SEPT. 22, 2008

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MINUTES FROM THE SEPT. 22, 2008 COUNCIL MEETING

The seventeenth 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, Jeanette Heckman, Elaine Swavely, Dale Schlenker, Roger Stetzler, Jeff Adam

Members Absent – Heather Berger

Also Present –Solicitor Zubey, Solicitor Antanavage, Kim Y. Berger, Office Manager/Recording Secretary, Lynda G. Albright, Borough Manager

Visitors – Kim Trabosh, Candi Hoffmaster, Deena Kershner, Chief Painter, John Driscoll, Norma Berger, Kim Trabosh, Maria Herne (Pottsville Republican)

A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Roger Stetzler to approve the amended agenda by adding a motion under Old Business regarding the zoning amendment.

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

R. Stetzler, J. Adam

NAYES – None

COURTESY TO AUDIENCE

Lori Fritz questioned what the $750 fee for a variance application would be spent on. It was stated that it was for legal fees, engineering fees, etc.

A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Jeff Adam to approve the minutes of the September 8, 2008 meeting.

ROLL CALL: AYES – M. Bertolet, E. Swavely, 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: Engineer’s Report, Property Committee Report and Road Committee Report

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

R. Stetzler, J. Adam

NAYES – None

ENGINEER’S REPORT
September 17, 2008

SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM

SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT ISSUES

The operations within the new wastewater treatment plant continue well. All processes are on line. Systems Design Engineering, Inc. is working assisting the Superintendent with operational questions on an as needed basis.

Tilden Township has started their P.S. No. 2 and the plant is receiving flows from the new Tilden Elementary.

WISSAHICKON WATERIt is apparent that the plant has closed. Systems Design Engineering, Inc. received a call from Berks County Development for information on sewer and water capacity as they work on potential clients to purchase the facility and lands. (no change)

BLOWER CONTROL

Systems Design Engineering, Inc. and the Plant Superintendent are progressing with the blower control project approved at the July meeting.

CAPACITY EVALUATION

Systems Design Engineering, Inc. is evaluating the available water and sewer capacity for Hamburg Municipal Authority systems to provide answers for Tilden and Berks County Economic Development requests for information.

WATER SYSTEM

WATER PRODUCTION

The impoundment dam is offline due to low water. The recent rains did not significantly impact the refilling of the dam. For this report period water production was mainly from the wells.

Systems Design Engineering, Inc. inspected the lower stream weir with Keith Brobst. It is apparent that excessive water is bypassing the weir and also flowing under or around to a point below the spillway. Excess water is being wasted to maintain low flow release due to these issues. Repairs have been contracted with DESCCO to make the repairs as authorized at the August Authority meeting.

WATER LINE REPLACEMENT

The project to replace the water lines in Walnut Street and South 2nd Street is complete. Bids were received at the March 2008 Authority meeting.

Project Contractor:

Sikora Bros. Paving Bid amount $ 144,000.00

10 Apache Drive

Schickshinny, PA 18655

Contracts have been prepared and executed. Notice to proceed has been issued.

The project is substantially complete with the water lines replaced, all tie-ins complete and tested. The new water line is in service.

A change order in the amount of $10,200.00 will be presented for approval. The change order documents changes to connections that were the result of different water line placement, road restoration and connections. Due to credits for connections not made, the net increase in the contract is $4,780.00.

An application for payment will be presented for the fire hydrant fund in the amount of $148,780 which is payment in full for this contract.

WELL LEVEL DATA COLLECTION

Systems Design Engineering, Inc. is assisting the Plant Superintendent with the purchase and installation of the data logger devices for recording well level data.

MET ED SUBSTATION

The land acquisition sale option has been reviewed and executed. Systems Design Engineering, Inc. is supporting Met Ed’s request for information when received.

REQUISITIONS

Requisition 304(sewer) Systems Design Engineering, Inc. $ 264.07

Requisition 333(water) L/B Water Service, Inc. $1,141.07

PROPERTY COMMITTEE

SEPTEMBER 9, 2008

MUNICIPAL CENTER – 3 PM

ATTENDING: Lynda Albright, Martha Bertolet, Elaine Swavely, Roger Stetzler, Jeff Adam & Dale Schlenker

VISITORS: John Leonforte, Code Enforcement Officer; Guy Ketch, Rec. Director and Deena Kershner, OTF

Guy Ketch gave numerous updates on the pool including many needs for the coming year. A list, with costs, will be presented at the next Property Committee meeting for consideration. The Property Committee approved the installation of a new steel door (to replace existing rusted door) and the installation of exhaust louvers to allow the heat to escape in the pump house. The cost to replace, by CR Construction, to accomplish the above is $1747.83.

