a high quality effluent. Flows are low but still spike to very high levels during heavy rain events. As a result we are filling and empting tanks as needed to deal with the erratic flows. We have found a leak from the chlorine channel into #1 chlorine contact tank. DESCCO has been here several times trying to resolve the issue. Collection system repairs have been completed on William Street, N. 4th St, and N. 3rd St. This included 6 new laterals and 1 manhole run being replaced. Respectfully Submitted OFFICE MANAGER’S REPORT October has been an extremely busy month for us. The web site and municipal access channel continue to be updated with pertinent information. Assisted John Leonforte with numerous letters, documents etc. Also updated the Property Transfer Inspection forms. Updated our official ordinance book with all ordinances. Various signs were created. Letters and applications were mailed to previous park and pool employees for the 2009 season. On October 2, 2008 attended with Lynda a meeting given by the Center for Community Development. Throughout the month assisted with King Frost issues. Once again we were having internet issues. I hope that they have been resolved for good. Throughout the month had been in contact with insurance adjusters, etc. for the fire hydrant that had been struck at 3rd and Arch Streets. I am happy to report that we have received payment for this damage. It is that time of year again when we have to send out our emergency notice documents to the residents of the Borough. The forms were printed, folded, taped and are in the process of being labeled. These will be going out by the 10th of November. A lot of time was spent on general budget issues. The budget analysis report was prepared, various budgets were entered. Even more time was spent on the Authority budget, water and sewer issues and worksheets and information needed by the engineer for the preparation of the 2009 budget. Attended two Council meetings, staff meetings as necessary. Minutes were prepared for meetings as deemed necessary.
HAMBURG BOROUGH POLICE DEPARTMENT
Building, Zoning and Codes Report October 2008Eleven (11) construction permits and four(4) zoning permits and three(3) paving/sidewalk permits and four (4) occupancy permits were issued in September.Major projects ongoing or proposed are as follows: Grand Street extension Our engineer has resubmitted our HOP application with responses to all 37 PennDOT Comments. Soonest approval seems unlikely before January. Hawk ridge and South 4th Street Penn Dot returned our HOP application with comments. The comments will need to be addressed by our engineer and plans resubmitted. Soonest approval seems unlikely before January. HAHS field house and bleachers Work is virtually complete. One issue with L&I accessibility remains to be resolved. Fire Tree Rehab center A third zoning permit application was submitted and consequently denied. A previous zoning permit was denied and the denial was upheld on appeal.residential and light commercial 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 5 resolved and 7 still pending.Fire Safety Inspections Three (3) fire safety Inspections were done this month.John Leonforte Codes Administrator RECREATION DIRECTORS REPORT FOR THE MONTH The month of October continued with staff meetings, meetings with Lynda Albright, Allen Schaeffer, Rick Pickel, J/M Fence Co., ME Eubert Jr., Director, Blue Mountain Recreation and Property Committee. Bill Nabozny ordered the chemicals necessary to winterize the pool from JL Honberger. Bill and I helped the crew place the cover over the pool. Several anchors will have to be replaced next year. The initial posting of the budget for 2009 was submitted to Lynda Albright. Dale Schlenker, Rick Pickel and I met with J/M Fence to establish the final perimeter of the new 8 foot fence and established that the project would begin the first week of November. The basketball backboards have been received and will be installed in Spring. I met with Mr. Eubert and John Leonforte at the pool on Monday, October 27th at 4:30 p.m. John and I asked Mr. Eubert if he would do us a favor of auditing the pool. He suggested several needs: an AED Plus Defibrillator (est. $1,600-$2,000) signage (chemical storage, no running and etc.) the separation of chemical