EPA will donate their steel fence to the Borough for our discretionary use. Thank you.

The Borough has agreed to pay a Fossil invoice, in the amount of $3740.80, for the remaining balance of the, to be installed, Kiosks by North Rec. Board. The Borough will be reimbursed, by the County. Continuing on this matter, the Historic Pedestals have been installed and the Kiosks will be installed as soon as received, by the Borough Crew.

Only one bid has been received for crowning 78 trees at the park and the removal of 5 diseased trees. More bids are expected.

SDE will present all needed info for an application to Homeland Security, by the Hamburg Police Dept. for the installation of a generator to power the Municipal Center.

SDE will present 2 options for the restoration of the band shell, at the Hamburg Park. The band shell is not to be used until further notice due to major defects in the roof.

A request for a decorative street light on S. 6th street was received by the residents of the area. Prices were received for a standard wooden pole, as per the rest of town, and a decorative aluminum pole. Lynda will contact the residents and inform them of the, per house, cost to upgrade to a decorative pole. If they agree to pay the difference, a decorative pole will be approved for installation. If they don’t approve, the standard wooden pole will be installed.

Burkey & Driscoll asked for a letter of approval for removing the street light and any lighting concerns that PennDOT may require for a Highway Occupancy Permit for a driveway on South Fourth St. The Council approved the removal of 2 parking spaces so the driveway may be installed. Deena Kershner expressed very deep concerns about the driveway cut, removal of the light, removing the decorative sidewalk and safety concerns on entering Fourth St. She indicated there were placement issues for the installed lights, presented by PennDot at the time the Streetscape was moving forward. PennDot has been contacted, both on this issue and the driveway cut/light and no issues have surfaced. Apparently the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing on this issue. John Leonforte explained, in depth, all issues by the Borough; of which there are none, and indicated all that has been done to this point is an application to PennDot for the permit. If PennDot has no issues, most of the Committee has no problem with the permit issue. If PennDot has comments on the permit, Burkey & Driscoll will have to meet the requirements. Burkey & Driscoll will install all needed lighting to provide for safety and security for the removed light. The letter will be sent to his engineering firm who has been working with PennDot to accomplish this issue.

CHAIRMAN OF PROPERTY Dale R. Schlenker

ROAD COMMITTEE REPORT

09-09-08

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

Franklin Street between Apple Alley and 3rd Street was discussed. It was decided to close that portion off with a fence and a gate.

High weeds and trees were cut in the stream by Primrose Alley and Domer’s parking lot.

At 508 Hillside Court a low spot in the street has created a water problem. John and Rick will talk to the owner and explain what has to be done.

Street reconstruction for 2009 will be St. John’s Road and Geary Drive Letters will be sent shortly notifying the residents that have to install curbing.

 

Roger Stetzler

Road Committee Chairman

An Executive Session was called at 7:05 p.m. to discuss personnel issues and potential litigation.

Regular meeting reconvened at 7:20 p.m.

President Bertolet stated that a motion will be added at the end of New Business.

OLD BUSINESS

On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Roger Stetzler authorizing the appropriate officials to execute the contract with DCED in the amount of $10,000 to be used toward the Grand Street Extension.

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

R. Stetzler, J. Adam

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Elaine Swavely approving the Resolution to PennDOT with respect to hanging the banner across S. 4th Street for the high school to advertise Homecoming.

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

R. Stetzler, J. Adam

NAYES – None

A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Roger Stetzler to approve Ordinance #758-08 regarding regulations for rehab centers and murals.

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

R. Stetzler, J. Adam

NAYES – None

NEW BUSINESS

Mayor Del Rosario proclaimed a 90-day trial period for the closing of Franklin Street between Apple Street and North 3rd Street.

Norma Berger questioned why John Leonforte stated that the wall supporting the street is deteriorating and there is no guiderail. It has become a dangerous situation. The wall actually belongs to the property owner.

On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Roger Stetzler to engage Pam Cala of Kozloff Stoudt to acquire property for the Grand Street extension from the bankrupt Wissahickon Water Company.

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

R. Stetzler, J. Adam

NAYES – None

Mayor Del Rosario proclaimed parking prohibitions for King Frost 2008 – from 4:00 p. m. on Saturday, October 25, 2008 until 12 noon, Sunday, October 26, 2008.

Mayor Del Rosario proclaimed parking prohibitions on Port Clinton Avenue – one way west bound between 3rd and 4th Street from 4:00 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2008.

Mayor Del Rosario proclaimed Trick or Treat Nights Thursday, October 30 and Friday, October 31, 2008 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

On the recommendation of the Property Committee, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Jeanette Heckman authorizing the purchase of material and labor for the installation of the chain link fence around the pool to J/M Fence Company in the amount of $9,836.00.

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

R. Stetzler, J. Adam

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Dale Schlenker approving the request of Blue Mountain Wildlife, Inc. to hold their Frosty Kerny 10K Road Race on Saturday, October 18 and will start at 8:45 a.m. It is anticipated that the runners will be through the business district by 9:00 a.m. (They will be using the same race course as they have the last two years.)

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

R. Stetzler, J. Adam

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Jeff Adam approving renewing the trash contract for the 2009 year to Allied Waste Inc. with an increase based on the CPI rate at the end of 2008.

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

R. Stetzler, J. Adam

NAYES – None

On the recommendation of the Borough Manager, a motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Roger Stetzler approving renewing the recycling contract for the 2009 year to JP Mascaro with an increase based on the CPI rate at the end of 2008.

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

R. Stetzler, J. Adam

NAYES – None

 

A motion was made by Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Jeff Adam authorizing Chief Painter to hire three part-time officers (Steve Walls, Kyle Lesher and John Coe) contingent upon successful completion of the background investigation.

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

R. Stetzler, J. Adam

NAYES – None

A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Roger Stetzler to approve payment of invoices totaling $83,541.32.

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

R. Stetzler, J. Adam

NAYES – None

LIST OF BILLS

ADAMS CO. CHIEFS OF POLICE ASSOC. 40.00

BARLEY SNYDER 1,158.30

BARRY ISETT & ASSOC. 3,010.64

BLUE FORCE POLICE WEAR 187.00

BURKHARDT MECHANICAL 2,667.55

EMC INSURANCE 16,463.40

JE FINK & SONS 42.45

FIRST PRECINCT UNIFORMS 132.00

GALLS 571.74

GEORGE BISEL CO. 66.67

HAMBURG MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY 125.84

HESS EMBROIDERY 1,180.00

KISTLER OBRIEN 111.50

LANTEK 189.50

LOWES 225.77

LYNN PEAVEY 110.90

M & T BANK 1,128.00

MASANO BRADLEY 8,309.53

JP MASCARO 11,332.00

MET ED 4,180.92

MILLERS 5 & 10 49.51

NATL. RIFLE ASSC 50.00

NEXTEL 681.14

OUTTEN BUICK PONTIAC 687.75

PMHIC 25,083.34

SAM’S CLUB 70.76

E. S. SAVAGE 348.90

SEM MATERIALS 110.43

SUSTAINABLE ENERGEY FUND 212.69

SYSTEMS DESIGN ENGINEERING 1,550.33

TELCO 72.00

TERRE HILL CONCRETE PRODUCTS 2,988.00

THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR 197.31

TRIANGLE COMMUNICATIONS 161.50

UNITED PARCEL SERVICE 14.95

WEIS MARKETS 29.00

TOTAL FOR APPROVAL $83,541.32

SOLICITORS REPORT

Nothing to report.

INFORMATION ITEMS

October 6, 2008 – 3 pm – Road Committee

October 7, 2008 – 4 p.m. – Personnel Committee

October 13, 2008 – 6 p.m. – Finance Committee

October 13, 2008 – 7 p.m. – Council meeting

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m. on the motion of Jeanette Heckman and seconded by Jeff Adam.

 

ATTEST:

 

Kim Y. Berger

Recording Secretary/Office Manager