storage and he suggested "thorough seal" paint for the shower floors. Mr. Eubert explained that the ORP and PH probes to our Chemtrol 200 should be removed every winter. Aqua Serve failed to winterize the probes in 2007/2008. This failure could have been the reason behind some of the problems experienced this summer. I have removed the four probes and placed them in the Borough Hall, where they must be submerged in water. There is great possibility that the probes will have to be replaced at an estimated cost of $175-$200. Kim Berger has sent applications to previous employees thus, the process for the hiring of our labor for 2009 has begun. Have a great Thanksgiving. Respectfully submitted Guy Ketch OLD BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Heather Berger and seconded by Dale Schlenker approving the use of the municipal lot at 4th and Pine from Monday, December 1, 2008 through Friday, January 2, 2009 and to hold their events, which includes Santa’s Workshop with candlelight tree lighting, the annual Christmas parade on Dec. 6, using the same route as in the past and allowing the placement of a portable toilet in the southwest corner of the municipal lot. 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 Dale Schlenker and seconded by Jeanette Heckman to hire Toni Ruppert as the part-time Clerk/Receptionist/Secretary effective November 12, 2008 and to pay her a rate of $11.00/hr. ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, E. Swavely, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker
NAYES – None On the recommendation of the Finance Committee, a motion was made by Elaine Swavely and seconded by Heather Berger authorizing the Borough Manager to begin the process of obtaining a Tax Anticipation note in the amount of $150,000 for 2009 and authorize the appropriate officers to execute the necessary documentation. ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, E. Swavely, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker
NAYES – None A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Roger Stetzler to approve payment of invoices totaling $232,435.73 ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, E. Swavely, J. Heckman, D. Schlenker
NAYES – None (Abstentions: - R. Stetzler abstained from the invoice to Roger Stetzler direct income and D. Schlenker abstained from the Schlenker Motors invoice due to vested interest) LIST OF BILLS AT & T 459.63 ALLIED WASTE MGT. 20,664.00 APPLE TIME INC. 169.03 BARKO CLEANING 200.00 BARLEY SNYDER 878.30 COUNTY OF BERKS – MCT 386.20 COUNTY OF BERKS 2,044.42 BERKS PRODUCTS 315.18 BERKS-MONT NEWSPAPERS 61.02 BLUE MT. COMPUTER SERVICE 225.00 COMPUTERIZED REPORTING SERVICE 165.00 EJB PAVING 1,321.75 JE FINK & SONS 42.45 FISHER DAM AUTO 107.99 FORT DEARBORN LIFE INSURANCE 302.41 GALLS INC. 615.49 HARTMAN JANITORIAL 1,100.00 JL HONBERGER 511.53 MIKE KERSHNER 174.30 LANTEK 550.00 MET-ED 5,765.97 MILLER MUNICIPAL 257.56 MONARCH PRECAST 1,350.00 MOUNTAIN VIEW SUPPLY 16.87 MEIT 145.50 PENN PRIDE 2,039.61 POWERCO 96.69 QUILL 115.84 SCHUYLKILL VALLEY SPORTS 1,200.00 SCHLENKER MOTORS 1,181.83 ROGER STETZLER 98.00 THREN’S AUTO PARTS 101.91 THYSSENKRUPP 197.31 US MUNICIPAL SUPPLY 385.50 UGI CENTRAL PENN GAS 1,287.80 UNIFIRST 344.36 VERIZON 418.47 WINDSOR PRESS 176.99 UNION FIRE CO. #1 OF HAMBURG 10,000.00 OTF 30,000.00 TOTAL $85,473.91 INVOICES PAID DURING THE MONTH KRE SECURITY 3,078.00 PURCHASE POWER 2,018.99 OTF 25.00 BOROUGH OF HAMBURG – GROSS 81,283.72 BOROUGH OF HAMBURG – EMP SHARE SS 4,787.50 BOROUGH OF HAMBURG – CAPITAL 50,000.00 PA DEPT. OF AG 35.00 MET-ED 3,143.81 SAM’S CLUB 527.10 PETTY CASH 961.80 LYNN LADDER 502.40 BERKS CO. TREASURER 18.50 HMA 550.00 JJ & ME RHOADES 30.00 TOTAL FOR APPROVAL $232,435.73 SOLICITOR’S REPORT A brief executive session was held after the meeting to discuss pending litigation. No action was required. INFORMATION ITEMS NOVEMBER 11, 2008 @ 3 p.m. – Property Committee meeting NOVEMBER 11, 2008 @ 6 p.m. – Library Board Meeting – Library NOVEMBER 25, 2008 @ 6 P.M. – Safety Committee meeting NOVEMBER 25, 2008 @ 7 p.m. – Planning Commission
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:13 p.m. on the motion of Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Heather Berger .Attest:
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